What is Linux? A whole Introduction

What is Linux?

Linux is an Operating System (OS). There are also other operating systems for example windows, MAC, etc. On earth, it is the most famous operating system. The Linux system invented the Android. Linux is a popular variety of Unix. Linux source code is freely available. Linux was designed with UNIX compatibility in mind. In the beginning, Linux was used for computers. Other machines, like servers, mainframes, supercomputers, etc., also use this system. Linux now powers 90% of cloud frameworks and 74% of the world’s mobile phones.

Creation of Linux

Linus Torvalds designed the Linux operating system. He works on the UNIX operating system. He thought that this operating system needed development. Because the UNIX creator dismissed her suggestions, he decided to launch an operating system.

History of Linux

Linux Torvalds wants to introduce a free version of Unix and began writing about it in 1991. And then this project is called the Linux operating system. He wrote this program for his personal computer.

He can’t afford a Unix 386 Intel computer, so he uses the GNU C compiler to complete it. the best option to complete Linux code is the GNU C compiler, but other compilers are also used to compile Linux code. It began as a game but grew into a large project. In the beginning, it was called “Frex,” but it was later changed to “Linux.” He presented the Linux operating system under his license, not for commercial use. And Linux was released for free in 1992.

Linux these days

Nowadays, Linux is used in different systems like automation controls, TV screens, video recorders, video games, smartwatches, and home appliances like washing machines, DVD players, routers, modems, cars, and refrigerator systems.

The use of Android in smartphones is Linux’s crowning achievement. Because of Android, Linux has the most installed operating system.

How does Linux Work?

Operating systems are like the engine of any vehicle. An engine can run on its own, but when this engine is attached to any vehicle with proper axles, transmission, and wheels, that vehicle becomes functional. But that vehicle will not work if the running engine is not connected to it.

The operating system includes some standard and required components such as GNU Utilities. These tools allow users to manage kernel-provided resources, add new programmers, configure performance and security features, and more. Together these elements make up the operating system. As an open-source operating system, Linux uses a variety of software applications in many flavors.

Benefits of using Linux

In a business context, Linux has significant advantages over other operating systems. Here are some of the primary benefits of using Linux in business.

 

• Everyone can contribute to, modify, and improve the source code of Linux for free. It is free for users to download and use.
• Linux is safer than any other system. All programs in Linux need a password and permission from the manager. The virus will not be activated if the password is not entered. In Linux, there is no need for an anti-virus program. As a result, there is a lower chance that any virus will execute on Linux.
• We can use our old computer systems as a router, backup servers, file servers, and other things thanks to Linux. Linux distributions vary in capability depending on your system’s capabilities.
• There are a lot of software updates available for Linux. Updates are performed faster than on any other system. Updates can be done easily without any issues.
• You can add, remove, and install any feature according to your need because customization can be done in open-source systems. Another thing is that different wallpapers and beautiful icons will be installed to give your system an amazing look.
• There are many Linux distributions, also called “distros”. It provides users with different options. According to your work, you can choose any suitable distribution. Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and Debian are examples of Linux distributions. Use Ubuntu or Linux if you are not an expert. If you are an expert in computers, you should use Debian or Fedora.
• Linux can be downloaded and used for free. There is no need to purchase a license for it. The GNU General Public License gives Linux and its software. This is a major advantage of Linux over other operating systems. A large sum of money is required to purchase a Windows license, which is not the case with Linux.
• Linux has a high level of establishment. There is no rare chance to restart your system. There is a rare chance of the system slowing down or freezing. For example, Windows may require a reboot after installing or updating an application or piece of software. Without any disturbance, you carry out your work on Linux systems.
• The privacy of users is the priority of Linux. No user data is collected by Linux.
• It’s simple to install from the web, and there are no system requirements because it can run on any hardware, including your old ones.
• Low storage capacity does not affect software.

Disadvantages of the Linux operating system

Like everything, Linux has some disadvantages.

 

• The most common problem encountered by Linux users is that some hardware drivers are not available for Linux. Because of their user count, most drivers are created for Windows.
• For newcomers, Windows is easier to use than Linux. You must know about the command line. It is difficult to find new software. Finding a solution to a problem in the operating system is difficult. When compared to Windows and Mac, Linux has fewer experts.
• If you enjoy video games, you should review your operating system selection. Linux is a bad choice for gamers. Maximum games are only available for Windows. Because Windows is the most commonly used platform, game developers are more interested in it.
• A popular editing software Photoshop is not available on Linux. There are numerous editing programs available, but Photoshop is the best choice. Linux users don’t use Microsoft Office.

Distribution of Linux

Here are some Linux distributions.

Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Linux Mint, Zorin Operating System, Elementary Operating System, and Manjaro Linux are famous branches of Linux.

Is Linux suitable for programming?

So now that we know the advantages and disadvantages of Linux in general, why use it for programming?

It is especially beneficial to programmers. It gives more freedom than other operating systems. While it may appear difficult to newcomers, the ability to modify the system’s source code opens up numerous opportunities for personalization and innovation, which is why users will prefer Linux.

We use Linux in programming because we use many programming languages with the Linux OS. This gives you a lot of flexibility and allows you to work on a variety of coding projects, regardless of your background.

Linux is the best option to download for a beginner programmer because it works on older devices, which is ideal if you don’t have much of a budget.

Finally, for programming, the use of Linux is good. If you want to upgrade your development skills, then Linux will help you find a developer and a job in software engineering.

Making Use of Linux in Projects

Linux is beneficial for servers as well as desktops. Big platforms like Amazon and Microsoft indeed use Linux for their servers.

Linux’s security is one of the reasons for its popularity. It is more secure because of encryption and two-factor authentication. Also, Linux can update itself automatically when Wi-Fi is available.

Linux branches like Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, and Fedora can manage servers. As a result, Linux must be used as the operating system on VPS.

Android, Tizen, and other Linux can also be developed into a mobile operating systems. That is, if you have technical knowledge of Linux, you can modify the Android operating system. Unhappily, with Linux, the development of mobile OS is not as extraordinary as it is for computers.

Linux used to operate as a desktop computer. Like Windows, by using Linux you can browse, use office applications, watch movies, enjoy music, and many more.

Features of Linux

Many-user capability: By using different terminals, numerous users can approach the same system, like memory, a hard disk, etc.

Multitasking: After dividing the time of CPU, you can run various tasks in the same time slot.

Portability: It is not always more portable if it can fit on a memory card or storage device or has a smaller file size. It signifies that it is compatible with several systems.

Live CD/USB: Because users may use it without installing it, Linux and its maximum branches provide a live CD/USB.

Graphical User Interface: Although Linux is a command-line OS, adding tools can change it to GUI-based.

keyboard: Due to its widespread use, it provides keyboards for several languages.

Why should we use Linux?

There are several reasons why you should use Linux, some of which are given below.

High Security

Linux can protect your systems from various viruses therefore you can install them to protect systems. There are very few chances of Linux of getting damaged by viruses then windows because Linux has high security.

the settings and configurations of the systems cannot be changed by programmers. It can only be used after logging in as a root user. The viruses have access to all the downloaded files, they can damage all the files if they find the user is not a root user.

The fact that Linux is open-source software, and you have access to the source code explains why there is a higher level of security. Most of the bugs have already been found as the code has been researched by many developers around the world.

Ease of Maintenance

 

Linux can be maintained like without any troubles you just need to update it like all other apps. Each repository of the Linux version is used for system updates and backups. It provides regular updates so you can update without rebooting your system. Users can automate the update process or do it regularly with just a few clicks. Unlike Linux systems, Windows systems are more difficult to update. Additionally, third-party software for Windows, such as Acrobat Reader and Firefox, must be updated separately.

Ease of Use

Contrary to popular belief, Linux is no longer just for geeks because it has a better graphical user interface and is becoming more user-friendly (GUI). This is almost completely equivalent to Windows. The GUI is so advanced that Linux can do most of what the average user wants without having to know the commands, just as easily as in Windows.

If you want to use programs that are only compatible with Windows, you can install Wine (a Windows emulator) and use them to run these programs on your Linux system.

Many games are now accessible on Linux, despite the misconception that Linux is unfriendly to gamers. You can install PlayOnLinux to run Windows games even if a particular game is not supported by Linux.

Free

Linux users don’t need to pay anything at all. It has all the basic software that both average and advanced users need. Linux supports many educational software programs. We also have professional software that rivals desktop publishing, photo, audio, and video editing. Companies can use this program for free and can significantly reduce their IT costs.

Final Words

Linux is now used all over the world. You can get the source code of Linux for free as you know you can use it freely. As you know, Linux is an open-source operating system you can add, remove, and install any feature according to your need because customization can be done in open-source systems.