käynnistysohjelma

Käynnistysohjelma is a Finnish term that translates to "bootloader" in English. A bootloader is a special piece of software responsible for loading the operating system into memory when a computer or other electronic device is turned on. It is the first program that runs after the system's firmware, such as the BIOS or UEFI, has completed its initial hardware checks.

The primary function of a käynnistysohjelma is to locate the operating system kernel on a storage device, such as a hard drive or SSD, and load it into RAM. It also initializes essential hardware components that the operating system will need to function. In some cases, a käynnistysohjelma might also present a menu allowing the user to choose which operating system to boot if multiple are installed, or to select different boot options for a single operating system.

Modern operating systems often have sophisticated käynnistysohjelmat. For example, GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) is a popular käynnistysohjelma for Linux systems. Windows uses its own boot manager, which is part of the Windows operating system. The design and implementation of a käynnistysohjelma can vary significantly depending on the hardware architecture and the operating system it supports. Its role is critical for the device to become operational and usable.