I would like to take a dive deep into the lower levels of the computer and would like to write a boot loader. After looking at some articles online, they mention using a floppy. Do I have to use a floppy to test my boot loader? or can I use flash drive or anything like that?

Also, could anyone point me in the right direction on where to start? I've found procedures after everything is set up, I just want to know how to set a test machine up and everything to test it.

Thanks.