The Linux kernel is the main part of the Linux operating system that manages the computer's shared resources, provides access to the file system, manages processes, and provides communication with the computer's hardware.
The main tasks of the Linux kernel are:
- Memory management - allocation and management of memory access.
- Process management - managing and controlling the execution of processes on a computer.
- File System Management - providing access to the file system and file management.
- Device Management - computer hardware management, including input and output devices, network cards, and other devices.
The Linux kernel is open source, which means that anyone can study and modify it. The development and support of the Linux kernel is carried out by a community of developers around the world, as well as companies such as Red Hat, IBM, Intel, Oracle and others. This allows you to improve and refine the Linux kernel with each new version.
Modified Linux kernel is a Linux kernel that has been modified, new features added, bugs fixed, performance or device behavior changed.
Usually modified kernels are created in order to improve performance, optimize work with a certain type of hardware, add new features or increase resistance to hacking and malicious software.
Specific modifications may include security patches, driver updates, task scheduler settings, network stack optimization, and other improvements.
- pf-kernel kernels is a Linux kernel that is optimized to work with network security and traffic management. It includes patches that provide more secure data transmission, as well as more efficient network traffic management.
- XanMod is a Linux kernel that is optimized to achieve maximum performance and low latency in the system. It includes patches that improve the performance of network drivers and file systems, as well as priority and latency adjustments to improve performance.
- Kernel-rt (Real-Time Kernel) - designed for real-time, that is, for systems where the absence of delays is critically important. It includes patches that improve the accuracy of timers and reduce delays in the system.
- Grsecurity is a set of security patches that can be applied to the Linux kernel. It includes various anti-hacking mechanisms, such as stack protection, execution control, buffer overflow protection, and other methods.
- Zen-kernel is a Linux kernel optimized for performance and responsiveness in response to user requests. It includes patches that improve task scheduling mechanisms, increase the processing speed of network packets and reduce system delays.
- Linux-Libre is completely free from any proprietary code and drivers. It is intended for users who seek to use only free (without binding to certain owners) software. It includes only free drivers and rejects any proprietary software.
Usually a modified Linux kernel is available for download and installation on compatible systems. Using a modified kernel can be risky, as it may work unstable on systems that have not been tested for compatibility.