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Edward Counce on "What is Linux?"
Edward Counce, Coollogic Sr. Software Architect     (July 17, 2000)

The following is Edward Counce's answer to the question, "What is Linux?" . . .

Quoting from /usr/src/linux/README . . . "Linux is a Unix clone written from scratch by Linus Torvalds with assistance from a loosely-knit team of hackers across the Net. It aims towards POSIX compliance."

Linux, being distributed under the GNU General Public License, encompasses any works derived from the original kernel work of Linus Torvalds. As an interface between the hardware resources on a system and the resident applications, it can be considered a complete operating system only if all of the required device drivers are also contributed to the source base and distributed under the GNU GPL, and thus made a part of Linux. Such is not generally the case. Because the required set of drivers is device dependent, the question of completeness as an operating system can only be answered in terms of a set of requirements. In my experience, other operating systems also frequently fail this completeness test.

The term Linux does not apply to the many open source applications and utilities which have been ported to or developed for Linux. A complete set of system software based on Linux is more appropriately termed a Linux based distribution. As I see it, Linux, because it is distributed under the GNU license, is more accurately a part of GNU, and not the other way around. This fits within Richard Stallman's definition of GNU: "GNU, which stands for Gnu's Not Unix, is the name for the complete Unix-compatible software system which I am writing so that I can give it away free to everyone who can use it." Of course, one must expand that definition, somewhat, to encompass the many other contributors to GNU besides Mr. Stallman himself.

Proprietary OSes which aim toward binary compatibility with Linux are also not part of Linux. The existence of DOSEMU and WINE similarly do not make Linux a part of DOS or Windows. I expect these generally misguided attempts at Linux API/ABI compatibility, having as a result a product which is neither fish nor fowl, will in the end serve mainly to provide customers a migration path from proprietary solutions to open source solutions, where they will finally find satisfaction.

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FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

 


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