Preliminary Assessment of Linux for Safety Related Systems

The Linux operating system has been widely adopted by major organizations as the basis of their information technology infrastructure and product range.

There are clear advantages in using Linux, for example a lower cost of acquisition than that for proprietary operating systems, wide availability on different platforms and avoidance of dependence on one supplier.

Linux is also perceived as being reliable, and the availability of the Linux source text provides the ability to modify the operating system and to correct defects where necessary.