Linux is an open-source operating system built on freedom, collaboration, and customization principles. Linux provides a fast, stable, and secure environment for personal computers, servers, smartphones, and embedded systems. What sets Linux apart is its kernel, the core component that interacts directly with the hardware, offering unparalleled flexibility and scalability.
Linux is also known for its distributions, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat, OpenSuse, and Debian developed for different user needs. Its robust architecture, coupled with an extensive community of developers, ensures continuous innovation and the availability of a vast software ecosystem. Linux has become the backbone of countless technological advancements and continues to shape the digital landscape with its reliability, performance, and open nature.
History of Linux
Linux became popular over time, not only among coders and IT professionals but also among individual users. In three decades, it has become one of the most open-source projects globally, boasting millions of lines of code. Exploring the history, intricacies, and standout features of Linux sheds light on its allure and usefulness.
Linux was developed in 1991 when a 21-year-old computer scientist named Linus Torvalds set forth on a mission to develop a new, freely available kernel. Torvalds took to Usenet, sending a message to fellow coders expressing his intentions:
“Hello everybody out there using minix – I’m doing a (free) operating system (just a hobby, won’t be big and professional like gnu) for 386(486) AT clones. This has been brewing since April and is starting to get ready. I’d like any feedback on things people like/dislike in minix, as my OS resembles it somewhat (same physical layout of the file-system (due to practical reasons) among other things).”
In 1996, Torvalds opted for the endearing penguin as the official mascot for Linux. The project found its place within the GNU project and operated under the GNU General Public License, ensuring it remained a free software license. With the support of a vast number of volunteers, Linux gradually ascended to its present stature, captivating users worldwide.
Who is Linus Torvalds?
Linus Torvalds is the creator and original developer of the Linux kernel. He was born on December 28, 1969, in Helsinki, Finland. Torvalds attended the University of Helsinki, where he studied computer science and later earned his Master’s degree.
In 1991, while still a student, Torvalds began working on his project to develop a new operating system kernel. He announced the Linux project on Usenet, seeking feedback and collaboration from other developers. The hobby project, Linux, gained popularity and attracted a community of contributors who helped enhance and expand the operating system.
Linus Torvalds continues to be involved in developing the Linux kernel and serves as its principal maintainer. His contributions to t open-source universe earned him numerous accolades and recognition as one of the most influential figures in the field. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
How can Linux be defined?
Linux cannot be defined as a standalone operating system but rather as a foundation for creating operating systems. It has gained widespread usage, from personal computers to large multinational corporations worldwide. With the incorporation of numerous free and open-source projects, Linux has become an advanced operating system. These distributions also offer flexibility by allowing easy installation of other or newer operating systems alongside them.
One of Linux’s noteworthy attributes is its minimal hardware resource requirements. This aspect is significant for many companies considering the substantial cost savings associated with resource utilization. Furthermore, Linux proves invaluable for startups, serving as an excellent free operating system choice.
Established in 2000, the Linux Foundation is a nonprofit technology consortium. It plays a pivotal role in standardizing Linux, supporting its growth, and fostering its commercial adoption.
How does Linux work?
Linux is the kernel. But with many other components, it becomes an operating system. Linux is built with a certain set of principles known as the Linux Way. Linux Way is the philosophy behind the Unix system. The components of Linux are replaceable, which differs the distros from each other.
The Linux way can be summarized as follows:
- Use programs that do the required task well
- Link the programs to accomplish complex tasks
- Store information in plain text files when possible
- There are several ways to do the tasks
- Master the command line to have more power
- Prefer the command line over the user interface
The core components of a Linux system are the Boot Loader, Kernel, Daemons, Shell, X Window Server, Window Manager, and the Desktop Environment.
What is Linux kernel?
The kernel is the heart of the Linux operating system, serving as its primary component. The kernel establishes direct communication with the hardware, enabling vital interactions.
It takes charge of resource allocation, effectively managing memory, processor utilization, disk space, and the operation of various external devices connected to the system. Regular releases of updated kernel versions ensure optimal system performance, making it advisable to upgrade for enhanced functionality.
What are Daemons in Linux?
In the Linux realm, daemons are akin to background services responsible for a multitude of tasks. They diligently handle network connections, USB devices, filesystems, user logins, web servers, and a plethora of other functions. The term “daemon” holds common currency in the Linux community as these processes operate silently, often remaining hidden from the user’s direct view.
What is Linux Shell?
The shell in Linux serves as an implementation of a textual interface, commonly known as the “command line,” enabling users to execute programs through Linux commands. Its presence empowers users to make modifications and wield complete control over the operating system, offering a realm of freedom and administration.
Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is the predominant choice for the shell on most Linux systems. However, alternative shells such as C shell, KornShell, Z shell, Fish Shell, Ion Shell, and others exist, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences and requirements.
What is X Window Server?
While Linux can be utilized solely through the command line interface, the inclusion of the X Window Server expands its capabilities by providing a graphical environment. The X window system facilitates the handling of user input from keyboards, mice, tablets, and various other input devices.
While Xorg remains the prevailing choice for many Linux distributions, Wayland has recently gained popularity. Notably, Wayland has become the default display server for certain distributions such as Fedora, indicating its growing prominence in the Linux ecosystem.
What is Window Manager in Linux?
A window manager is a crucial component of the graphical user interface (GUI) responsible for the placement, appearance, and behavior of windows on the screen. It serves as a layer between the applications and the underlying X Window System or Wayland protocol.
The window manager controls the decoration and manipulation of windows, including features like title bars, borders, buttons, resizing, and minimizing/maximizing. It also manages the stacking order of windows, allowing users to switch between them and organize their display.
Some popular window managers include Metacity, Openbox, Xfwm, i3, Awesome, and KWin. These window managers can greatly impact the visual aesthetics, workflow efficiency, and overall user experience in a Linux environment.
What is Desktop Environment in Linux?
A desktop environment provides a user-friendly graphical interface and a collection of integrated applications, tools, and services. It allows users to interact with the computer visually.
A desktop environment typically includes several components, such as a window manager, file manager, panel or taskbar, desktop icons, system settings manager, and various utilities. It also provides features like desktop customization, application launchers, virtual workspaces, notification systems, and access to system resources.
Some popular desktop environments are GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, Cinnamon, MATE, and LXQt. Each desktop environment has its own design philosophy, visual style, and set of default applications, catering to different user preferences and system requirements.
The choice of a desktop environment in Linux is flexible, and users can select the one that aligns with their desired workflow, resource usage, and aesthetics.
What is a Linux File system?
Linux file system governs the storage and retrieval of data. Linux supports multiple file systems, including ext4 (the most commonly used), ext3, XFS, Btrfs, and more. Each file system has its own features, performance characteristics, and suitability for different use cases.
In a Linux file system, files are organized within directories, which can contain subdirectories and files. The file system starts with a root directory (“/”) from which all other directories and files branch out. A unique name identifies each file and directory and can have various permissions and attributes associated with it.
Linux has a different directory structure. The top-level directory is called “Root”. Any file on the system is a descendant of the root directory. The root directory contains other directories, such as:
- bin – programs needed to perform basic tasks, i.e. change a directory or copy a file
- dev – special files that represent hardware devices
- etc – configuration files
- home – contains private directories of users
- media or mnt – Mount point for external drives connected to this computer, i.e. CDs or USB keys
- tmp – temporary files
- usr – programs installed on the computer
- var – variable data produced by programs, like error logs
What can Linux do?
Linux offers a familiar user experience for regular users, similar to Windows or macOS. It supports a wide range of activities, including web browsing, email management, Office applications, PDF viewing, media playback, and photo management. Additionally, Linux provides the capability to play video games through applications like WineHQ or natively, as an increasing number of game developers create games for the Linux platform.
For advanced users, Linux serves as a versatile solution for server deployment. It can function as a server for various purposes, such as network elements, routers, or transition devices, enabling connectivity between multiple networks using different protocols. Linux can be configured as a firewall to enhance security measures and act as a bridge to segregate network traffic between segments.
Many organizations utilize Linux as a terminal server, facilitating connections to one or more modems. Additionally, the lightweight and open-source nature of Linux make it a preferred choice for scientific research and its use in supercomputers, as exemplified by CentOS.
Linux provides numerous options for web servers, including Apache, LiteSpeed, Tomcat JSP, and Nginx. Hosting businesses can effectively manage their operations using stable and robust Linux server distributions such as AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Debian, Ubuntu Server, OpenSUSE, Fedora, or CentOS. Moreover, there are various premium and open-source web control panels and billing systems available that seamlessly run on the Linux operating system, enhancing the management of hosting services.
Is Linux hard to learn?
Linux, a robust alternative to other operating systems, provides the easiest and cost-free means to learn UNIX, the ancestor of modern operating systems. It caters to individuals seeking proficiency in UNIX-based systems, application usage, and software development.
The Linux operating system excels in various aspects. It can coexist with other systems on the same disk, effectively harnesses the power of multiple processors, and seamlessly operates on multiprocessor computers. Furthermore, Linux boasts extensive hardware compatibility, supporting a wide array of market-available components and graphics cards through text-based configurations.
Despite misconceptions, Linux, like many other free software products, is freely available without any cost. Its ongoing development and free distribution do not undermine its suitability for professional use. On the contrary, the Linux operating system offers numerous advantages across various domains, particularly for personal use.
Which is the best Linux for beginners?
There is no certain answer to this question but many Linux distros are getting more user-friendly. The distributions below are the 7 best for beginners in common:
- Ubuntu
- Linux Mint
- Zorin OS
- Elementary OS
- Manjaro
- Fedora
- Deepin
Is learning Linux worth it?
Absolutely! Linux is worth learning, particularly for server systems. Numerous companies rely on Linux as their preferred operating system for various server functions, including web servers, mail servers, DNS servers, and more.
While the initial learning curve for Linux commands may seem daunting, mastering them grants you the freedom to perform virtually any administrative task on the system. As the root user, you possess full access and can make any necessary modifications.
If you’re pursuing a career as a Network or System Administrator or aspire to work in such positions, familiarity with Linux is essential. Linux has witnessed a surge in popularity, with many excellent distributions now available for home users. This means you can use Linux for your daily computing needs too. Linux offers a stable, secure, fast operating system environment. Moreover, even gaming enthusiasts can enjoy video games on a Linux operating system
Is Linux better than Windows?
Both Linux and Windows operating systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the advantageous features of Linux.
Customizability: Linux is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their system according to their preferences. It offers a wide range of desktop environments, window managers, and customization options. Windows, on the other hand, provides limited customization compared to Linux.
Security: Linux is generally considered more secure than Windows due to its robust permissions system. Linux systems are less prone to malware and virus attacks compared to Windows. However, Windows has made significant improvements in security over the years.
Software Availability: Windows boasts various commercial software and games specifically developed for the platform. It has better compatibility with popular applications and games. While Linux has made great strides in software availability, some commercial software and games may not have native Linux versions, although compatibility through emulation or virtualization is possible.
User-Friendliness: Windows has traditionally been more user-friendly, with a graphical interface and intuitive user experience. On the other hand, Linux has made significant improvements in user-friendliness with modern desktop environments.
Cost: Linux is free and open-source, which means you can download, use, and modify it without any licensing costs. Windows, however, requires a license for legal usage, which can be a significant factor for individuals or organizations with budget constraints.
Community and Support: Linux has a passionate community of users and developers who provide extensive support, documentation, and troubleshooting resources. Windows benefits from a large user base and official Microsoft support, making finding help and solutions for issues easier.
Choosing between Linux and Windows depends on your specific requirements, technical expertise, software needs, and personal preferences. Many users find that a combination of both operating systems best suits their needs, leveraging the strengths of each in different scenarios.
