can somebody explain the different components of a linux system?

sunowww · 03-14-2004, 04:11 PM

I've heard the terms kernel, shell, window manager, desktop.

linux is very modular right?
so what are all the modules,
what do they do,
and how do they interact with one another?

Tinkster · 03-14-2004, 04:40 PM

I'm afraid this question is a bit too generic :}

To answer that would require to write an essay
of 50 pages or more ;)

Therefore I suggest you read a few of the guides
to Linux that are listed in the links-section of this
site, which will give you a fairly good understanding
of how Linux works ...

Cheers,
Tink

Mara · 03-14-2004, 04:41 PM

Linux is, in fact, kernel. The basic program that allows many programs work in the same time, use keyboard, screen, disk and so on. It also gives them memory.

Shell work above the kernel, using its features (accessible using so called system functions). Shell is on the same level that all other programs, but programs are usually run from a shell.

X and window managers describes in the other thread. I'll add that they can use system calls, as well.

sunowww · 03-14-2004, 06:00 PM

thanks mara that helped me understand it a bit.

I guess I'm just asking what all the different components are and which one is "on top of" which one

twilli227 · 03-14-2004, 06:18 PM

sunowww, if you want some more info, you can read this, good info:
http://howtos.linux.com/howtos/Kerne...-HOWTO-3.shtml