this post was submitted on 12 Sep 2023
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Explain Like I'm Five
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Yes and no. Technically the BIOS is the first program the hardware loads when the computer is turned on. Then the BIOS calls the bootloader, which would be in charge of loading the OS into memory. Then the bootloader hands over the control of the hardware from the BIOS to the kernel.
The most important job of the kernel is to schedule hardware time (processor cycles, threads, I/O operations and other hardware resources) between the different programs that make up the OS. This is what the GNU/Linux meme copypasta is rambling on about. As the kernel is actually pretty useless without a software stack on top of it to provide most of the services that are later used by the shell to offer a user space.
Yes but then it wouldn’t be an ELI5 if I got that advanced.
OP asked for the advanced details though
ELI5 with a CS degree. Certainly a challenge.
Well, the dude you've replied to provided a great explanation + the correct details, so it certainly is possible.
Is the computer starting the BIOS first an advsnced topic? I don't think so. You could at least say when the OS gets booted, the kernel starts first.
You do realize you posted in /c/ExplainLikeImFive right? Not ExplainLikeImTwelve. You’re welcome. If you aren’t happy you can have a refund.
I know. I will delete this post today and reask this question in c/asklemmy.