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{{Expert}}
Linux is a [[unix-like]] based computer operating system. It has been ported to a vast variety of computer architectures.
== File System ==
Its [[file system]] like all unix systems is based on one root directory, or hierarchial top point▼
▲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 '''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]].▼
It is interesting to note that [[unix]] security systems were designed into the architecture.
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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]].
Today Linux is a module-loading [[monolithic kernel]]. [[Device driver]]s and kernel extensions typically run in [[ring 0]], with full access to the hardware, although some run in [[user space]]. Unlike standard monolithic kernels, device drivers are easily configured as [[module (Linux)|modules]], and loaded or unloaded while running the system. Also unlike standard monolithic kernels, device drivers can be pre-empted under certain conditions. This latter feature was added to handle [[hardware interrupt|hardware interrupts]] correctly, and to improve support for [[symmetric multiprocessing]]. Preemption also improves latency, increasing responsiveness and making Linux more suitable for real-time applications.
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