1.4. Linux structure
The Linux operating system consists of a kernel and tools. Figure 1-1 shows the structure of the operating system with the kernel shaded. The diagram is not to scale. The kernel is significantly smaller than the tools and application portions.
Figure 1-1. The Linux structure
Linux kernel
A kernel is the program that controls the allocation of the machine's resources to the other programs that are running. Though a kernel is an essential part of an operating system, it is useless on its own. It can serve a useful purpose only as part of a complete operating system. Linux is a UNIX-like system and, as such, it contains most ...
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