The Multiboot specification

 This specification, created in 1995, describes a method of loading various
 multiboot kernels using a single compliant boot loader (such as GNU GRUB)
 on i386-based computers.
 .
 It is used by a variety of kernel images, such as the Hurd, Xen, or NetBSD
 kernels.
 .
 An example implementation of a Multiboot kernel is provided.
 .
 For an example implementation of a Multiboot loader, check GRUB Legacy
 (grub-legacy package), or GRUB 2 (grub-pc package, and others).