12 replies to this topic

[TotalNoob]

What is Linux? I mean what makes Linux different from Apple and Microsoft? The Kernel? or what?

What makes an OS a Linux OS?

[v0id]

A Linux distribution is a Linux distribution if it's build around the Linux kernel. It's so hard to mention everything that's different between Linux and Apple, and Linux and Microsoft. I'll suggest you to read about the different operating systems yourself. Wikipedia would be a good place to start.

[TotalNoob]

So actually the kernel is everything here?

[v0id]

Yes, I would say so.

[TotalNoob]

So if we build an OS based on the Linux kernel it is a Linux, if we built it with the Apple kernel it's an Apple and if we use the windows kernel it's a Windows OS.

Thanks for the clarification.

[TcM]

That seems pretty cool to me. Although I doubt you can create an OS around the Apple and Windows kernel...

[v0id]

Theoretically you could build an operating system around the Apple- and Windows kernels. But the full sources will probably never be released.

[TcM]

Well that is what I meant. And I doubt that without the source you can make an OS with the kernel.

[Tor]

The kernel is only what loads your drivers as I understand it. The OS is a lot more than just drivers (such as interface).

[TcM]

Are you sure? Because as far as I know the kernel are the core files of an OS.

[v0id]

I'm not sure that the kernel loads the drivers neither. The kernel is only handling the core elements of the operating systems; everything else like GUI, drivers, etc. is not handled by the kernel.

[TcM]

v0id said:

everything else like GUI, drivers, etc. is not handled by the kernel.

....In Linux environments. Because in windows the GUI IS part of the kernel.