What is LINUX Kernel?

A Linux kernel refers to operating systems that are based on Unix-like systems. What sets Linux apart from other UNIX operating systems and UNIX-based operating systems is that Linux is open source and free to users all over the world. When updates are made to the source code, the code is made available to other Linux users as open knowledge.

History

Finnish software engineer Linus Torvalds is credited with the design conception of the original Linux kernel in 1991. At the time, software development and code ideas were being discussed by the MINIX community. The GNU project created many of the components necessary to begin an operating system that could be distributed for free, but it lacked a kernel. Enter the Linux kernel. While other kernels were considered, the Linux kernel came free of charge and incorporated quickly into the established system. The modern Linux kernel reflects the work of thousands of programmers contributing to the functionality and knowledge base.

Significance

Torvalds forbade commercial exploitation of the Linux kernel, ideally making the source code available to any and all who wanted access to it. The Linux kernel is among the most successful contributions to the GNU project. The project began in 1983 as a mass collaboration of software development designed to provide free software for users to benefit without expense. The project continued for nearly a decade, but finally found fruition when the Linux kernel was incorporated allowing the operating system to become functional.

Function

Linux users cite several reasons they prefer the Linux kernel and operating system to others. A primary reason is the resistance Linux operating systems have to viruses and other external infiltration. Linux users have an inordinate amount of control over the programs that run on their machines. They are able to run Windows simulators that allow Windows-based programs to function without the headache of Windows overwriting their machines. The defense against hackers, the open source and the individuality makes Linux unique in a homogeneous world of Apple versus Windows.

Misconceptions

SCO filed a lawsuit against IBM stating that IBM violated a copyright on UNIX codes by incorporating those lines of code into the open source associated with Linux. Over the course of several years, the court case boiled down to 172 lines of code that the courts eventually determined were not copyright protected by SCO. The case was then dismissed. The open source nature of the Linux kernel remains highly treasured in the technology world.

Benefits

Open source code benefits all computer users, developers and students of computer development. While portions of the Linux kernel are used in purchasable versions of the Linux platform, the source must always be made available to users free of charge. Open source promotes global development of knowledge and limits profiteering on that knowledge base by a limited number of corporate executives. The twenty-fifth anniversary of the open source GNU project enjoyed enormous popularity on YouTube and the Linux kernel continues to serve thousands of users.