Definitions: Linux Kernel

Definition

The Linux kernel is the primary  component of a Linux operating system whose basic function is to manage system  resources. The kernel was the creation of Linus Torvalds, a Finnish  software engineer, who offered his kernel to the MINIX community board for help  with completion of his “free” OS. The kernel has been used in many versions of  the Linux operating system, called distributions,  which have been built by various contributors in the open-source community.

Business applications

Because of its origins in the  open-source community, many companies have been reluctant to accept the “free”  Linux OS as a major component of their computer systems. But more and more businesses are giving  the OS a chance to run on both their servers and their desktops.

There are also many Linux-based  business software  applications. You can find applications such accounting  software, project  management software, and the OpenOffice software suite, all of which can be downloaded for free.

Controversies

Linux has long been the source of  controversy, such as the fear of using an open source OS in the enterprise, the  possibility of patent  infringement, issues with integrating Linux with  Windows, and the actual security of Linux servers.  The OS has had an uphill battle, but it seems that it’s had some major  victories—especially in the use of Linux  as a server operating system.

Technical details

Linux versions are identified by a four-number system (i.e.  2.6.13.4). The first number indicated the kernel version; the second, the major  revision of that kernel; the third is any minor revision to the kernel; and the  last number indicates any emergency bug fixes or security patches.

Linus Torvalds, himself, sees to all major revisions to the  latest kernel versions. There are usually two versions of the  kernel available for use: the stable version—indicated by even numbers in  the second numeral, and the developmental version—indicated by odd numbers in  the second numeral of the name. The developmental version usually changes  because it is the version where developers are still working out the kinks on  various new ideas being tested. The stable version remains the same, though.