One of the biggest complaints about Linux is the speed at which it boots. Linux is a general purpose operating system which can be used as client or server right out of the box. Linux serves this wide base but it is suboptimal for any particular operation. Many variations of Linux are currently being used in various real time mission critical systems which require very high degree of availability and minimal downtime during system upgrades. This leads to optimization of boot time for Linux. In our thesis we will discuss applicability of different boot time reduction techniques with respect to traditional Linux systems and various measurement methodologies necessary to combine with reduction techniques in order to effectively optimize and measure the boot time. Finally we will present conclusions which can be used to improve boot time for a variety of systems running Linux.
The main focus of analysis will be the kernel and user space initialization of the boot process as there is little we can do about BIOS step. The important point to understand is that optimization of boot time should not compromise the system’s existing functionality and stability by any degree but in turn help the system to enhance its booting process for faster system upgrade.