n Linux is a modular, UNIX -like monolithic kernel. n Kernel is the heart of the OS that executes with special hardware permission (kernel mode). n “Core kernel” provides framework, data structures, support for drivers, modules, subsystems. n Architecture dependent source sub -trees live in /arch. CS591 (Spring 2001) Booting and Kernel Initialization

Figure 1.1: Overview of Linux subsystems Memory management (MM) Processes and the kernel itself need memory to work. But memory is also limited and processes are not always friendly. They can be malicious per design or run amok because of bugs. So the kernel steps in and defines a mapping of memory and isolates memory per process.

Chapter 1: Getting started with linux-kernel Remarks This section provides an overview of what linux-kernel is, and why a developer might want to use it. It should also mention any large subjects within linux-kernel, and link out to the related topics. Since the Documentation for linux-kernel is new, you may need to create initial versions of those

update the document for the 2.6 kernels. 2. Versioning and Notes The Linux kernel is a moving target. There has always been a question whether the LKMPG should remove deprecated information or keep it around for historical sake. Michael Burian and I decided to create a new branch of the LKMPG for each new stable kernel version. So version LKMPG 2.4.x will address …

The Linux kernel uses Sphinx to generate pretty documentation from reStructuredText files under Documentation. To build the documentation in HTML or PDF formats, use make htmldocs or make pdfdocs . The generated documentation is placed in Documentation/output .

As a Linux kernel user, you will very often need to find which file implements a given function. So, it is useful to be familiar with exploring the kernel sources. 1. Find the Linux logo image in the sources2. 2. Find who the maintainer of the MVNETA network driver is. 3. Find the declaration of the platform_device_register()function.

Standards documents applicable to the Linux kernel. Single Unix Specification v4(Also known as Open Group Base Specifications issue 7, and POSIX 2008. See especially system interfaces) C99 standard (current version of the C programming language): ISO/IEC C9899 PDF, html, or searchable website.

the Web, and often confusing, since it is usually oriented toward experienced UNIX or Linux users. Today, thanks to the advancements in development, Linux has grown in popularity both at home and at work. The goal of this guide is to show people of all ages that Linux can be simple and fun, and used for all kinds of purposes. 2. Who should read this book?

The Linux kernel uses Sphinx to generate pretty documentation from reStructuredText files under Documentation. To build the documentation in HTML or PDF formats, use make htmldocs or make pdfdocs . The generated documentation is placed in Documentation/output .

The Linux kernel uses a unified device model whose purpose is to maintain internal data structures that reflect the state and structure of the system. Such information includes what devices are present, what is their status, what bus they are …