What is the purpose of the /media directory in the Linux file system?

The /media directory in the Linux file system serves specifically as a mount point for removable media devices. This directory is typically used to automatically mount external devices such as USB drives, CD-ROMs, and other types of removable storage when they are connected to the system. The operating system can create subdirectories under /media that correspond to each device, making it easier for users to access the contents of these media.

When a removable device is inserted, the system identifies it and may automatically create an entry (like /media/USB or /media/CD) for that device, allowing users to easily navigate to it and interact with the files stored there. This organization helps keep the file system structured and makes it user-friendly to access temporary or external data.

The other choices describe different aspects of the file system but do not accurately capture the intended use of /media. Bootloader files are commonly found in directories like /boot; filesystem images may be mounted in various other locations depending on the system design; and temporary files are typically managed in directories like /tmp, which is separate from removable media management.