How is the initial loading of the Linux operating system performed at system startup?

The initial boot process of Linux when starting a computer occurs in several stages:

1. BIOS/UEFI — performs POST (hardware check) and searches for a boot device.

2. Bootloader — for example, GRUB. It loads the Linux kernel and initramfs (temporary filesystem) into memory.

3. Linux Kernel — initializes hardware, mounts initramfs, and starts the initialization process.

4. Init system — for example, systemd or SysVinit. It starts system services and user processes.

5. User environment — after all services are started, a login prompt or graphical interface appears.

Thus, the boot process begins at the hardware level, then the bootloader hands over control to the kernel, which boots the system and starts init for further initialization.