When someone talks about embedding Linux, they mean porting the Linux kernel to run on a particular CPU and board which will be put into an embedded device. There are many companies that sell embedded Linux solutions. These usually include a ported Linux kernel with cross-development tools, and sometimes with real time extensions. For the most part, the APIs and kernel codebase are the same for embedded Linux as desktop Linux.
Why Embedded Linux?
Of course, the "embedded devices" category covers the territory between microwave oven controllers to handheld devices only slightly less powerful than laptop computers. Where does Linux fit into this spectrum? Many are finding that a system as powerful as Linux extends surprisingly low in this range, often being the best choice not only for PDAs but also for appliances and cell phones.
Our goal is not to proselytize Linux, but it is worth mentioning a few bullet points that device manufacturers have found attractive about Linux:
Royalty-free
Strong networking support
Has already been ported to many different CPU architectures
Relatively small for its feature set
Easy to configure
Huge application base
Modern OS (eg. memory management, kernel modules, etc.)
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