Linux: how it works

This time i’m going to talk about the mechanism of Linux, especially about Linux Fedora Core. Actually, i also need to explain the same thing on my recent report about Linux. Except the language is Japanese.

Introduction

In the world of Internet, computers around the world are connected through TCP/IP protocol network. Inside the network, there are ’servers’ and ‘clients’ which represent the Internet service provider and the users respectively. The users using services via client software by ‘request’ing information from the server which equipped with server software for calculation and storing information. After that, server ‘respond’ the result to user by provide the result. Until today, we using client software to exchange emails,and viewing various home page, and doing a lot of pleasure on it. Sometimes we might thing that we can’t live without it.

In the other hands, by using server software we might create web pages, in fact we could put your own distinguish web domain and email address. Surprisingly, Linux can be both: server software and client software.

Linux as a Client

The most used task for Linux. The Linux developers are trying their best to meet user’s need for not loosing to Windows as desktop-environment software. Consequently, inside the Fedora Core there is pre-installed with kind of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software.

So it’s kind of good choice if you using computer just for Internet or writing letter. It just not only extremely cheap, you don’t have to pay the software (just download from this page http://fedoraproject.org/get-fedora), but you also support the development of free software.

Linux as a Server

There are lot servers like Web server, SMTP/POP server (email server), FTP server (file sharing server) which provide information and service toward client software. Nowadays, hardware maker companies such IBM, HP, NEC, Fujitsu and others impulse to work with Linux Fedora Core.

The Core

Linux’s operation is base on the very base of its functions. That is called the kernel.

Pic 1: Linux and distribution

Based on pic 1, we can say that any kind of distribution of Linux like Fedora, Vine, Red Hat are having the same kernel. For better understanding, it is just like Windows Vista, XP, 98 etc are having the same DOS command.

Versions of kernel

Pic 2: Version of Linux kernel

Each of distributed Linux has its own distribution version. Based on pic 2, it shown what number represent of. Z is the patch level, Y when even is stable version while when odd it under development, and X is the number of major version. You may know your version of Linux by typing “uname -r” on the Terminal Command.

That is it for now. I need to take my ‘hanko’　（判子 personal seal, just like signature） and register it.

Reference: はじめのFedora Core 3, Softbank Publishing.

p/s: yesterday i met with Arbai`in Sensei. He advised, pick the subject that suitable with your future’s research. Also search work potential in Malaysia before choosing research area. Anyway, i think i want to to something related to ITS (intelligent transportation system) that may improve traffic in Malaysia.