System Startup Loaders When a computer is powered on or restarted, which special loader is executed automatically to bring the operating system into memory?

Introduction / Context:
Bootstrapping is the process by which a bare machine starts executing the operating system. A small, non-volatile program—commonly in firmware—initializes hardware and loads the initial OS components.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• On reset, the CPU begins at a predefined address in firmware (e.g., ROM/flash).
• This minimal program must locate and load the OS loader or kernel image from disk, flash, or network.

Concept / Approach:
The bootstrap loader (often shortened to “boot loader”) contains just enough logic to discover the boot device, read the next-stage loader or kernel, and transfer control. Classic examples include BIOS + MBR code, UEFI firmware, and boot managers like GRUB.

Step-by-Step Solution:
CPU resets and executes firmware entry point.Bootstrap initializes minimal hardware and locates a bootable volume.It loads the OS loader or kernel into RAM.Control transfers to the loaded image, which continues the startup sequence.

Verification / Alternative check:
Inspecting BIOS/UEFI settings shows boot order and confirms a tiny stage runs first to fetch the larger OS components.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Compile and Go” is a development-time mechanism, not a startup loader.“Relocating loader” adjusts addresses when loading programs but is not inherently the power-on loader.Option B (Boot loader) is colloquially correct, but the traditional term in curricula is “Bootstrap loader.”

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing boot managers with the firmware’s initial bootstrap.
• Assuming the kernel is burned into ROM; many systems load it from storage.

Final Answer:
Bootstrap loader.