Understanding the Linux Kernel

In order to thoroughly understand what makes Linux tick and why it works so well on a wide variety of systems, you need to delve deep into the heart of the kernel. The kernel handles all interactions between the CPU and the external world, and determines which programs will share processor time, in what order. It manages limited memory so well that hundreds of processes can share the system efficiently, and expertly organizes data transfers so that the CPU isn't kept waiting any longer than necessary for the relatively slow disks. The third edition of Understanding the Linux Kernel takes you on.;Table of Contents; Preface; The Audience for This Book; Organization of the Material; Level of Description; Overview of the Book; Background Information; Conventions in This Book; How to Contact Us; Safari® Enabled; Acknowledgments; Introduction; Linux Versus Other Unix-Like Kernels; Hardware Dependency; Linux Versions; Basic Operating System Concepts; Multiuser Systems; Users and Groups; Processes; Kernel Architecture; An Overview of the Unix Filesystem; Files; Hard and Soft Links; File Types; File Descriptor and Inode; Access Rights and File Mode; File-Handling System Calls; Opening a file.