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Evolution of Linux operating system network

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  • Xiao, Guanping
  • Zheng, Zheng
  • Wang, Haoqin

Abstract

Linux operating system (LOS) is a sophisticated man-made system and one of the most ubiquitous operating systems. However, there is little research on the structure and functionality evolution of LOS from the prospective of networks. In this paper, we investigate the evolution of the LOS network. 62 major releases of LOS ranging from versions 1.0 to 4.1 are modeled as directed networks in which functions are denoted by nodes and function calls are denoted by edges. It is found that the size of the LOS network grows almost linearly, while clustering coefficient monotonically decays. The degree distributions are almost the same: the out-degree follows an exponential distribution while both in-degree and undirected degree follow power-law distributions. We further explore the functionality evolution of the LOS network. It is observed that the evolution of functional modules is shown as a sequence of seven events (changes) succeeding each other, including continuing, growth, contraction, birth, splitting, death and merging events. By means of a statistical analysis of these events in the top 4 largest components (i.e., arch, drivers, fs and net), it is shown that continuing, growth and contraction events occupy more than 95% events. Our work exemplifies a better understanding and describing of the dynamics of LOS evolution.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiao, Guanping & Zheng, Zheng & Wang, Haoqin, 2017. "Evolution of Linux operating system network," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 466(C), pages 249-258.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:466:y:2017:i:c:p:249-258
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2016.09.021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Raed Shatnawi, 2019. "Exploring trends in the evolution of open-source systems," International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, Springer;The Society for Reliability, Engineering Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM),India, and Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, vol. 10(6), pages 1516-1526, December.

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