# Linux Surface

> version of the Linux kernel optimized for Microsoft Surface devices

**Wikidata**: [Q132181244](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132181244)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/linux-surface

## Summary
Linux Surface is a version of the Linux kernel optimized specifically for Microsoft Surface devices. It is a fork of the standard Linux kernel that functions as a monolithic kernel and is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

## Key Facts
- **Definition:** Linux Surface is a kernel fork optimized for Microsoft Surface devices.
- **License:** Distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.
- **Software Type:** Classified as a monolithic kernel and free software.
- **Basis:** Based on the Linux kernel; named after Linus Torvalds and the Linux kernel.
- **Programming Languages:** Written in C (Q15777) and assembly language.
- **Repository:** Source code is hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface`.
- **Documentation:** The user manual is available at `https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/wiki`.
- **Releases:** Documented stable releases include the 4.14.x series (e.g., versions 4.14.20-1 through 4.14.33-1) released between February and April 2018.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Linux Surface?
A: Linux Surface is a customized version of the Linux kernel designed to run on Microsoft Surface devices. It acts as a bridge between standard Linux distributions and the specific hardware of Surface products.

### Q: Is Linux Surface free to use?
A: Yes, it is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, allowing users to run, study, and modify the code.

### Q: Where can I find support or the source code for Linux Surface?
A: The source code is available on GitHub, and a user manual is provided on the GitHub wiki. Additionally, the community maintains a Matrix room (`#linux-surface:matrix.org`) and a Lemmy community (`surfacelinux@lemmy.sdf.org`).

### Q: What type of kernel is Linux Surface?
A: It is a monolithic kernel, meaning all operating system services run in the same address space, consistent with the architecture of the standard Linux kernel it is based on.

## Why It Matters
Linux Surface addresses a critical compatibility gap for users who wish to install Linux operating systems on Microsoft Surface hardware. Standard Linux kernels often lack the specific drivers or optimizations required for the unique components (such as touchscreens, firmwares, or power management features) utilized in Surface devices. By providing a kernel optimized for this hardware, Linux Surface enables full functionality—such as hardware acceleration and peripheral support—that might otherwise be missing or unstable. It plays a vital role in the "free software" ecosystem by ensuring that users have the freedom to run open-source operating systems on proprietary hardware form factors like tablets and 2-in-1s. The project maintains an active development and support presence through GitHub and community platforms like Matrix and Lemmy, ensuring users have access to the latest patches and troubleshooting resources.

## Notable For
- **Hardware Optimization:** Specifically engineered to support the hardware nuances of Microsoft Surface devices.
- **Active Development Cycle:** Maintains a history of stable releases (e.g., the 4.14.x series) with specific versioning for tracking patches.
- **Community Support:** Features dedicated community channels on modern platforms like Matrix and Lemmy.
- **Open Source Compliance:** Fully adheres to the GNU General Public License v2, ensuring continued availability and modifiability.

## Body

### Technical Architecture
Linux Surface is an instance of a **monolithic kernel**, functioning as a distinct **fork** of the main **Linux kernel**. Like its parent, it is written in the **C programming language** and **assembly language**. It inherits its naming conventions from **Linus Torvalds** and the original Linux kernel. It is classified strictly as **free software**, emphasizing user freedoms to run and modify the program.

### Licensing
The project is distributed under the **GNU General Public License, version 2.0**. This licensing ensures that the software remains open-source and that modified versions must also be distributed under the same terms.

### Release History
The project maintains a detailed release history, with specific stable versions documented in early 2018. Notable releases during this period include:
- **4.14.20-1** (Released: 2018-02-19)
- **4.14.22-1** (Released: 2018-02-21)
- **4.14.23-1** (Released: 2018-03-03)
- **4.14.24-1** (Released: 2018-03-05)
- **4.14.25-1** (Released: 2018-03-10)
- **4.14.27-1** (Released: 2018-03-10)
- **4.14.29-1** (Released: 2018-03-25)
- **4.14.32-1** (Released: 2018-04-01)
- **4.14.32-2** (Released: 2018-04-03)
- **4.14.33-1** (Released: 2018-04-11)

### Project Resources and Community
Linux Surface provides a suite of resources for users and developers:
- **Source Code:** Hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface`.
- **Issue Tracking:** Managed via the GitHub issues tracker.
- **Documentation:** A comprehensive user manual is available at `https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/wiki`.
- **Real-time Chat:** A Matrix Space is available at `#linux-surface:matrix.org`.
- **Discussion Forum:** A community exists on Lemmy at `surfacelinux@lemmy.sdf.org`.

## References

1. [Release 4.14.20-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.20-1)
2. [Release 4.14.22-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.22-1)
3. [Release 4.14.23-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.23-1)
4. [Release 4.14.24-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.24-1)
5. [Release 4.14.25-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.25-1)
6. [Release 4.14.27-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.27-1)
7. [Release 4.14.29-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.29-1)
8. [Release 4.14.32-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.32-1)
9. [Release 4.14.32-2. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.32-2)
10. [Release 4.14.33-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.33-1)
11. [Release 4.14.34-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.34-1)
12. [Release 4.14.35-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.35-1)
13. [Release 4.14.37-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.37-1)
14. [Release 4.14.38-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.38-1)
15. [Release 4.14.39-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.14.39-1)
16. [Release 4.15.4-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.4-1)
17. [Release 4.15.6-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.6-1)
18. [Release 4.15.7-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.7-1)
19. [Release 4.15.7-2. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.7-2)
20. [Release 4.15.7-3. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.7-3)
21. [Release 4.15.8-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.8-1)
22. [Release 4.15.10-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.10-1)
23. [Release 4.15.12-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.12-1)
24. [Release 4.15.15-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.15-1)
25. [Release 4.15.15-2. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.15-2)
26. [Release 4.15.16-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.16-1)
27. [Release 4.15.17-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.17-1)
28. [Release 4.15.18-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.15.18-1)
29. [Release 4.16.2-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.16.2-1)
30. [Release 4.16.3-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.16.3-1)
31. [Release 4.16.5-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.16.5-1)
32. [Release 4.16.6-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.16.6-1)
33. [Release 4.16.7-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.16.7-1)
34. [Release 4.17.1-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.17.1-1)
35. [Release 4.17.3-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.17.3-1)
36. [Release 4.17.3-2. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.17.3-2)
37. [Release 4.17.3-3. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.17.3-3)
38. [Release 4.18.7-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.7-1)
39. [Release 4.18.7-2. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.7-2)
40. [Release 4.18.11-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.11-1)
41. [Release 4.18.16-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.16-1)
42. [Release 4.18.20-1. 2018](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.20-1)
43. [Release 4.18.20-2. 2019](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.20-2)
44. [Release 4.18.20-3. 2019](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.20-3)
45. [Release 4.18.20-4. 2019](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.20-4)
46. [Release 4.18.20-5. 2019](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.20-5)
47. [Release 4.18.20-6. 2019](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.18.20-6)
48. [Release 4.19.72. 2019](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/v4.19.72)
49. [Release 4.19.18-1. 2019](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.19.18-1)
50. [Release 4.19.18-2. 2019](https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/releases/tag/4.19.18-2)