basic kernel question

[dsr at tao.merseine.nu]

On Fri, Apr 25, 2003 at 08:02:11AM -0400, Praveen Ray wrote:
> I always wondered what is the basic difference between major Linux distros? 
> Does each vendor modify the stock kernel or only the packaging is different? 
> Am I missing something (so far as kernel is considered) if I do not use RHAS 
> and simply build my own kernel? Had RedHat somehow modified the kernel to 
> make it 'better' or the only difference is that RHAS comes with all sort of 
> peripheral software prepackaged?

Distributions aren't necessarily produced by "vendors", although many
are. One person can produce a distribution, or any larger group.

A distro can do anything it wants, within the terms of the licensing of
the software it distributes. 

Red Hat is known for doing exceptionally dumb things to the kernel and C
compiler, and then fixing their mistakes later. Debian is known for
being exceptionally conservative for a general-purpose distribution.

Almost every distribution gives you all the tools you need to build your
own kernel, including a replica of the one they ship with.

-dsr-

-- 
I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by
reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion
of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.
						-- Petronius Arbiter