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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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What exactly does systemd do? (self.linux)

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

62 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I am a Linux user, but I don't really know how most things work, even after years of casual use on my Main, I just started getting into Devuan and wondered then, what exacly does systemd do that most distros have it? What even is init freedom? And why should I care?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

So if sytemd just tells the OS what to run next where does the complaint that it doesn't "do only one thing well" come from?

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Because systemd (the project) extends more than just systemd (the init system). It also includes things like:

systemd-journald (system logging)
systemd-timesyncd (Network Time Sync)
~~NetworkManager~~ systemd-networkd (network interface/connection management)
systemd-homed (Home directory management)
systemd-resolved (DNS Resolver)

and so many more

Now, in my personal opinion, I do find it good in that these being under one umbrella project led to fairly good integration between these aspects of "system management" as a whole. But I do also concede that this may feel like too many responsibilities handled by one project

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

NetworkManager (network interface/connection management)

Pretty sure you mean systemd-networkd here. I find systemd-networkd to be very nice for headless systems, but NetworkManager seems to be a better fit for desktops because of the integrations it has available with KDE/Gnome/system tray

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Ah I figured I had that one wrong, thanks!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

It doesn't do "only" that; I was comparing it with other init systems and described their main, basic init functionality. Sorry if I didn't do it well.