The Basics of Linux
Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991, linux is an operating system that acts as the foundation for many devices and applications. Its open source nature and high level of customization make it a popular choice for both people and companies. Its reliability and safety have made it the operating system of choice for a number of important organizations, including the New York Stock Exchange, the Pentagon and the FAA (which operates over sixteen million flights each year). It’s also used by Google and other manufacturers to power their Chromebooks, as well as Amazon Web Services and other cloud computing environments.
Unlike Windows or Mac OS, which are commercial software programs that must be licensed, linux is free and can be modified to suit specific needs. Its popularity grew rapidly in the 1990s, as it began to dominate large iron computer systems like mainframes and secure a foothold in server installations. It also became the OS of choice for desktop computers, allowing users to bypass the monopoly held by Windows and Mac OS.
While Linux has a strong learning curve, it is highly customizable and extensible. In fact, the system can be expanded by installing “software modules” from a centralized repository of applications and tools. Many of these modules are graphical in nature and allow for user interaction with the system, while others are written in the more traditional command line format.
The heart of a linux system is the kernel. It handles every bit of input and output, as well as coordinating all aspects of the operating system. It uses device drivers to manage how hardware components work with the kernel, file systems to control how the system works with distinct files and system calls, which allow programs to interact with the kernel and its services.
The kernel is complemented by the rest of the operating system, which includes a set of default applications that can be used to complete everyday tasks. Depending on the distribution, this can include a graphical user interface such as the X Window System, KDE Plasma or GNOME, as well as software that facilitates text editing and running a command-line session.
Most of the applications in a linux distribution come with multimedia capabilities that can be used to play music, video and podcasts. Additional programs are available to stream audio and video from remote locations, and the linux desktop comes with photo management and file managers to store and organize data.
While a linux system is most familiar to IT professionals, its widespread use has increased its popularity among consumers and business owners alike. As a result, the linux ecosystem now encompasses an extensive array of products, from smartphones and tablet computers to industrial robots and embedded systems.
