GNUHurd
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GNU/Hurd is a GNU project to replace Unix kernel.
Hurd is a group of servers running on the Mach microkernel to implement
filesystems, network protocols, file control access and other functions
normally implemented by Unix kernel or similar (as Linux).
Hurd is an operative system still in-progress but with a number of interesting features:
everybody can use it, edit it and redistribute it according to Gnu General Public License. Hurd is part of GNU, a complete operative system under GPL licence.
Hurd gives the user a familiar environment. It is a modern Unix-like kernel, it uses a C GNU library, which has a standard development as ANSI/ISO, BSD, POSIX, Single Unix, SVID and X/Open.
unlike other more common kernels, Hurd has an object-oriented structure which allows it to evolve without changing its design. This architecture helps Hurd to survive big modifications without being completely rewritten.
Hurd implementation is multithread: it can run efficiently both on one single processor and on a simmetric multiprocessoring system. Hurd interfaces are designed to allow transparent network clusters, even if this function has not been implemented.
Hurd is a platform which is useful to learn how to be a kernel hacker or how to implement new ideas in the kernel. Each part of the system has been designed to be edited or enlarged.
you can develop and test new elements of Hurd kernel without restarting the computer (even accidentally).
There is no risk to interfere with other users if one's own elements are running and no particular rights on the system are needed. The original desogn makes the kernel expansion system safe. If you are not the system administrator, you cannot impose your changes to other users.
Hurd is a real software and it works today. It is not a project or an idea: you do not have to wait to use it or to develop it.
Hurd is an operative system still in-progress but with a number of interesting features:
it is a free software
everybody can use it, edit it and redistribute it according to Gnu General Public License. Hurd is part of GNU, a complete operative system under GPL licence.
it is compatible
Hurd gives the user a familiar environment. It is a modern Unix-like kernel, it uses a C GNU library, which has a standard development as ANSI/ISO, BSD, POSIX, Single Unix, SVID and X/Open.
it is build up to survive
unlike other more common kernels, Hurd has an object-oriented structure which allows it to evolve without changing its design. This architecture helps Hurd to survive big modifications without being completely rewritten.
it is scalable
Hurd implementation is multithread: it can run efficiently both on one single processor and on a simmetric multiprocessoring system. Hurd interfaces are designed to allow transparent network clusters, even if this function has not been implemented.
it is expansible
Hurd is a platform which is useful to learn how to be a kernel hacker or how to implement new ideas in the kernel. Each part of the system has been designed to be edited or enlarged.
it is stable
you can develop and test new elements of Hurd kernel without restarting the computer (even accidentally).
There is no risk to interfere with other users if one's own elements are running and no particular rights on the system are needed. The original desogn makes the kernel expansion system safe. If you are not the system administrator, you cannot impose your changes to other users.
it exists
Hurd is a real software and it works today. It is not a project or an idea: you do not have to wait to use it or to develop it.
