The Linux boot process involves several stages:
1. **BIOS/UEFI**: Initializes hardware and loads the bootloader. Example: BIOS checks the hardware components.
2. **Bootloader**: Loads the Linux kernel into memory. Example: GRUB as a popular bootloader.
3. **Kernel Initialization**: The kernel configures system settings and mounts the root filesystem.
4. **Init System**: The first process started by the kernel. Example: Systemd or SysVinit.
5. **Runlevel Programs**: Executes scripts based on the system’s runlevel. Example: Starting services like Apache.
6. **User Login**: Finally, the system presents a login prompt to the user.
Understanding this process is crucial for troubleshooting boot issues.