Linux architecture: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 09:57, 20 October 2006

Revision as of 16:45, 25 March 2007

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{{Expert}}

'''Linux''' is a [[unixUnix-like]] based computer operating system. It has been ported to a vast variety of computer architectures.

== File Systemsystem ==

Linux is a [[unix-like]] based computer operating system. It has been ported to a vast variety of computer architectures.

Its [[file system]] like all [[Unix]] systems is based on one root directory, or hierarchical top point with subdirectories underneath it. Some sub-directories act as mount points, where different physical or [[networked file system]]s may be incorporated.

The hardware is also incorporated into the file hierarchy. Device drivers interface to user applications via an entry in the <tt>/dev </tt> directory. Process information as well is mapped to the file system through the <tt>/proc</tt> directory.

== File System ==

It is interesting to note that Unix security systems were designed into the architecture. Raw hardware devices are protected from direct access, and the file system has an inbuilt security system giving individual access to files on three levels, user only, group membership, and world access. Each category has read, executable and write flags that may be set in any combination.

Its [[file system]] like all [[unix]] systems is based on one root directory, or hierarchial top point

with subdirectories underneath it. Some sub-directories act as mount points, where different physical

or [[networked file systems]] may be incorporated.

The hardware is also incorporated into the file hierarchy. Device drivers interface to user applications via an entry

in the /dev directory. Process information as well is mapped to the file system through the /proc directory.

It is interesting to note that [[unix]] security systems were designed into the architecture.

Raw hardware devices are protected from direct access, and the file system has an inbuilt security system giving

individual access to files on three levels, user only, group membership, and world access.

Each category has read, executable and write flags that may be set in any combination.

== Kernel -or- System Software ==

The '''Linux kernel''' includes true multitasking, [[virtual memory]], [[shared library|shared libraries]], demand loading, shared [[copy-on-write]] executables, proper [[memory management]], and [[TCP/IP]] [[computer network|networking]].