LOBOS (Linux Os Boots OS) is a system call that allows a running Linux kernel to boot a new kernel, without leaving 32-bit protected mode and, in particular, without using the BIOS in any way. This capability in turn allows Linux to be used as a network bootstrap program and even as a BIOS, both of which we are working on now. In this paper we discuss how LOBOS works, how we use it, and how LOBOS makes Linux usable as a BIOS, replacing the proprietary PC BIOSes we have today. LOBOS has been used by two other groups as a reference implementation for their Linux-boots-Linux system calls. One of these other implementations, bootimg, may become a part of the 2.4 kernel.
['Ronald G. Minnich']
LOBOS: (linux OS boots OS) booting a kernel in 32-bit mode