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I'm currently studying about Linux in general and what it is. I see that Linux is a high-performance operating system that breathes life to old hardware. Ubuntu is a distribution of Linux.

But I'm uncertain whether Ubuntu is an embedded system. Embedded systems execute applications without an overhead kernel, and Android is a prime example in the mobile world. Is Ubuntu an embedded system as well?

Whether it is or is not, how does this fact account for the high performance of the system?

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Have a look at UME (Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded). – Rinzwind Jun 20 '12 at 17:09

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Ubuntu is not an embedded operating system in it's default incarnation regardless of supported chipsets.

As @Rinzwind commented,a mobile build exists specifically for embedded devices.

The performance you are referring to is in relation to Linux as an operating system (more correctly called GNU/Linux as strictly speaking Linux is only the kernel). The performance is gained by keeping the system simple. Obviously if you start throwing windows managers and application frameworks on top then performance is affected as memory requirements increase.

The modular nature of the GNU/Linux operating system allows old hardware to be used where the latest versions of Windows(TM) have excessive requirements just to perform simple tasks. As such, GNU/Linux can provide a more resource efficient system.

Do not confuse embedded systems and real-time operating systems ... the two are often used in conjunction but there is a distinct difference.

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very useful. So I'm guessing that real-time OSes are the ones in our desktops and laptops, the embedded systems in our handhelds. – nopacus Jun 20 '12 at 17:42
no ... RTOS's are very specific type of operating system with advanced scheduling that make certain guarantees in timing. Desktops and laptops use a GPOS (general purpose operation system). Have a read through wikipedia or Encarta for further definition. – Merlin Jun 20 '12 at 17:46
up vote 5 down vote

Ubuntu is not specifically built for embedded systems, but neither is general linux. Android is linux derived, but it's not exactly linux.

Almost anything can be made performant by stripping out the not neccessary bits. Ubuntu does have an ARM build (which is the typical architecture for embedded devices).

This makes the answer to your question a solid sort of.

I can't think of a better way to explain it. Hopefully this answers what you were after.

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Ah! So embedded systems are typically found in mobile platforms, like iOS and Android. – nopacus Jun 20 '12 at 17:40
sort of, but not necessarily. embedded systems could also be some kind of touch controller or a controller for scada that isn't touch for example – Call me V Jun 20 '12 at 17:47

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