A Beginner’s Guide to Installing Linux
The Linux operating system is a powerful, flexible, open-source software platform. Its collaboration with a global community, frequent updates, and diverse distributions tailored to user needs ensure efficient functionality. Its core, comprising the kernel, system libraries, shell, and hardware layer, provides stability, security, and versatility.
It was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish computer science student. It was first released for the 486 clone of his own personal PC, but has since grown to become an OS for most modern computers. It is now used in desktops, tablets, smartphones, digital cameras, and even cars, thanks to its robust and flexible features.
Linux has many different versions, or “flavors,” that are available for users of any skill level to choose from. These variations are called distributions and can be downloaded for free, burned onto disk or USB flash drive, and installed on as many devices as you like.
For new Linux users, we recommend starting with a “distro” that is beginner-friendly and has good community support. You should also check the kernel version and your hardware requirements. The Linux kernel can be compiled with configuration options that turn certain functionalities on or off, and this can be a great feature for specialized systems.
Most Linux distributions use the X Window System, or simply X, for their graphical interface. This is what most people think of when they hear the term “Linux,” as it is what runs on desktops and laptops like Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. It can be quite intimidating to those unfamiliar with it, however, because it relies on text-based CLI commands and requires the user to type them manually rather than using a clicky GUI.
The most important aspect of a Linux installation is the kernel. The kernel is the program that controls all aspects of the OS and all functionality of hardware and software. It handles input and output, memory management, and hardware control. It also translates between user-level programs and the hardware layer, providing flexibility in a modular and highly configurable environment.
The Linux kernel is the heart of any computer, and it is what separates Linux from other operating systems. It is based on Unix but is not a clone of it, and the code has been modified over the years to add more features.
