The Benefits of Using Linux on Desktops and Laptops
The Linux kernel manages hardware resources and a set of software packages build the rest of the operating system. It provides an environment where users can run applications, control system settings and perform administrative tasks using text-based commands. Other critical components built around the kernel are a file system and an Integrated Development Environment, or IDE.
Linux is free to use, and there are no licensing fees for installing the operating system on desktops, laptops and notebooks. This zero cost of entry makes it a perfect platform for a business, school or organization to avoid the expensive repairs, slowdowns and crashes often associated with proprietary systems.
Unlike most commercial operating systems, Linux is not centralized and does not have a single vendor. Instead, many people and companies combine open source Linux components to create a specific Linux distribution. These are sometimes referred to as Linux flavors, and they can be distributed for free (with no support) or sold at a premium for bundled tools, services and specialized features.
One of the primary differences between Linux and proprietary systems is that it is designed to be open and transparent, allowing developers to study how it works and modify its code. This gives the Linux community the freedom to improve and adapt the operating system as needed. It also means that the entire Linux ecosystem is incredibly stable, dependable and secure.
When Linus Torvalds created the first version of Linux, he was not sure it would be successful. He started by creating a multitasking kernel that would allow two threads to share the same computer screen. Each thread wrote a stream of As or Bs, and the context switched when the kernel ran out of memory.
Over time, Torvalds kept making improvements to the Linux kernel and implementing new features. The result was a robust and reliable operating system that worked well enough to be used in production.
In addition to its reliability, Linux has a number of other benefits that make it a good choice for businesses. These include the ability to install it on any device, no license costs for software and servers, and a low attack surface that is easy to patch and update.
However, even with these advantages, there are a number of reasons why Linux has yet to dominate the desktop market. For starters, Linux is more suited to laptops and desktops with high-end processors and graphics cards than the lower-end computers typically found in consumer homes. Additionally, there are a number of proprietary software programs that are only available on Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OS that can’t be easily ported to Linux. Finally, a lack of familiarity with the platform could be holding back its adoption among consumers.
