What is linuxboot?

LinuxBoot is a firmware for modern servers that replaces specific firmware functionality like the UEFI DXE phase with a Linux kernel and runtime.

Why?

• Improves boot reliability by replacing lightly-tested firmware drivers with hardened Linux drivers.
• Improves boot time by removing unnecessary code. Typically makes boot 20 times faster.
• Allows customization of the initrd runtime to support site-specific needs (both device drivers as well as custom executables).
• Proven approach for almost 20 years in military, consumer electronics, and supercomputing systems – wherever reliability and performance are paramount.

Hackweek goals

• Study how linuxboot works.
• Firmware building and running based on QEMU.
• Try booting openSUSE via linuxboot. (optional)

Resources

• linuxboot
• repos
• linuxboot resources for ARM SystemReady