Originally posted by TheBlackCat
View Post
A system-wide user-space file system is just one benefit the Hurd has over Linux, and there are a few others that I've read about but am not very technically familiar with. The link above points to a good document on the subject. The last thing I would add is that we constantly hear of developers and different types of users wanting to add/remove/change various aspects of the Linux kernel so that it is more suitable for their use. In particular, there is a constant struggle between the server, desktop, laptop, mobile and corporate worlds in regards to the changes they want (and don't want) to see in the kernel. A microkernel would be able to handle these differences much easier for a couple of reasons. The first is that, because the microkernel itself (gnumach for now) is responsible for much less functionality, it would be easier to handle the issues/requests that arise between these competing groups. The other reason is that the Hurd servers can be individually used or not depending on the type of use desired, and completely new Hurd servers which are specific to certain types of uses can be brought up as needed for these otherwise competing users. The Hurd is much more modular than Linux by design.
Comment