Installing and Configuring LILO on Debian 11 (Bullseye)

LILO (Linux Loader) is a lightweight, reliable bootloader for BIOS-based systems, ideal for minimalist or legacy server setups on AvaHost VPS instances. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to install and configure LILO on an AvaHost Debian 11 (Bullseye), with practical examples to ensure precise control over the boot process.

Prerequisites

  • AvaHost VPS or dedicated server with Debian 11 (Bullseye) and BIOS (not UEFI).

  • Root access or sudo privileges (see prior SSH guide).

  • Basic Linux command knowledge.

  • MBR partitioning (LILO does not support GPT/UEFI).

  • Disk with at least one Linux partition (e.g., /dev/sda1).

Core Functions of LILO

  • Loads the Linux kernel (or another OS) into memory
  • Transfers control to the selected kernel
  • Supports multi-boot setups
  • Works independently of the file system
  • Can be installed in the MBR or partition boot sector

Example LILO Configuration

boot=/dev/sda
prompt
timeout=50
default=linux
image=/boot/vmlinuz-5.10
  label=linux
  read-only
  root=/dev/sda1

After editing the configuration file, changes must be applied manually using:

sudo lilo

 Advantages of LILO

  • Reliability – accesses disk sectors directly, bypassing the file system
  • Lightweight – requires minimal system resources
  • Flexible – supports multi-OS boot setups
  • Control – behavior is fully defined by manual configuration
  • BIOS compatibility – works well with legacy BIOS systems

 Potential Limitations

  • Does not auto-update when kernels are changed or reinstalled
  • Requires manual execution of lilo after configuration changes
  • No built-in graphical menu for selecting kernels
  • Not compatible with UEFI systems
  • Only supports MBR partitioning

Conclusion

LILO is a reliable, lightweight bootloader for BIOS-based AvaHost Debian 11 VPS instances, perfect for minimalist or legacy setups. The steps above, like configuring /etc/lilo.conf and installing to the MBR, ensure precise boot management. Paired with AvaHost’s high-performance infrastructure, LILO provides a stable solution for single or multi-boot systems.