The Advantages and Disadvantages of Linux
linux is an operating system that establishes communication between computer hardware and software. It is used on cell phones, cars, supercomputers and home desktops. Unlike proprietary systems like Windows or Mac OS, linux is free and open source.
The core of linux is the kernel, which manages hardware resources and provides a base for a set of software packages that make up the rest of the operating system. The kernel is written in the C programming language, although other languages are used for specific purposes. For example, the traditional Unix command line contains special-purpose programming languages such as grep and sed, and the text editor GNU Emacs is built on a general purpose Lisp interpreter.
Most of the other programs in a Linux distribution are written in general-purpose languages, such as Python, Perl and Java. Those programs handle things such as file and network management, text processing, and program configuration.
Linux has been developed by a large community of users who are constantly working to improve it and add new features. The open source model allows users to access the source code, study how it works and even modify it if they wish. These changes are then made available to everyone through a series of releases that are often referred to as a “release cycle.”
Another benefit of the Linux community is that it provides massive online support for anyone who has questions or problems with the operating system. This is accomplished through a variety of means, including forums, question boards and dedicated websites. Those who prefer to seek help in person can join local Linux user groups and meet with people who can provide assistance.
While Linux has many advantages over other operating systems, it is not without its drawbacks. For instance, it can be difficult to install proprietary software that does not show up in the Linux store or for which there is no direct installation method (as with Google Chrome). Additionally, it may take some time to get familiar with the command line interface if you are used to GUI programs.
Security is a big concern, and Linux offers tools and modules (like SELinux) to further lock down and monitor hardware resources, applications and data. Because the Linux operating system is modular it can be easier to audit, detect and remedy security issues than in a monolithic operating system like Windows.
You can try Linux for yourself by using a disc or USB drive to create a “live” operating system that will run without installing anything to your hard drive. Your Linux distribution will usually have a program to help you do this, but be sure to read the documentation and get a feel for how it works before moving on. Once you become comfortable with the live version, you can move on to installing the operating system on your computer’s hard disk. This will let you keep your settings, installed software and files intact between reboots.
