Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Linux
Also known as: GNU/Linux
German: Linux
In computing, Linux is an open-source operating system kernel; Linux distributions combine it with system software and are widely used on servers, industrial PCs, edge devices and embedded systems.
- Automation components
In one sentence
Linux is an open-source operating system kernel used in distributions for servers, industrial PCs, edge devices and embedded systems.
Example
An edge gateway runs an embedded Linux with containers for protocol conversion and data preprocessing.
How it applies
- Engineering: Linux runs on many HMIs, gateways and controllers. With the PREEMPT_RT real-time capability, now part of the mainline kernel, it can meet many soft and some hard real-time requirements.
- Security: Linux-based devices need regular updates; the included open-source packages should be listed in an SBOM.
- Documentation: State the distribution and kernel version, how updates are delivered and which open-source licenses apply. Provide the license texts required by those licenses.
- Maintenance: Long-term support kernels and distributions reduce the frequency of major upgrades on long-lived industrial devices.
Linux vs. real-time operating system
A general Linux distribution is not deterministic by default. Real-time configurations improve latency, but safety-related or hard real-time functions often still run on dedicated controllers or an RTOS. Claims about real-time behavior should state measured bounds.