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SYSLINUX

SYSLINUX is a free suite of bootloaders for Linux, with components for starting systems from different media.

Place
#20 of 29
Score
5.9
SYSLINUX's website

What SYSLINUX is

SYSLINUX is a free suite of bootloaders for Linux, with components for starting systems from different media. SYSLINUX boots from MS-DOS or Windows FAT filesystems, PXELINUX supports PXE network booting, ISOLINUX handles ISO9660 CD-ROMs, and EXTLINUX supports Linux ext2 and ext3 filesystems. The suite also includes MEMDISK, which loads legacy operating systems from supported media. Boot settings go in the syslinux.cfg text file, and the documentation describes menu and graphical menu modules. Listed capabilities include BIOS and UEFI support, multiboot, boot-entry editing, and boot-menu customization. SYSLINUX is free under GNU GPL version 2 or later. Building from source requires Linux and NASM 2.03 or newer, with 2.07 or newer recommended. Note two limits: FAT filesystems must use 512-byte sectors, and UEFI SYSLINUX cannot chainload other EFI applications such as UEFI Shell or Windows Boot Manager. The project points users to a mailing list for support details.

Good

  • Supports FAT, PXE, ISO9660, ext2, and ext3 boot sources
  • Includes MEMDISK for supported legacy operating systems
  • Menu and graphical menu modules are documented
  • Free under GNU GPL version 2 or later

Watch out

  • FAT filesystems must use 512-byte sectors
  • UEFI version cannot chainload other EFI applications
  • Source builds require Linux and NASM

Who it suits

It suits users who need bootloader options for Linux, FAT filesystems, PXE, or ISO9660 media. It may also fit users configuring multiboot or boot menus who can work within its filesystem and UEFI limits.

Verdict

SYSLINUX covers several boot sources through a set of specialized loaders and includes boot menu configuration options. Check the FAT sector-size and UEFI chainloading limits before choosing it.

Plans and prices

From SYSLINUX's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
SYSLINUXFreeGNU GPL version 2 or later

The facts

Each one read from SYSLINUX's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Boot menu
The documentation describes menu and graphical menu interface modules.checked 4 Oct 2026
Build requirements
The project README says building from source requires Linux and NASM version 2.03 or later, with 2.07 or later recommended.checked 4 Oct 2026
CD booting
ISOLINUX supports booting from ISO9660 CD-ROMs.checked 4 Oct 2026
Configuration
Boot settings can be configured in a text file named syslinux.cfg.checked 4 Oct 2026
FAT loader
SYSLINUX boots from MS-DOS or Windows FAT filesystems.checked 4 Oct 2026
License
The project README says SYSLINUX is free software under the GNU General Public License version 2 or, at the user's option, any later version.checked 4 Oct 2026
Limit
Syslinux does not support FAT filesystems with a sector size other than 512 bytes.checked 4 Oct 2026
MEMDISK
The project includes MEMDISK, a tool for loading legacy operating systems from supported media.checked 4 Oct 2026
Network booting
PXELINUX supports PXE network booting.checked 4 Oct 2026
Purpose
Syslinux is a suite of bootloaders for Linux, including loaders for FAT filesystems, PXE network booting, ISO9660 CD-ROMs, and Linux ext2/ext3 filesystems.checked 4 Oct 2026
Support
The project README points users to a SYSLINUX mailing list for support details.checked 4 Oct 2026
UEFI limit
UEFI Syslinux does not support chainloading other EFI applications such as UEFI Shell or Windows Boot Manager.checked 4 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Linux filesystems
EXTLINUX supports Linux ext2 and ext3 filesystems.checked 4 Oct 2026

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