The Basics of Linux
Linux is an open-source Unix-like operating system that was created in 1991. It is built on the Linux kernel, a free software project created by Linus Torvalds. It comes packaged in a Linux distribution, which is an installation package that comes with the operating system. However, there are other variations of Linux that can be used. For example, you can install Linux on a Raspberry Pi, or install it on a Mac computer.
Linux’s community is large and incredibly active. In addition to the kernel, there are many other Linux components that are developed by a community that includes professionals and enthusiasts. For example, the networking stack is agile and mature, and the APIs are well-suited to modernized data centers. Its design makes it ideal for software-defined networking, and the control and data-forwarding planes are separated, so the operating system can run on any network device.
While Linux is free, it is not a ‘universal’ operating system. It was created by a group of programmers and is free to use. Its developers have also released a number of applications and utilities. The Linux OS is designed to be flexible, and it can be tweaked to fit specific needs. Various distributions are available, and some are more advanced than others. Those with limited computer experience should read the documentation provided with each distribution before installing it.
The cd command allows you to navigate between Linux directories and files. It takes the full path, the name of the directory, and the current working directory. For instance, cd Photos would navigate to a subdirectory of Documents, while cd Movies would go to a new directory named Movies. The absolute path of a directory is case-sensitive. Ensure that you know the name of your new directory before running the cd command.
While Linux is free, there are some cases when commercial software developers want to make money. This is true of many Linux distributions, which are based on free software. These programs are designed to work with the kernel and the other applications. They are essential to run the operating system. They are both open-source software. For this reason, they are free and can be downloaded for free. They are widely compatible with each other, but they are not “universal” in terms of their functionality.
The Linux kernel is maintained by a public mailing list. Proposed updates are made publicly available. Anyone can join the list and participate in debates. There are many commercial suppliers of Linux, which offer support services. Some of these commercial vendors also offer their own specialized business versions. These specialized business editions come with proprietary support packages and administrative tools that help them make money with their distribution. This is a good way to make money out of Linux.
