Linux OS
All of the standalone security DVRs used and sold by Star DVR use an operating system built into read-only memory (ROM). The operating system (OS) of choice is Linux, a stable operating system based on Unix and is available in multiple languages. This Linux-based operating system is a modular operating system. It derives much of its basic design from principles established in Unix during the 1970s and 1980s. The system uses a monolithic kernel, the Linux kernel, which handles process control, networking, and peripheral and file system access. Device drivers are either integrated directly with the kernel or added as modules loaded while the system is running.
Software Updates
Since software and technology are subject to change, most of our DVRs (and all of our newest models) are easily upgraded when new software is available. A newer version of software does not imply that current and older OS versions are defective. Software updates are distributed when available and usually contain updated device drivers. A new driver may be required for a new type of DVD R/W drive, for instance, or a new type of mouse or pointing device. Most of the time these updates are non-critical, meaning they are not 100% necessary if your DVR is working all right and you are pleased with its operation. Rarely they are mandatory and when they are it is critical you update your system since mandatory updates usually effect online security or some kind of hardware stability issue.
When you purchase a DVR from our company you gain access to on-line forums and other user groups with a knowledgebase and information about OS updates and other factors important to owners and users of our products. It is recommended you make use of such online groups since you never can tell when an OS security issue can crop up or some other factor of DVR ownership becomes important. |