Linux kernel version and release version __linux

1.1.4 Linux kernel version and release version

1. Kernel version
The kernel is the heart of the system, the core program for running programs and managing hardware such as disks and printers, which provides an abstraction layer between bare devices and applications. For example, the program itself does not need to know the details of the user's motherboard chipset or disk controller to read and write to the disk at a high level.

The development and specification of the kernel has been controlled by the development team led by Linus, and the version is unique. The development team publishes new versions or revisions every once in a while, from October 1991 Linus to the world's publicly released version of the kernel 0.0.2 (The 0.0.1 version is quite rudimentary and not publicly available) to the latest kernel 2.6.22 version, Linux is becoming more powerful.

The Linux kernel has a certain rule of version number naming, and the format of the version number is usually "major version number. minor version number. Fix Number". The major and minor version numbers mark important changes in functionality, and the correction number indicates a minor feature change. For example, in the 2.6.22 version, 2 represents the major version number, 6 represents the minor version number, and 22 represents the correction number. The minor version also has a specific meaning: if an even number, it means that the kernel is a stable version can be trusted to use, if it is odd digits, it means that the kernel added some new features of the test, is an internal potential bug beta. If 2.5.74 represents a beta kernel, 2.6.22 represents a stable version of the kernel. Readers can download the latest kernel code from the Linux kernel official website http://www.kernel.org/, as shown in Figure 1-3.

Figure 1-3 Linux Kernel's official website

2. Release version
An operating system with only the kernel and no application software is unusable, so many companies or communities make the kernel, source code, and related application organizations a complete operating system that allows ordinary users to easily install and use Linux, a so-called distribution (distribution), The Linux system that is generally talked about is for these releases. Currently, there are dozens of different distributions, their release numbers are different, and the kernel version numbers may not be the same, and the following is a few of the most famous distributions available to readers.

(1) Red Hat Linux
Red hat is one of the most successful Linux distributions, and is characterized by simple installation and use. Red Hat allows users to quickly enjoy the power of Linux without cumbersome installation and setup work. Red Hat is the world's most popular linux,red hat has become a synonym for Linux, many people mention Linux will not hesitate to think of Red Hat. It has been rated as the best Linux by the authoritative computer magazine InfoWorld.
Official website: http://www.redhat.com/

(2) Slackware Linux
Slackware is the oldest Linux distribution, characterized by the fact that as much as possible with the original package without any modification, the chances of the software making new bugs are much lower. While other mainstream distributions emphasize ease of use, Slackware still stubbornly pursues the most original efficiencies-all configurations are made through configuration files.
Official website: http://www.slackware.com/

(3) Mandriva Linux
Mandriva's original name is Mandrake, it is characterized by the integration of a relaxed and enjoyable graphical desktop environment and the development of its own graphical configuration tools, mandrake in terms of ease of use is indeed a lot of effort, and thus quickly become a synonym for easy to use and practical. Red hat defaults to the GNOME desktop system, and Mandriva changes it to KDE.
Official website: http://www.mandrivalinux.com/

(4) Debian Linux
Debian is by far the most GNU compliant Linux system, featuring the Debian series-specific package management tool dpkg, making it easy to install, upgrade, remove, and manage software. Debian is a release kit that is fully maintained by Linux enthusiasts on the web. The goal of these volunteers is to create a free operating system that can match the commercial operating system. And all of its components are free software.
Official website: http://www.debian.org/

(5) SuSE Linux
SuSE is the most famous Linux distribution in Germany, and enjoys a high reputation worldwide, it is characterized by the use of self-developed software package management system YaST. Novell acquired SuSE in November 2003, making SuSE a formidable competitor for Red Hat. It also provides a new direction for Novell's competition with Microsoft.
Official website: http://www.novell.com/linux/suse/