The Benefits of Installing Linux on a Computer
The linux operating system is “by the people, for the people” and is one of the most reliable systems available on the market. It’s also one of the most cost effective, as users can install linux on as many computers as they want without paying a cent for software or server licensing. Unlike some other commercial desktop systems that can be vulnerable to viruses, bloatware, slowdowns and crashes, linux is designed to be reliable and secure.
A free, open source operating system, linux has a strong and growing community of developers. Its development is driven by a set of tenets known as the four freedoms: the freedom to study how it works, the freedom to change it to suit one’s needs, the freedom to redistribute copies and the freedom to help others. These tenets are at the core of why the linux platform exists, and form part of the culture that drives it forward.
Linux has a reputation for stability and reliability, which is why it is often used in servers and critical systems. It is also highly flexible and customizable, allowing users to choose from a wide range of desktop environments, software packages and system configurations.
The Linux kernel is a multitasking, microkernel-based system that provides the basic building blocks of a Unix-like operating system. It is the base for a variety of free software projects, which provide a full suite of features on top of the kernel. These projects are grouped into distributions, which are collections of software that can be downloaded and installed in a single step, with all the tools and documentation needed for operation included.
In addition to the core Linux kernel and the programs that run on top of it, Unix-like systems usually include a number of traditional, specific-purpose programming languages for scripting, text processing and system configuration and management. These include the command line shell, awk, sed and make. Several other languages are supported in distributions, including the advanced text editor GNU Emacs and the lisp-based programming language Lisp.
The linux operating system is popular in schools because it gives students hands-on experience with a real world computing environment. It also teaches them about the underlying mechanics of an operating system and encourages creativity and problem-solving. Students can also contribute to the ongoing development of a piece of software, further expanding their knowledge and skillsets. Moreover, since linux is an open source system, students have the option of learning how to modify and improve upon its codebase as well as contributing their own work to the project. This valuable skill set can be applied in a number of fields, from business to engineering.
