writing report on linux

peeks · 06-13-2004, 07:14 PM

Hi all,

I have to hand in a report on Open Source operating systems(Linux in particular) for a writing course I'm taking right now. I wanted to explain its stability but am not able to find any specific info on the net as to why it is so stable. Also, I need some help elaborating on its security features. I'd really appreciate any help with this!

Thanks!

PK

Newb001 · 06-13-2004, 07:49 PM

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on something (and I welcome it), but here's my take:

It's more stable 'cause it's open source. It's open for peer review and submissions & patches from anyone. It's also an added incentive to write better code when everyone can see it.
It's more secure 'cause it uses file permissions and everything is treated like a file. It's also truly a multi-user OS.

win32sux · 06-13-2004, 07:50 PM

I really recommend you read The Cathedral and the Bazaar (by Eric Steven Raymond). It's a cult classic which tries to explain the Linux phenomena you have enquired about.

Here's the link:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/ca...hedral-bazaar/

Here's an extract from page one:

Linux overturned much of what I thought I knew. I had been preaching the Unix gospel of small tools, rapid prototyping and evolutionary programming for years. But I also believed there was a certain critical complexity above which a more centralized, a priori approach was required. I believed that the most important software (operating systems and really large tools like the Emacs programming editor) needed to be built like cathedrals, carefully crafted by individual wizards or small bands of mages working in splendid isolation, with no beta to be released before its time.

Linus Torvalds's style of development—release early and often, delegate everything you can, be open to the point of promiscuity—came as a surprise. No quiet, reverent cathedral-building here—rather, the Linux community seemed to resemble a great babbling bazaar of differing agendas and approaches (aptly symbolized by the Linux archive sites, who'd take submissions from anyone) out of which a coherent and stable system could seemingly emerge only by a succession of miracles.

The fact that this bazaar style seemed to work, and work well, came as a distinct shock. As I learned my way around, I worked hard not just at individual projects, but also at trying to understand why the Linux world not only didn't fly apart in confusion but seemed to go from strength to strength at a speed barely imaginable to cathedral-builders.

Also, remember that the Linux philosophy is based upon the UNIX philosophy, but with a focus on FREEDOM:

http://www.faqs.org/docs/artu/ch01s06.html

http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/why-free.html

The definition of Free Software:

http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

peeks · 06-13-2004, 10:04 PM

thanks a lot for the link to the book! I also want include some technical details regarding its stability. All I need is a couple of ideas to build on.

PK

win32sux · 06-13-2004, 10:51 PM

http://www.linux.org/info/advocacy.html

http://www.linuxtek.com/whylinux/

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/10...ndows_viruses/

http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=6084

witeshark · 06-13-2004, 11:01 PM

It's also more stable because it thankfully lacks the exposed windows registry, the main target of exploits after the outlook express/address book

peeks · 06-13-2004, 11:02 PM

thanks a lot for the responses guys! this stuff is gold!

PK