The new model of Linux development implies that two kernels having the same version but different release numbers—for instance, 2.6.10 and 2.6.11—can differ significantly even in core components and in fundamental algorithms. Thus, when a new kernel release appears, it is potentially unstable and buggy. To address this problem, the kernel developers may release patched versions of any kernel, which are identified by a fourth number in the version numbering scheme. For instance, at the time this paragraph was written, the latest “stable” kernel version was 2.6.11.12.
Please be aware that the kernel version described in this book is Linux 2.6.11.
新的Linux 开发模型包含两个版本号相同的内核，这两个内核的发型号不同——比如2.6.10和2.6.11； 在核心组件和基本算法方面会有显著的不同；因此一个新的内核发布时，它潜在的就是不稳定的/存在缺陷的。为了解决这个问题，内核开发者会发布所有内核的修复版本，这些版本可以通过版本编码方案中的第四位来识别；比如，在撰写本节时最新的稳定版内核是2.6.11.12.
Basic Operating System Concepts
Each computer system includes a basic set of programs called the operating system. The most important program in the set is called the kernel. It is loaded into RAM when the system boots and contains many critical procedures that are needed for the system to operate. The other programs are less crucial utilities; they can provide a wide variety of interactive experiences for the user—as well as doing all the jobs the user bought the computer for—but the essential shape and capabilities of the system are determined by the kernel. The kernel provides key facilities to everything else on the system and determines many of the characteristics of higher software. Hence, we often use the term “operating system” as a synonym for “kernel.”
操作系统的基本概念
每一个计算机系统都包含一个叫“操作系统”的基本程序集，这个程序集中最重要的就是“内核”；内核在系统启动时被加载到RAM中，同时，内核包含很多非常重要的程序——这些程序在系统运行时是必需的，其他程序则是相对次要的。这些程序可以为用户提供各种交互式的体验，同时可以满足用户购买计算机的所有需要——但是系统的基本轮廓和性能是由内核决定的。
“内核”为系统上的其他所有资源提供了关键功能，因此我们经常将“操作系统”用作“内核”的同义词；