3. Anatomy of a Linux-based System
The chapter outlines the structural components of a Linux-based system, emphasizing the layered architecture that includes the hardware layer, bootloader, kernel, system libraries, system utilities, and user space. Each layer plays a pivotal role, facilitating efficient interaction between applications and hardware. Understanding these components and their functionalities is critical for effectively managing and optimizing Linux systems.
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What we have learnt
- Linux-based systems consist of multiple layers, each responsible for specific functions.
- The hardware layer includes devices like the CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals.
- The kernel bridges user applications and hardware while managing system resources.
Key Concepts
- -- Hardware Layer
- The foundation of a Linux-based system including physical devices such as CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
- -- Bootloader
- A small program that initializes hardware and loads the kernel at startup.
- -- Kernel
- The core component of the operating system that manages resources and facilitates communication between hardware and user applications.
- -- System Libraries
- Collections of precompiled functions that provide higher-level interfaces for applications to interact with the kernel.
- -- System Utilities
- Command-line tools and background services for administrative and management functions in Linux.
- -- User Space
- The environment where user-level processes and applications run, separate from the system's core functionalities.
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