The Linux Kernel - The "Core" of the Linux OS - Linux OS Training CD / Training Online

The “core” or main component of the Linux OS is the kernel (not to be confused with Elvis’ manager - or the founder of a fast-food chicken chain). This is the compiled version of

the source code that was created by Linus Torvalds - and hundreds of other Linux programmers working together over the Internet.

The Linux kernel has a version number in the format of:

x.x.x.x

Here is an example of a kernel version number: 2.6.25.9

You can: see the latest Linux kernel version (used in ALL Linux distros), and download and compile the source code of the current Linux kernel by going to:

http://kernel.org

Linux Commands Training Tips: The version number of the kernel is the only important number to remember in relation to the version number of the Linux OS.

Linux distros have version numbers, but they're all over the place - such as Linux version number 3.1 for one Linux distribution, Linux version number 7.4 (at the same time) for a different Linux disto, Linux version number 10.6 for a different one, and so on - and these distro version numbers only relate to a particular version of Linux, and don't relate to the kernel version number. More on this later.

The source code for the Linux kernel and its related software components is now over four million lines of text!

Linux OS Kernel Source Code - Compiled To Create the Linux OS

The Linux kernel source code is compiled to create the kernel of the Linux OS.

The compiled kernel and its supporting program files are installed on your hard disk when Linux is installed.

The kernel is the “core” (main component) of the operating system and provides many basic operating system services, such as:

access to the file system on the hard disk - and other devices on the system

accepting input, such from the keyboard and mouse

providing output to devices, such as the screen and printer

managing the memory inside and attached to the system

and tracking other system resources

The kernel manages all application software programs and utility software programs as "processes" - to provide them with basic operating-system services. Being a multitasking operating system, the kernel can run many processes at the same time. It keeps track of all processes and assigns resources, such as processor time and memory, to these processes as needed.

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