Linux+ Networking Chapter 1

The operating system software is necessary for a computer to function because it acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the user. It manages the computer's resources, such as memory and processing power, and allows users to interact with the computer through a graphical user interface. Without an operating system, the computer would not be able to execute programs or perform basic functions, making it unable to function properly.

Linux represents open source software because it is a free and open operating system that allows users to access, modify, and distribute its source code. Open source software encourages collaboration and community-driven development, allowing users to customize and improve the software according to their needs. Linux's open nature has led to its widespread adoption and popularity among developers and tech enthusiasts.

Apache is the most common open source web server available for Linux. It is widely used due to its stability, security, and flexibility. Apache is known for its ability to handle a large number of concurrent connections and its support for various operating systems and programming languages. It is also highly customizable and has a large community of developers and users, making it a popular choice for hosting websites and applications on Linux servers.

Linux is a multiuser operating system, meaning that it allows multiple users to access and use the system simultaneously. It is also a multitasking operating system, which means that it can execute multiple tasks or processes concurrently. These features make Linux suitable for use in environments where multiple users need to work on the same system at the same time and where multiple tasks need to be performed simultaneously.

The correct answer is "all the above". This means that all of the listed methods (HOWTO documents at http://www.linuxdoc.org, a local Linux User Group, and Internet newsgroups) are common ways to gain support for Linux. These methods provide resources, community engagement, and online platforms for users to seek assistance, share knowledge, and connect with other Linux enthusiasts.

A Linux distribution refers to the packaging of the core components of the Linux operating system along with other open-source software. It includes the Linux kernel, system libraries, utilities, and applications. A Linux distribution provides a complete and ready-to-use operating system that is tailored for specific purposes or user preferences. It typically includes a package manager for easy installation and management of software packages. Examples of popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.

Linux adheres to the GNU Public License. This license allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the Linux operating system. It ensures that the source code of Linux is open and accessible to everyone, promoting collaboration and community-driven development. The GNU Public License also requires that any modifications or derivative works of Linux be released under the same license, ensuring the continued openness and freedom of the software.

Samba is the correct answer because it is a popular open-source software suite that allows file and print services to be shared between Linux and Windows systems. It provides seamless integration with Windows networking protocols, allowing Linux servers to act as file and print servers for Windows clients. Apache is a web server, Quid is not a known software for file and print services, and Pine is an email client, so they are not suitable options for providing file and print services on Linux.

Linux was developed by Linus Torvalds to resemble the MINIX operating system.

GNOME and KDE are both common GUI environments that are available in most Linux distributions. GNOME is a popular desktop environment that focuses on simplicity and ease of use, while KDE is known for its customizable and feature-rich interface. Both environments provide users with a graphical interface to interact with the operating system and its applications. The options CDE and RPM are not GUI environments but rather a desktop environment (CDE) and a package management system (RPM) respectively, and therefore are not applicable to the question.

Richard Stallman formed the Free Software Foundation to promote open development. He is a renowned software developer and advocate for free software. Stallman believed that software should be freely available for people to use, modify, and distribute. He founded the Free Software Foundation in 1985 to support this philosophy and to provide resources for the development of free software. Stallman's efforts have had a significant impact on the open-source software movement and have helped shape the way software is created and distributed today.

Open Source Software (OSS) is characterized by collaborative development, where multiple contributors can work on the software. The source code is freely available to anyone, allowing users to modify and improve the software. This collaborative nature often leads to quicker bug fixes since many developers can address issues as they arise. The value of OSS is not tied to its price, and the source code is typically available for free, not for a fee.

A production kernel refers to a stable version of the kernel that is released for general use. The revision number represents small changes or bug fixes made to the kernel. The minor number indicates significant updates or new features added to the kernel. The major number signifies major changes or significant updates that may not be backward compatible. In the given options, the only condition that matches a production kernel is when the minor number is even, indicating that significant updates or new features have been added to the kernel.

The developmental kernels are the ones that are still in the development phase and have not been released as stable versions yet. From the given options, kernels 2.3.4 and 2.5.5 are the ones that are still in the development phase, while kernels 2.2.7 and 2.4.4 have already been released as stable versions.

Linux software is unlikely to become abandoned by its developers because it is an open-source operating system, which means that the source code is available to the public and can be modified and improved by a community of developers. This ensures that the software will continue to be supported and updated in the future. Additionally, Linux is known for its security features, making it a reliable choice for corporate environments. It also has a lower total cost of ownership compared to other operating systems, as it is free to use and does not require expensive licensing fees. Furthermore, Linux is widely available for various platforms and supports multiple programming languages, providing flexibility and compatibility for corporate applications.

Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson are accredited with creating the UNIX operating system. They both played significant roles in its development. Dennis Ritchie is known for his work on the C programming language, which was instrumental in the development of UNIX. Ken Thompson is known for his contributions to the design and implementation of UNIX, including the creation of the original version of the operating system. Together, their work laid the foundation for the UNIX operating system and its subsequent popularity and influence in the computing industry.

Upgrading the Linux kernel is necessary when there is a need for support for new hardware, as the kernel acts as the bridge between the hardware and the operating system. Additionally, upgrading the kernel can help increase the stability of Linux, as newer versions often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. Therefore, upgrading the kernel is required when there is a need for new hardware support and when stability needs to be improved.

The factors that determine which Linux distribution a user will use include package manager support, hardware platform, kernel features, and language support. Package manager support refers to the availability and compatibility of the package manager used to install and manage software on the distribution. Hardware platform compatibility ensures that the distribution can run on the user's specific hardware. Kernel features determine the functionality and capabilities of the operating system. Language support ensures that the distribution supports the user's preferred language for system settings and applications.