1. System Firmware

System Firmware (SF) is the first stage in the OSIX boot procedure and initialises the most basic system default devices and the environment. Depending on the implementations, it may also provide the Application Programming Interface (API) for the low-level applications (usually, in the form of a software interrupt). The most common system firmware used by PCs is the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Modern PC models also support the Extensible Firmware Interfaces (EFI), but the OSIX does not currently have any plans to support it on x86-64 systems.

2. Boot Loader

Boot Loader (BL) is the second stage in the OSIX boot procedure and allows users to select the operating system to boot. If there are more than one operating system installed on the system, the BL is responsible for providing the menu for the booting OS selection. All boot loaders used in the OSIX must implement the Multi-boot Specification in order to boot the IX kernel properly.

3. Initialiser

Initialiser is the third stage in the OSIX boot procedure and is not a third-party software. The Initialiser image is loaded by a multi-boot compatible boot loader. The main role of the Initialiser in the boot procedure is, as its name states, to initialise the processor modes and the basic kernel structures.

For more specific initialisation procedure information, see the “Initialiser Procedure” document.

4. Kernel

Kernel is the last (fourth) stage in the OSIX boot procedure and is the core of the operating system. The Kernel image is loaded by a multi-boot compatible boot loader as a kernel module and entered by the initialiser.

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