What is Linux?
Linux is a powerful, open-source operating system that can run on a variety of hardware with demanding operating systems.
The Linux kernel is used to manage both the hardware resources and the software packages that run the operating system in Linux-based operating systems. Linux provides developers with a vast array of apps and a high degree of competence. Owing to its open-source, free nature, there are numerous variations of Linux that are continually being expanded upon to provide new operating systems, or distributions, that provide certain features to meet the demands of developers.
There are numerous Linux OS distributions that come with a graphical user interface (GUI), which is more like to a standard desktop for a Windows PC or Mac, even if many of them need the user to communicate with the Linux OS through the command line interface. The most widely used Linux distributions include Fedora, Oracle Linux, Ubuntu, Red Hat, CentOS, and Debian.
How is the Linux operating system used?
Every Linux OS version provides some form of user interface, manages hardware resources, launches and manages applications, and manages hardware resources. A Linux version is available for almost any task thanks to the extensive community of developers and the wide range of distributions, which has impacted many areas of computing.
For instance, Linux has grown in popularity as a popular OS for web servers like Apache, network operations that call for a lot of compute clusters, running databases, desktop and endpoint computing, and operating mobile devices like Android.
Several environments and use cases are supported by the Linux operating system. The following are some applications for Linux:
- Server OS for shared servers of any kind, including web servers, database servers, file servers, email servers, and other types. Linux is suitable for all kinds of server applications, with the exception of high-volume and multithreading applications.
- For use in personal productivity computing. Users who prefer Linux to use commercial operating systems can use it as a free, open-source desktop environment.
- Headless server OS for systems without a keyboard or graphical user interface (GUI) or direct connection to a terminal. For remotely managed networking servers and other devices, headless systems are frequently employed.
- For systems with limited computing capabilities, an embedded device or appliance OS is used. Linux is used as an embedded OS for a variety of devices, including those for home automation, automotive entertainment systems, and network file system devices.
- Network operating system for switches, routers, DNS servers, wireless home networks, and more. As an illustration, Linux is used in a version of the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) that is available from Cisco.
- Enterprise software development OS for software development. Some of the most popular open-source software development tools are available for Linux, even if many have been ported to Windows or other OSes. Take networked source control tools like git, source code editing tools like vim and emacs, and compilers and interpreters for practically all programming languages.
- For cloud instances, use Cloud OS. For cloud servers, desktops, and other services, major cloud computing companies provide access to Linux-powered cloud computing instances.
How does Linux work?
Consider a car engine-like OS. An engine can operate on its own, but when it is connected to a transmission, axles, and wheels, it becomes a driving force. The rest of the vehicle won’t function without the engine running properly.
Linux was intended to run on a variety of hardware, from smartphones to supercomputers, but it has since changed. The Linux kernel, which controls hardware resources, and a number of software packages that make up the operating system’s rest are both present in every Linux-based OS. Organizations can also choose to use a Linux server to run their Linux OS.
Among other things, the OS comes with the GNU tools and other common core components. With the help of these tools, the user can install extra software, adjust performance and security settings, and manage the resources that the kernel provides. The operating system that functions is made up of all these tools combined together. Since Linux is an open-source operating system, different Linux distributions may employ different software combinations.
Advantages and disadvantages of Linux OS
Before using Linux, both the benefits and drawbacks must be taken into account. What are the Linux OS’s benefits and drawbacks:
Advantages of Linux OS:
- Open source: Anyone can access and modify Linux OS because it is open-source and open-source. Developers and users can do so by modifying the operating system in accordance with their requirements.
- Free: Like with Windows OS, Linux is available for free.
- Stability: The Linux OS is renowned for its stability, allowing it to run continuously for weeks or even months without rebooting.
- Accessibility: Servers, laptops, and desktops can all be installed in Linux. Users can access Linux anywhere and anytime thanks to this.
- Security: Linux OS is acknowledged to be secure and resistant to malware and virus attacks. This is because Linux’s security measures are stricter than those of Windows.
Disadvantages of Linux OS:
- Lack of application support: Some Windows OS applications may not be available in Linux OS. Despite the numerous alternatives available, some may not have the same features as others.
- Lack of hardware driver support: Linux occasionally encounters issues with supporting particular hardware drivers. Despite ongoing improvements in Linux driver support, some hardware devices are still not supported by Linux.
- Not as user-friendly is Linux’s user interface: Its interface or user interface isn’t as user-friendly as Windows ‘. Users who are not familiar with Linux may find this difficult.
- Lack of support: Leading software and hardware manufacturers do not support Linux OS. This may make it difficult to get support for particular hardware and software products.
- Lack of standards: Different Linux distributions use different standards. This makes it challenging to create applications that run on all Linux distributions.
Which distribution is right for you?
Your requirements and level of experience determine the best Linux distribution to use:
- For Beginners: Ubuntu is a great option for first-time Linux users because of its straightforward user interface and strong community support. On the other hand, Linux Mint offers a user experience that is comparable to Windows right away, making the transition simple for novices.
- For Advanced Users: Advanced users who value customization and complete control might choose to use Arch Linux, which is renowned for its straightforward design and ability to build incredibly special systems from scratch. Gentoo, another option, requires lengthy learning and manual setup in addition to Gentoo, which gives you complete control over the system.
- For Developers: Because of its emphasis on contemporary software and technology, Fedora was a well-liked option among developers and an ideal platform for software testing and development. Debian, on the other hand, is widely recognized for its dependability and large package repository, suggesting that it may be utilized in both development and production settings.
- For Servers: CentOS is a robust, community-maintained distribution that is comparable to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) in server environments. As an alternative, the Ubuntu Server is user-friendly, has a robust community support system, and provides a large selection of server software.
- For Lightweight Systems: Users frequently choose Ubuntu because it uses system resources more effectively while maintaining functionality, or because it is light on the market. Puppy Linux, a slim alternative to outdated hardware that still maintains the necessary functions and applications, is another slim option.
Comparing Linux to Other Operating Systems
Linux stands out for its robust security measures and flexibility in relation to other operating systems. More secure than many competing operating systems, Linux’s architecture includes a number of built-in features. Symbiote is one example of malware that specifically targets Linux. The proactive community consistently checks and fixes any system security flaws despite this potential vulnerability.
Despite the increasing threat of malicious attacks like malware as a result of Windows ‘declining penetration, Linux continues to be reliable and cost-effective overall thanks to its lower number of targeted vulnerabilities, largely because Windows still holds the top market share for desktop computers, holding only about 3% of users Linux.
However, a sizable fraction still prefer Linux to other operating systems because they prioritize protecting computer data and lowering risk exposure by utilizing less appealing operating systems that are probably already compromised or at the very least frequently checked for security flaws.
Although Linux’s user base is smaller than that of Windows users, it still appeals to security-conscious users, who make up no more than 3% of those who choose a safer computing experience over the widely used but potentially dangerous Microsoft operating system (Linux uses a steady tie between upgrades).
How can you get started using Linux?
The simplest way to try Linux on a popular distribution that is designed for your platform (for example, a laptop or tablet device) is to try it out if you already use it and don’t know how to do it. Although there are many different distributions, the majority of the older, well-known ones are good for beginners because of their large user communities, which can assist with questions and help with solutions.
There are many more popular distributions than just Elementary OS, Fedora, Mint, and Ubuntu. Try a few to see which one best suits your hardware and your way of working, as it is a common adage.
You can purchase a System76 or Purism machine that already has Linux installed, or you can install Linux on your present computer (just make sure to back up your data first). If you’re not interested in the quickest computing experience available, you may also get a Raspberry Pi or install Linux on outdated machines.
After installing Linux, read our guide on installing apps on the operating system, and return frequently to access guides and news on the greatest open-source software available. In the end, it all comes down to just getting started with Linux. You’ll become accustomed to it faster if you give it a try, and ultimately, you’ll forget happily that non-open operating systems even exist!
