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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Will operating systems still be relevant? (self.linux)

submitted 1 year ago by mafbar to c/[email protected]

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With lots of things being developed through web technologies, and many things being web-based so that it is cross-platform, will operating systems still be relevant?

We can differ philosophically by using Debian or Arch or Windows or Mac, but if nowadays applications are web-based or developed through something like Electron such that it can run on practically all modern operating systems. what is the relevance of operating systems galore?

Don't get me wrong I love FOSS and Linux and stuff, but it seems that the paradigm right now is creating web applications, with many things being web-based.

Am I off, or is this something you also think about?

P.S. I'm a total noob when it comes to IT, so the question might be weirdly phrased.

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[–] netwren 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Interestingly enough I think you may have the right conclusions for the wrong reasoning. We are moving towards very capable languages that provide high level productivity and low level performance, improved modularity and perhaps a productivity boost from LLMs.

I think the question cannot be do we need an OS but rather what will a new OS look like. Fuchsia has been famously failing to break into any market but as Cybersecurity gets even more important will we see microkernels composed just for app dependencies be the norm?

Looking at the security improvements on mobile OS'es the next platform will be augmented reality with which security will be even more paramount. Your system may run a heterogeneous OS/program microkernel that's signed and trusted to prevent malicious actors. This promises that your vision and bio sensor functions remain safe.

I'd say yes OS's will be around but will become more lightweight, more performant, and more specialized for the apps that run on top of them.

[–] mafbar 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

So basically, the design of OSes in the future will be different? Maybe I don't know enough about microkernels and OSes.

[–] netwren 2 points 1 year ago

Basically yes. Instead of shipping everything and the kitchen sink for driver support the kernel will be built specifically for what's needed and only that. Additionally only the kernel modules that are necessary will be included instead of optional when needed.