What is the Zen kernel?

     Zen is a variant of the Linux kernel that performs two major functions: (1) optimizes for desktop setups, and (2) provides a user base for project admins seeking testing for their project on various setups - these projects may or may not be seeking inclusion into the upstream Linux kernel. So, in essence, the kernel gears for desktop systems by adjusting tuning knobs and merging projects that suit this purpose in one way or another (for example, the BFS cpu scheduler is added _in addition_ to the default CFS scheduler). Additionally there are multiple things added and changed in the kernel that not everybody will benefit from (perhaps driver updates/additions and various bug fixes). The idea is to benefit Linux desktop end-users, kernel developers, and perhaps even more individuals.

     Zen is a collaborative effort that includes a small group of developers but also a fairly large community that contributes much like the developers do.