Linux Kernel Update?

[MarkA]

In another thread I discovered that even though it's redhat, debian or whatever they still use the SAME Linux Kernel.. so, who updates the Linux Kernel? And if a new update of the kernel is issued, all the distros have to be updated?

[WingedPanther]

There is a large group of people who maintain the Linux kernal. A lot of them communicate through mailing lists. Linux Torvalds is heavily involved in the process, since he created the Linux kernal. The distros don't have to be updated, but it's generally a good idea for them to do so.

[MarkA]

Thanks for your information. So, this group, does it develop an OS of his own? Or just the Kernel?

[WingedPanther]

The GNU foundation has provided a lot of the tools that make up the OS. Technically, it is GNU/Linux (GNU command-line tools + Linux kernal). There is also GNU/Herd (GNU command-line tools + Herd kernal which is also by the GNU foundation).

Once you have a command-line OS, then you can add other things on top of it, like drivers, Xwindows, various desktops (such as KDE, Gnome, XFCE, etc), games, etc, etc, etc. At that point you have a distribution.

[LemonMan]

Well.. that way you are kinda putting it that it simple to make your own OS based on Linux Kernel...

[MarkA]

Yeah.. maybe it's not that much simple, but I guess when you get GNOME or KDE installed, it then it get's very simple.

[PenguinLover]

Maybe it is not that complicated either.. I mean look around... you find tons and tons of Linux distros!

[MarkA]

I've got no idea, never tried to create my own.. although I'd love to!

[WingedPanther]

A distro is simply an installer, the core OS, and a bunch of additional programs and artwork. Having a well-crafted distro involves careful selection of all of the above and a GOOD installer.

[LemonMan]

But you have to create your own installer? Or there are ones that you can use?