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This chapter describes what a process is and how the Linux kernel creates, manages and deletes the processes in the system. Processes carry out tasks within the operating system. A program is a set of machine code instructions and data stored in an executable image on disk and is, as such, a passive entity; a process can be thought of as a computer program in action. It is a dynamic entity, constantly changing as the machine code instructions are executed by the processor. As well as the program's instructions and data, the process also includes the program counter and all of the CPU's registers as well as the process stacks containing temporary data such as routine parameters, return addresses and saved variables. The current executing program, or process, includes all of the current activity in the microprocessor. Linux is a multiprocessing operating system. Processes are separate tasks each with their own rights and responsibilities. If one process crashes it will not cause another

Table of Contents , Show Frames , No Frames Chapter 4 Processes This chapter describes what a process is and how the Linux kernel creates, manages and deletes the processes in the system. Processes carry out tasks within the operating system. A program is a set of machine code instructions and data stored in an executable image on disk and is, as such, a passive entity; a process can be thought of as a computer program in action. It is a dynamic entity, constantly changing as the machine code instructions are executed by the processor. As well as the program's instructions and data, the proces

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