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Linux operating system is an outstanding example of free and open source software. Linux kernel is the main component of the Linux operating system which is quite similar to Unix. Like most of the operating system kernels, it acts a bridge between the hardware and applications. It’s main job is to manage the system resources. Application software could access the hardware through the system call and inter process communication provided by the Linux kernel.

Brief History

Linus Torvalds, a computer engineer from Finland, took up the job of developing Linux kernel in April,1991. He employed a terminal driver and a task switcher in Intel x86 assembly language. Version 0.01 of Linux with 10,239 lines of code was released on in September,1991. In the next month, version 0.02 was launched,which was followed by the release of version 0.11 in December,1991. Linux version 0.95 was introduced in the market in March,1992. In this version X Window System was incorporated for the first time. After that several versions were released in the market. Linux 3.0 is the latest version which was launched on 21st July,2011.

Linux Kernel Features

Preemptive multitasking in kernel mode and user mode is supported by Linux Kernel. Apart from that it supports multi-threading,virtual memory,internet protocol suite,standard libraries,dynamic memory management,etc.

Architecture Of Linux Kernel

Linux kernel is of monolithic type. It provides virtual machine interfaces to the user applications. The application writing process does not require any knowledge of hardware. Additionally, multitasking is also supported by Linux kernel, which is able  to run multiple tasks concurrently. The Linux kernel consists of 5 sub systems,namely Process scheduler,Memory Manager,Virtual File System,Network Interface and Inter process communication.

Process Scheduler

Process access to the CPU is controlled by Process Scheduler. The mechanism adopted by it ensures that all scheduled processes get fair share of processor time. While executing the processes, the kernel also performs the hardware tasks. Setting up and configuration of Process scheduler are critical processes which should be done in consultation with a network support provider.

Memory Manager

Multiple processes are allowed to share the system’s memory securely by Memory Manager. Virtual memory is also supported by it, so that the processes could use more memory than what is available in the system. Unused memory is used for file system storage. Memory configuration is a critical task, which should be performed with the help of a PC support provider.

Virtual File System

It provides a common file interface to all hardware devices. Apart from that, the Virtual File System supports numerous file system formats, which are used by other operating systems.

Network Interface

Secure access to various networking hardware devices is provided by the Network Interface. The networking hardware devices should be installed by a network support provider.

Inter Process Communication

This sub system is responsible for providing mechanisms for process to process communications on an individual Linux system.

Computer Support For Linux Kernel

Setting up a Linux system including the kernel requires expertise, which could be provided by an experienced network support provider. Process scheduling, memory and network interface management are also critical tasks,which should be done under the guidance of a Computer support provider. Since Linux kernel is an open source software, the user could modify it according to the requirement, but that should be performed with the help of a network support provider.