On Thu, 26 Mar 1998, Bradley, Greg wrote:
[...]
>>init--which isn't part of the kernel--doesn't exist
>
>Here we have a perfect example of an OS asking requiring user input.
Huh? When does init ask for user input? How is the "OS" asking for
input when dealing with init?
[...]
>>Without all of this, the system hasn't completely booted. Unless you're
>>going to redefine "bootstrapping", too.
>
>Are you redefining bootstrapping? If I have a stand alone Linux with no
>attached network, has it not finished "bootstrapping".
If you have a standalone Linux box that doesn't have access to
a filesystem, doesn't have access to init, doesn't have access to
a shell. Frankly, unless you've patched the kernel, that box isn't
doing anything, period. While you may consider it "bootstrapped",
I consider it "useless".
>> When you can show me a computer with a Linux kernel--and
>> only a Linux kernel--installed that can, will, or even *may* do
>> something--anything--without the addition of external components
>> (e.g. init), then I'll accept your definition.
>Show me a Linux OS (your definition) that "can, will or *may* do
>something-anything-without the addition of external components"
>(e.g. something TO init) then I'll accept YOUR definition.
Red Hat Linux, even a base install, will provide a set of services,
will monitor log files, will maintain the filesystem, will allow users
to access services and invoke additional programs. A base system is
responsive to external interaction. Users can take action with the
system. Peripherals can interact with the system and prompt action.
External, network-connected devices can interact with the system.
A kernel, without even init, can't do *anything*. It will panic and halt.
At which point it becomes a NON-operating system.
>> But, in fact, all you'll have is a hung system that is incapable of
>>doing anything.
>Like a wordprocessor waiting for someone to type.
Hardly. A word processor would be able to respond were someone to start
typing. A panicked kernel will not respond to anything short of a reset.
--
Steve Coile
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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