Why is the root file system mounted read-only during boot and remounted with write permission later on?

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Darin Ambrose · Accepted Answer

Because if problems with the root file system are detected during the boot, fsck can be run, without risk of damage.

Darin Ambrose · Answer

Because this way crackers cannot collect information about root with boot sniffers.

Darin Ambrose · Answer

To avoid writing to the disk, unless the root password is known.

Darin Ambrose · Answer

To avoid other operating systems overwriting the Linux root partition.

Darin Ambrose · Answer

Because the disk has its own write protection that cannot be changed by the operating system.

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