GNU GRUB

Introduction

GNU GRUB is a Multiboot boot loader. It was derived from GRUB,

GRand Unified Bootloader, which was originally designed and implemented by Erich Stefan Boleyn.

Briefly, boot loader is the first software program that runs when a computer starts. It is responsible for loading and transferring control to the operating system kernel software (such as the Hurd or the Linux). The kernel, in turn, initializes the rest of the operating system (e.g. GNU).

GRUB 2 and GRUB Legacy

Currently under development, GRUB 2, has replaced what was formerly known as GRUB (i.e. version 0.9x), which has, in turn, become GRUB Legacy.

GRUB 2 aims at merging sources from PUPA in order to create the next generation of GNU GRUB. A mailing list and a wiki have been setup for discussing the development of GRUB 2.

GRUB Legacy is no longer being developed. For the differences between GRUB Legacy and GRUB 2, please visit their respective pages.

Useful Links