What is Linux ? You might know that it is a Operating System (OS). Do you know, where it is used ? How it is different from Windows or other OS and Which Linux you must use.
Below are 10 things about Linux that you must know :
1. What is LINUX ?
Linux was created by a Finnish Software Engineer “Linus Torvalds” in the early 1990’s. Which is a Freely Distributable Operating system and can be used by anyone freely. There are also Paid Corporate version of Linux like ‘Red Hat Linux’ , ‘SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop’ and other variants.
But Linux is made on The FOSS ( Free and Open Source Software ) Philosophy. OpenSource means that the code for Linux is free for Everyone to view and Duplicate. Therfore there is no room for Malicious code to be present in the Operating System. Since the code is available for the public to view.
2. Parts of Linux
Linux is made up of the the Kernel, GNU Software Bundle ( Free software bundles used by the user end to run the Operating System ) and the an Optional GUI ( Graphical User Interface ) The main part of Linux, the “Linux kernel” is a free and open-source, monolithic, modular, multitasking, Unix-like operating system kernel.
It supports almost many of the Basic Computer Hardware out of the box. The Extension of GNU means GNU’s not UNIX. The GNU Software bundle are the basic utilities required to run a Operating System. You can run the complete Linux from the terminal command prompt. But for GUI software you can install Graphical User Interface which is run by X11 or Wayland. or for terminal users a Window Manager.
3. Where is Linux used
Linux is used everywhere, but you might not know it.
- Linux is mainly used as a Desktop Operating system is Free and Open Source.
- Android is also Open source and is a Linux Operating System.
- Mac Computers also are based on Linux/Unix OS, but is not free and is Closed Source.
- 70% of the Web Servers use Linux as the Operating System in their Servers. Mainly Debian, Ubuntu and others.
- Linux is also used by NASA because of its Reliable performance and Stability.
4. Types of Linux
There are manly two types of Linux Distribution between the 100s of different Liunx Distro’s :
This is based on how the update and support the Operating System :
- The First one is the common one is Point Release type : Where Point Versions of the OS are released like Ubuntu 14.0 or 15.0 etc. Here also there are Stable Versions and Testing (unstable) latest version which might still includes some bugs and still testing is going on. You update your OS from 14.0 to 16.0 and so on. Examples of Point Release OS are : Debian based OS, Ubuntu, Linux Mint and many more
- The Second type of Linux system are Rolling Release, Where in the Operating System is always updated to the Latest software all the time. There is no Point Releases. There is only one version of the Operating System that is the Latest version all the time. When a update for a software arrives, it is immediately included in the OS update, this is similar to the Windows 10 system updates. Example is ARCH Linux and its Variants.
- The Advantage of Point Release type is, It is more stable and basic user-friendly, As the updates are all tested to work correctly before including them in the System Update. Whereas in Rolling Release updates, Limited testing is done and Software tends to break and crash often, Mainly Arch Linux and variants, are meant for Experienced type of users, who know the workings of Linux Operating system.
5. Advantages of linux
Linux has many advantages against using other OS like Windows :
- Linux is Free to Use, there is no need to purchase the Operating System unlike Windows, where you have to but the OS.
- Since the OS is Opensource , there is no chance of virus attack or vulnerability since all the code is made public.
- Stability is the main advantage of Linux since it is iterated from updated from the famous Linux kernel created in 1991.
- The community for Linux and the helpful forum like askubuntu.com , Arch linux forums and the MAN pages provide excellent support for debugging and error resolution.
6. DISAdvantages of linux
Now lets talk about the disadvantages :
- No Support for Adobe Software Suite and other Commercial Software. This is one the main reasons for Creative Professionals for not using Linux.
- Not suitable for gaming has most popular games are not supported by Linux. A big no for Gamers. But some games are still playable in linux.
- Hard learning curve for people who have used Windows or Mac has their first OS, Learning to use Linux might be difficult. So most of them still to the original choice of OS.
7. POPULAR LINUX DISTro
A Distro is a diffirent Variant of a existing Linux Operating system. The Kernel is the same but only the Look and some softwares are different. Some popular Distros are :
- Ubuntu ( Debian based ) : This is the most common version of Linux that you find in the Education Institutes and Personal computers. It uses apt has the package manager( software installer repository ). Distros : Lubuntu, Ubuntu Mate, Xubuntu etc.
- Arch Linux : is the opposite of Ubuntu, Installation and usage is for advanced users. Uses pacman has the package manager. Has Rolling release update system. Distros : Manjaro, Artix, ArcoLinux etc.
- Kali Linux : This is the OS for hackers and network testers. There is also Black Arch which is also for Professional Ethical hackers. This is for professionals only.
8. So Linux is foss (Free and Open source software)
Llinux is Free and Open Source all the code is freely available for the Public and that’s why it is popular among the Community.
Since it is FOSS, there are many versions of LInux, around 600 Linux distro and 500 distros in active Development.
It is very easy to find solutions to errors and bugs that happen on Linux because of the community and Forums.
9. So who is linux for
The Linux OS works best on all types of computers and Laptop :
- The advantage of Linux is it can run on Old laptops and Computers without any problem. It is not very CPU or memory intensive as compared to other Windows software.
- On top of running smoothly, it is free to use and try out, So for students and professionals this OS is light on the pocket.
- Linux is a very good choice for Programmers and Web Developer. Using the terminal for different Programming utilities. Linux is best for Coders and Hackers.
10. future of linux
It has been 25 Years since Linux started its Still growing and becoming better from time.
- Distro’s are Evolving and becoming gold standard, Ubuntu-Mate and many distro’s have become very user friendly Easily usable.
- More widespread use of Linux is becoming a common place.
- Since the advancement of high performance computing and Cloud computing Linux is becoming more popular.