The Benefits of Linux
The Linux operating system (OS) is used by desktops, servers, and embedded systems across the globe. It’s in your smartphone, your car’s engine control unit, your Roku device, and many smart home appliances, and it powers much of the Internet, all of the world’s top 500 supercomputers, and the stock exchanges.
Unlike other commercial OS software, which requires that the user pay for a license to use, linux is free and open source. It is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which allows anyone to study, modify, and redistribute its source code. This is made possible by large investments from companies like IBM and Sun Microsystems, which allow full-time developers to devote their time to Linux development.
The kernel is the heart of the operating system, managing resources and coordinating hardware functions. The kernel and related libraries provide the foundation for all other components of the OS, including applications (apps), the userland, and the administrator layer. The userland includes a shell, the command line, and daemons (processes that run in the background). The administration layer handles system-level tasks, including configuration and software installation.
Most linux distributions include apps, which are a variety of software programs that do things such as word processing, graphics design, video editing, and so on. These apps are available in a wide variety of genres, and are typically designed to be compatible with other OSes as well. The Linux community also maintains a central database where users can download additional apps for their distribution.
Depending on your skill level, you can choose from hundreds of different Linux versions (known as distributions or distros) to get the operating system that’s right for you. Some are geared toward newbies, others are more advanced, and still others offer a particular philosophy, function, or target market.
Linux is an excellent choice for organizations that want to save money on the cost of licensing fees, but aren’t ready to commit to a fully staffed IT department for system maintenance and technical support. However, you’ll need to create a plan to ensure that the operating system and all software are kept up to date.
Another benefit of Linux is that it works on a wide variety of hardware platforms, making it a good choice for businesses with mixed IT environments. In addition, Linux is easy to install. Most distributions offer what’s known as a live edition, which lets you try the OS without making any changes to your hard drive. You can even run it from a USB drive or CD. This makes it easier to assess whether Linux is the right choice for your business. If you do decide to install it, most distributions feature a simple, step-by-step installer wizard. Depending on your needs, you can customize the installer to make it work for you. Then, once your new Linux system is up and running, you can start working on your custom software and apps. This way, you can truly make linux your own.
