Do you know what Linux is? What can we use this Linux operating system for?
History of Linux operating system |
Whether you accept smartphones, cars, supercomputers, or any gadget in your home appliances, this Linux operating system is popular everywhere.
We don’t know much about it, but we’re always using it. Linux has been around for over 30 years. It first came to us in the mid-90s.
And again, this would mean that you have to spend on these processes.
Those who have used the Linux operating system before will know about its utilities but for those who are not yet familiar with it, then I would like to tell those people that we use it on all the devices that we use in the usual way.
It is used on almost all Internet servers and even on stock exchanges.
Because of its more reliable, secure, and error-free operating system, everyone wants to use the Linux kernel.
And one thing is for sure, it’s completely open-source and it’s also free, which helps developers to customize it in their own way.
So today I thought why should you all have complete information about what Linux is so that you too can have complete knowledge about this best open-source operating system.
So what’s the delay, let’s get started and find out what Linux is all about.
What is Linux Operating System?
Linux is a very popular version of the Unix operating system. It is an open-source software because its source code is freely available on the Internet. With it you can use it absolutely free, it says completely free.
Linux was built with Unix compatibility in mind. Therefore, its functionality list is often similar to that of Unix.
Because Linux is open-source, developers can customize it to suit their needs. This makes it a very reliable operating system for computers.
Who owns Linux?
Since Linux licenses are open source, Linux is freely available to anyone. However, the trademark still goes to Linus Torvalds, the creator of the “Linux“.
The copyright in the source code of the Linux OS goes to the individual authors, so it is collectively placed under the GPLV2 license.
Since Linux is behind a large group of people who contributed to it and took a few years to develop, it is not possible to communicate with them individually, so the Linux license is included in GPLV2, which includes everyone’s consent.
How did Linux get started?
Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991 when he was a student at the University of Helsinki. Torvalds developed Linux as a free and open-source alternative to the other Unix clone Minix OS and is mainly used in academic settings.
He initially thought of naming it “Freaks”, but the administrator of the server that Torvalds chose to distribute his original code-named his directory “Linux” which was a combination of Torvalds’ first name and Unix. This name sounded so beautiful that it was not changed later.
The components of the Linux system
If seen, the Linux operating system consists of three components.
- Kernel
- System Library
- System Utility
1. Kernel
This kernel is an integral part of Linux. It is responsible for all the major activities that take place in the operating system. Other modules involve little and no interaction with the underlying hardware.
The kernel prevents access to information or systems programs related to low-level hardware or behaves abstractly.
2. System Library
System libraries are special functions or programs that are used to access application programs or system utility kernel features.
These libraries implement almost all the functionality of the operating system and do not even require the code access rights of the kernel module to do so.
3. System Utility
System utilities are programs that specialize and are responsible for performing individual tasks.
Benefits of Linux
Here I am going to tell you about some important features of the Linux operating system.
1. Portable
Portability means this software can run on all types of hardware in the same way. The Linux kernel and application programs support almost all hardware platforms.
2. Open Source
The Linux source code is freely available and is a community-based development project to enhance the capabilities of the Linux operating system and that is why it is always evolving so that multiple teams work together.
3. Multi-User
Linux is a multiuser system which means multiple users can simultaneously access all its system resources such as memory / RAM/application programs.
4. Multiprogramming
Linux is a program that means multiple applications can run simultaneously.
5. Hierarchical File System
Linux provides a standard file structure so that system files/user files can be easily sorted.
6. Shell
Linux also provides a special interpreter program to execute operating system commands.
In addition to this, it is also used to perform various other operations, call application programs.
7. Security
Provides very good security features for Linux users such as password protection / controlled access to certain files / even data encryption etc.
Features of Linux
- Hardware layer – This hardware layer contains all peripheral devices (RAM / HDD / CPU etc.).
- Kernel – This is the core component of OS that communicates directly with the hardware. It provides a lower level of service to the upper layer components.
- Shell – This is a kernel interface that hides the complexity of kernel functions from users. These shells take commands from users and perform kernel functions.
- Utilities – These utility programs are said to provide the user with all the functionality of the operating system.
Some Linux commands
- ls: This will create a list of current directory contents.
- cd: This allows you to modify your current directory.
- cat: This allows you to display the contents of the file on the screen, with which you can copy and merge text files.
- history: From this, you will see a list of all executed commands on the screen.
- chmod: This allows you to change the permissions of the file.
- chown: This allows you to change the owner of the file.
- clear: This allows you to clear the screen for a fresh start.
- df: From this, you can see the disk space used and available.
- date: This allows you to display the date and time of the current system.
- From du: you can find out how much space has been taken from any file.
Some distribution of Linux
There are several versions of the Linux operating system suitable for all types of users. Everyone from new users to hardcore users has their own version here.
These versions are called distributions. All Linux distributions can be easily downloaded for free and installed.
Here you can see the most popular Linux distributions:
- Ubuntu Linux
- Linux Mint
- Arch Linux
- Deepin
- Fedora
- Debian
- openSUSE.
All of these distributions come with different features and should be chosen according to your needs.
Linux Download Resources
If you want to know more about Linux, download then I have provided the link to the website below which will give you more information about this great OS.
You can learn more about Linux by checking out these links:
- Linux.com: You can get all the information about Linux. (news, how-tos, answers, forums, and more)
- Linux.org: Here you can find all the information related to the Linux kernel. (including beginner, intermediate and advanced tutorials)
- Howtoforge: Linux tutorial here
- Linux Knowledge Base and Tutorial: Lots of tutorials here.
Download Linux
Links to the popular distribution download page. Below you’ll find links that lead directly to the download page of 25 popular Linux distributions.
- Ubuntu
- CentOS
- Debian
- Fedora
- Slackware
- Mint
- Xubuntu
- Arch
- OpenSUSE
- Red Hat
- Slackel
- PureOS
- Mageia
- PCLinuxOS
- Puppy
- Zorin
- BunsenLabs
- Kubuntu
- Manjaro
- Bodhi
- Netrunner
- Neptune
- Kali
- Black Lab
- Solus
Is Linux completely virus/malware-free?
The answer is no. There is no OS in the world that is 100% immune to viruses and malware. However, Linux has never had a major malware infection, if we compare it to Windows.
It is also true that there are very few users of Linux OS if we compare it with Microsoft users.
However, the main purpose of malware or viruses is to destroy the mass program in a situation where no programmer will waste his valuable time in this work, because the users are very few. That’s why Linux doesn’t have many viruses.
Linux is architecturally very powerful so it is very resistant to security threats. Note that the Linux kernel and GNU / Linux are OS.
Technically speaking, you cannot set up a Linux system without the original password and the user’s password.
This means that every Linux user has a password other than a ‘guest’. In Windows, any user can create a profile without a password.
Because of all these features, the risk of viruses and malware on the Linux operating system is very low.
Where is Linux used?
- Linux has become a rendering firm and a major contributor to the movie industry, with movies running on millions of machines.
- Linux is also used in TV systems for menu systems.
- Runs on all Android mobile Linux platforms.
- You can even automate your own home.
- All Internet connection routers run on Linux.
- Smaller disk storage system manufacturers also run on Linux.
- Also web app and website hosting.
- All Internet servers, databases, websites are operated and maintained by the Linux operating system.
- All stock exchanges also operate on Linux platforms.
- You can run fast on an old and slow PC.
- Linux OS is used to process payments at all ATMs.
- It is used to create any video game machine and dedicated media center.
The future of Linux
Linux is the operating system of the future, it’s hard to believe. This is because Linux is based on almost all the latest technology.
You can’t imagine any future technology without Linux. Embedded systems are an example where Linux is heavily used and Linux is primarily used to create and maintain these applications.
All the big companies are now using Linux the most according to the operating system. Since they have many great features, their demand is increasing day by day.
This allows many system administrators to change their work profile from Windows to Linux operating system.
Knowledge of Linux is essential to learn any new technology like cloud computing, virtualization, VMware, database administration.
That’s why I think the future of the Linux operating system is very bright.
Conclusion
So, guys, I hope you like what Linux is, Article. I always wish that you always get the right information. If you have any doubts about this post, you must let us know in the comments below.
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