What type of files are typically found in the /boot directory other than the Linux kernel images?

The /boot directory primarily contains files necessary for the system to boot up. Among these, initial ramdisk images are an essential component. The initial ramdisk (often referred to as initrd or initramfs) is a temporary filesystem used during the Linux startup process. It contains the necessary drivers and scripts needed to mount the real root filesystem. The kernel loads this initial ramdisk at boot time to ensure that the system has the required components available to complete the boot process successfully.

In contrast, the other options do not typically belong to the /boot directory. Systemd target units are found in directories like /lib/systemd/system or /etc/systemd/system and are used for managing services and targets in the system. Executable binaries are generally located in directories such as /bin, /usr/bin, or /sbin, where the core commands and applications reside. Library files, which provide shared functionalities for programs, are usually stored in directories like /lib or /usr/lib. Thus, the presence of the initial ramdisk images in the /boot directory is a critical aspect of Linux booting, highlighting its importance in the overall system startup process.