Embedding Linux

The author explains the whys and hows of fitting a software quart into a pint pot-with room to spare. Linux is an open-source Unix-like kernel, that can be freely distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Right from the beginning, as is the case today, distributions of the Linux kernel have been accompanied by GNU-developed utility programs to form a complete operating system. Strictly speaking, the correct name for such distributions is GNU/Linux, although the GNU prefix is generally dropped in the interests of brevity. Since its initial release the communications infrastructure provided by the Internet has enabled large numbers of developers to enhance and extend Linux, to the point where it can now be seen as a mature alternative to operating environments such as Windows and Unix. Linux is a multi-tasking, multi-user, multiprocessor operating system supporting a wide range of hardware platforms, such as x86, Alpha, Sparc, MIPS, SuperH, PowerPC and ARM. Where hardware support is provided, the kernel makes use of protected-mode memory management, increasing system reliability as one failing application is unlikely to cause the kernel, or other application to fail.