Linux distributions work in much the same way. Because the source code for the
Linux kernel is freely distributable, software vendors are free to download it. This
kernel source code is similar to the basic recipe for ice cream. The kernel is the core
of the operating system around which everything else runs.
Like ice cream companies, the software company can then modify and enhance
the source code and create a customized kernel. They can also add tools, utilities,
and applications to the operating system to enhance its usefulness, just as ice cream
companies add additional ingredients to the basic ice cream recipe.
The result is a Linux distribution. You may already be aware that there are many
different Linux distributions available. This is yet another unique characteristic of
Linux that differentiates it from other operating systems.
Nearly every other operating system is developed and marketed by a single vendor.
For example, the only vendor who develops and sells OS X is Apple, Inc. You can??™t go
to Novell for their version of the Mac OS nor can you go to Microsoft for their version
of the Mac OS. Likewise, you can??™t get a copy of Windows from Apple or Novell.
Pages:
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103