______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
Subject: Re: How is linux not an O/S Was: Re: Want to give back to li
Author:  Alan Shutko [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]  at NMB
Date:    3/25/98 10:35 AM


     
D> Because by the definition of an operating system,
     
That's _exactly_ what we're discussing here.  I'm saying your 
definition has absolutely no basis in reality.  Please quote me 
someone who says that the OS equals the kernel and nothing more.


     --------
     
     I found a book lying around here at work that has the definition in

     it.  The name of the book is:
     Operating System Concepts - Fourth Edition.  By Silberschatz &
Galvin. 
     (The Dinosaur Book)
     
     "An operating system is a program that acts as in intermediary
between 
     a user of a computer and and the computer hardware."
     
     I guess the real question is, can a kernel alone do this?
     
     (BTW the definition is on page 3.)
     
     
     >Remember: "system"=="many programs".
     
     From the definition, it looks like "program" is enough.  
     
     It goes on to say on page 4:
     
     "...the operating system performs no useful function by itself.  It

     simply provides and _environment_ within which other programs can
do 
     useful work."
     
     
     This hopefully will remove some of the abigutity from this thread.
     
     Cheers,
     
     Mark
     
     
--
Alan Shutko <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> - By consent of the corrupted
Anyone can make an omelet with eggs.  The trick is to make one with
none.
     
     
--
  PLEASE read the Red Hat FAQ, Tips, Errata and the MAILING LIST
ARCHIVES!
http://www.redhat.com/RedHat-FAQ /RedHat-Errata /RedHat-Tips
/mailing-lists
         To unsubscribe: mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] with
                       "unsubscribe" as the Subject.


-- 
  PLEASE read the Red Hat FAQ, Tips, Errata and the MAILING LIST ARCHIVES!
http://www.redhat.com/RedHat-FAQ /RedHat-Errata /RedHat-Tips /mailing-lists
         To unsubscribe: mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] with 
                       "unsubscribe" as the Subject.

Reply via email to