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[ #205 ] Why is GRUB better than LILO? Permalink
Here is another note that could help you in a sysadmin interview.
From http://lwn.net/Articles/89772/:
GRUB has a more powerful, interactive command line interface. LILO, on the other hand, only allows one command with arguments.
LILO stores information about the location of the kernel or other operating system on the Master Boot Record (MBR). Every time a new operating system or kernel is added to the system, the Stage 1 LILO bootloader has to be manually overwritten, otherwise there is no way to boot the new OS or kernel. This method is more risky than the method used by GRUB because a mis-configured LILO configuration file may leave the system unbootable (a popular way to fix this problem is to boot from Knoppix or another live CD, chroot into the partition with mis-configured lilo.conf and correct the problem). On the other hand, correcting a mis-configured GRUB is comparatively simple as GRUB will default to its command line interface where the user can boot the system manually. This flexibility is probably the main reason why many users nowadays prefer GRUB over LILO.
Unlike LILO, GRUB has a web site. It also has a manual, FAQ, a bug tracker, a developer mailing list and a logo. LILO has none of those.
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Why is GRUB better than LILO?