web commit by NealWalfield: Improve Description of the Hurd; various grammar improvements

1 files changed, 25 insertions, 16 deletions

diff --git a/index.mdwn b/index.mdwn
index a7286bda..a731801d 100644
--- a/index.mdwn
+++ b/index.mdwn
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ then you've hit <http://bugs.debian.org/421843>.  Installing the markdown
 package from Debian experimental fixed this for me.  -->
 
 
-## I want to install the Hurd on my system. Where do I start?
+## I want to install the Hurd. Where do I start?
 
 You must use the Grub Boot Loader (not Lilo) to boot a Debian GNU/Hurd system.
 A total of two gigabytes of unpartitioned disk space is enough for an
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ different [[Hurd_FAQs|Hurd/FrequentlyAskedQuestions]], an
 [[irc_channel|Hurd/HurdIRC]] and several different
 [[mailing_lists|Hurd/MailLists]] with searchable archives.  Please make an
 attempt to answer your own questions first using archives, this site or drop by
-the irc channel (if someone is online that can answer your question).  Any
+the irc channel (if someone is online who can answer your question).  Any
 possible coding time (resources) available to the core developers can then be
 spent working on the tough [[problems_remaining|Hurd/KnownHurdLimits]] with the
 architecture.
@@ -53,12 +53,22 @@ architecture.
 [[Hurd]]
 
 
-## What specifically is the Hurd?
+## What is the Hurd?
 
-The [[Hurd]] is the GNU replacement for UNIX and Linux kernels.  It is a
-collection of servers that run on top of the [[GNU_Mach|Mach]] microkernel to
-implement file systems, network protocols, file access control, and other
-features that are today implemented by the Unix, Linux or other kernels.
+The [[Hurd]] is GNU's replacement for the various UNIX and Linux kernels.
+
+The Hurd is firstly a collection of protocols formalizing how different
+components may interact.  The protocols are designed to reduce the mutual
+[[trust]] requirements of the actors thereby permitting a more
+[[extensible|Extensibility] system.  These include interface definitions
+to manipulate files and directories and to resolve path names.  This allows
+any process to implement a file system.  The only requirement is that it
+have access to its backing store and that the principal that started it
+own the file system node to which it connects.
+
+The Hurd is also a set of servers that implement these protocols.  The
+servers run on top of [[Mach]] and use Mach's [[IPC]] mechanism to transfer
+information.
 
 The word *Hurd* is commonly used to refer to one of the following:
 
@@ -69,21 +79,20 @@ The word *Hurd* is commonly used to refer to one of the following:
   * HIRD of UNIX Replacing Daemons (arguably)
     * HIRD is an acronym for HURD Interfaces Representing Depth (arguably)
 
-The [[Hurd]] supplies the last piece needed for a complete [[GNU]] operating
-system as originally conceived by Richard M Stallman (RMS) in 1983.  The GNU
-vision directly drove the creation and has guided the evolution of the [Free
-Software Foundation](http://www.fsf.org/), the organization that is the home of
-the entire [GNU project](http://www.gnu.org/gnu/).
+The [[Hurd]] supplies the last major software component needed for a complete
+[GNU]] operating system as originally conceived by Richard M. Stallman (RMS)
+in 1983.  The GNU vision directly drove the creation and has guided the
+evolution of the [Free Software Foundation](http://www.fsf.org/), the
+organization that is the home of the [GNU project](http://www.gnu.org/gnu/).
 
 [[Hurd/HurdNames]]
 
 
 ## What's the current status of the Hurd?
 
-An *official 1.0 release* has been a dream since 1983.  Project resources are
-scarce.  A precise time estimate is not possible.  The project welcomes any
-assistance you can provide.  Porting and development expertise is still badly
-needed in many key areas.
+There has not yet been an official 1.0 release.  The Hurd is developed by a few
+volunteers in their spare time.  The project welcomes any assistance you can provide.
+Porting and development expertise is still badly needed in many key areas.
 
 Functional systems are installable in a dual-boot configuration.  Development
 systems are currently mostly based on the [[Debian_GNU/Hurd|Distrib]] port