> An updated version of the Linux Kernel is now available. The new "Linux
> Kernel 2.2" now becomes the program at the heart of computers running the
> Linux operating system, a free, immensely powerful and secure system
> developed by a large community of programmers collaborating for many years
> via the Internet. Version 2.2 builds on the industrial-strength stability,
> data storage and communication capabilities of the previous version, to
> give its users the greatest possible performance from their hardware,
> software and networks. It aims at full POSIX compliance, thus retaining
> its compatibility with Unix or Unix-like systems.
I'm okay with this. A bit excited.. But not bad for a press release.
> The kernel, which supersedes all others, includes improved or additional
> support for a very wide range of new and old hardware. This includes
> Intel, Motorola, Alpha, ARM, Power PC and Sparc processors, large arrays
> of very fast disks, ISDN links, video and audio hardware, and the fastest
> network cards. Additionally, the highly advanced networking allows the
> kernel to perform virtually any function that a system administrator might
> require.
Again.. "any function".. But for a press release.. It's not that bad.
> Particular improvements include:
> - support for symmetric multiple processing, automatically sharing the
> load between several CPUs in the same machine;
okay
> - drivers for Universal Serial Bus devices;
This is premature.
> - support for IPv6 addressing (48-bit internet addresses);
Prelimnary support for IPv6 protocall (128 bit internet addresses);
> - X.25 and AX.25 packet switching;
> - infra-red communication device drivers;
> - network file systems including NFS, Coda and Samba (Windows);
SMB not samba.
> - international language support;
> - many video and sound drivers.
- improved disk caching;
- Class based queing
- Advanced routing
- Improved Joystick
> The new kernel, and the unceasing development that continues, places Linux
> users at the forefront of today's computer technology, allowing them
> unrestricted use of their hardware's capabilities and full customisation.
> After this release, developers will continue to make improvements to this
> kernel, all of which will be freely available to the public.
A bit grandious. But very nice.
>
> BACKGROUND
>
> The Linux kernel, when combined with other software (often supplied by the
> GNU project of the Free Software Foundation), forms the heart of the
> World's most popular Unix-like operating system. The Linux project was
> started in 1991 when a Finnish student, Linus Torvalds, began development
> (for educational purposes) of a simple program that could multi-task. He
> placed his source code on the Internet, and was greeted by many
> suggestions and improvements which were tried, tested, included or
> rejected, and which led to the release of the first "production" Linux
> Kernel in 1994. Today, an estimated eight million users run Linux systems
> with GNU software, making it the third most popular operating system
> with only Mac and Microsoft Windows in front.
I think that your users estimate might be a bit old. RedHat should be
releasing another estimate in Feb.
> The Kernel's development and success is unique in the history of operating
> systems. Since its inception, the project has released its code under the
> GNU Public Licence from the Free Software Foundation. This means that the
> source code (from which the runnable binary is compiled) must be freely
> available, and that anyone may modify it if they, too, agree to make their
> source code available. Because many hundreds of people are now writing
> code for the kernel, and because many thousands are eager to test it, any
> proposed code has to endure a thorough thrashing from many hard-to-please
> users before it becomes part of the kernel proper. Torvalds still
> maintains the 'official' kernel, but, of course, anyone in the world is
> welcome to modify it for their own needs.
>
> Today, those millions of users, who include Internet Service Providers,
> multi-national companies, NASA, computing professionals and home PC users,
> find that no other operating system brings the power and flexibility that
> Linux gives. A full range of application software (again, much of it free)
> exists to enable a Linux installation to be all that a user requires.
>
> Add pointers to URLs
> etc.
>
> Yours,
Nice.
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