Linux Operating System is a UNIX-based operating system.
Although it was originally created by Linus Torvalds, the operating system has seen a lot of changes since its conception.
▸It is open-source and free to download. It is open to all modifications, which has made it a powerful OS. This OS is quickly gaining popularity, especially among those who are looking for an alternative.
▸DOS, the dominant operating system, was dominating hardware in 1991.
▸Although software development was slower, UNIX was growing rapidly, at that point in its history, source code was expensive and jealously guarded.
Linus Torvalds, a student at Helsinki University, was interested in software and computers. In1991 he announced the creation of Linux as his core operating system.
▸It is one of the most popular operating systems on the PC, and it is especially suitable for small businesses with limited IT budgets. Linux Operating System is easy to use and install.
▸It is also more reliable than most other systems. Linux can run for months or even years without the need to reboot.
Linux Operating System Advantages
Open-source software like Linux has a significant advantage: it doesn't have an owner and can be debugged by anyone without the need for resources from either a licensed software proprietor or owner.
Companies have the freedom to use the OS as they please without worrying about complying with complicated license agreements.
Linux's greatest advantage is its low cost. The core OS is completely free and many software applications come with a GNU General Public License.
It is also very fast and can be used by many users simultaneously without slowing down. It's a great networking platform that works at maximum efficiency, even when there is limited hard drive space.
Linux Operating System can also be run on many hardware types including mainframes and supercomputers, PCs, Macs, mainframes, and some mobile phones.
Some prefer dual-boot Linux or Windows, while others prefer Linux and Mac OS. Pre-installed Linux on System76 computers is Ubuntu. This Debian Linux distribution comes pre-installed. This is the most used distribution of Linux on laptops.
Linux Vs Windows
Linux has many advantages over other operating systems, especially Microsoft Windows.
- It's free to use and share.
- Online help sites, blogs, and forums offer free support.
- It is extremely reliable, with very few crashes compared to other operating systems.
- It has been possible to develop a lot of open-source software for free.
- It is highly resistant to malware, such as spyware, adware, and viruses.
- It can be used on many different machines and cannot be upgraded to the latest Windows version.
- Linux provides greater security for sensitive applications because the source code can be easily seen.
- Linux allows for a lot of customization without having to modify the source code.
Both home and business users use Linux extensively, and it is growing in popularity every day. Linux is expected to surpass Microsoft Windows in popularity, opening the doors for free software like Open Office, The Gimp, and Thunderbird. It's easy to install and use alongside your current operating system.
Linux Operating System: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Linux is Open-Source: Why?
Linux operating system was designed to be an open-source operating system that anyone could modify. Linux has always been open-source since its inception. It was actually called Freeax (Free Unix) before Linux was even called Linux.
2. What is the GPL?
GPL ( GNU General Public License ) is the license that allows free software to be distributed. This license is used to distribute some of the most popular and widely used free software programs, including the Linux kernel or the GCC compiler. It gives the user of these programs the right to modify, share, and run the software.
3. What Does Linux Cost?
It doesn't usually cost anything. Red Hat Enterprise Distributions, such as Red Hat, do have a price. These can be paid upfront or by subscription.
4. Linux Operating System is Free!
Linux operating system is distributed under GPL. To comply with GPL, software packages must be open-source and free.
5. What Makes Linux Money?
The Linux Foundation, which funds kernel development, does not consider Linux development. Companies that directly or indirectly use Linux within their organizations/products generally put a lot of funds towards the development of the project to make it more reliable and secure.
6. What is Linux’s Popularity?
Linux operating system is not a popular OS for general users. Linux is the most widely used OS when it comes to building infrastructures and servers.
7. Is Linux is Too Hard to Understand ?
It all depends on the person. As there is no GUI. Linux requires some programming experience as the majority of things are done via the terminal. There are many factors that affect the availability of GUI. Ubuntu has a GUI, while Arch Linux is completely terminal-based.
8. What are Linux Distributions and Distros?
A Linux distro, or distribution, is an operating system that uses the Linux kernel. Popular Linux Operating systems are Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, etc.
9. Which Distro Should I Install?
It all depends on the use case. Check out our post: Which Flavor of Linux Is Best for Me?
10. Is Linux Operating System Secure?
Security is a relative term. Linux cannot be said to be completely secure, or better than Windows/Unix when it comes to security. There are exploits and malware on every major platform. Windows is more vulnerable to viruses than Linux. This is because attackers can target a wider audience with Windows malware than Linux.