Learn the Ins and Outs of Linux

A free and open-source operating system, linux is the foundation of many different types of computers and devices. Its flexibility and security have made it a popular choice for many users, and the system’s code is available for anyone to review and modify. Many companies offer training and certification programs to help you learn the ins and outs of linux.

In 1991, Linus Torvalds wrote the kernel that would become Linux. He originally developed it for his own computer hardware, but the program soon became popular enough that he had several contributors help him with testing and coding new features. In 1994, Torvalds released version 1.0 of the kernel to the public. The Linux community continued to expand and develop the software, eventually forming multiple distributions for specific applications, desktops, servers, and embedded systems like Raspberry Pi systems.

These distributions are called “distros,” and they are all available for free download and installation on computers. Some distributions are ready to use and precompiled, while others, such as Gentoo Linux, require that the user manually compile the source code during installation to create a customized system configuration.

The most important component of the Linux system is the kernel, which manages CPU, memory and other resources, and communicates with device drivers to control hardware. The kernel is written in the C programming language, with some assembly and other languages sprinkled in. The Linux system also has a set of utilities, or daemons, that handle other processes. The most well-known of these are the init system, which manages startup and shutdown, and the glibc library, which provides basic functionality for the rest of the system.

A bootloader, such as GRUB, LILO or SYSLINUX, is responsible for loading the kernel and these system daemons into the computer’s main memory, once it has been handed over from the firmware. Once the kernel has been loaded into memory, it must be configured to manage system services and user accounts. Finally, the kernel must be complemented with a graphical environment and other software to make the system usable.

There are many benefits to using linux, but there are also some drawbacks. One is the lack of a single standard, which can be advantageous in optimizing the OS for individual applications, but can also make it more difficult to deploy standardized server or desktop images. Another is the cost: while Linux is free to copy and use, most commercial Linux vendors charge a fee for system support.

Many people contribute to the development of linux, in the spirit of its “by the community, for the community” tenets. Developers write the kernel and other components, testers test the system with various combinations of hardware and software, and writers create documentation, how-tos and other text distributed with the software. In addition to these volunteers, the Linux Foundation provides staff and facilities to support the project. These include a community hub, teams page listing their responsibilities and links to their Wiki Home Pages and leaders, communication tools and other infrastructure.

You Might Also Like