The Technical Advantages of Linux
Linux is the dominant operating system for servers and desktops, as well as powering the lion’s share of cloud-based services. Its scalability, flexibility and security make it ideal for enterprise applications. But the technical advantages of Linux don’t just come from its code – the community that supports it also ensures that the software stays current and adaptable to changing business needs.
With a wide range of open source software and hardware options, Linux is extremely flexible and customizable. Depending on the distribution and hardware, it can be optimized for any application.
Many Linux distributions offer Live images that allow you to test-drive the software without making changes to your computer’s hard drive. This makes it easy to find out whether a distribution will support your hardware. It’s also a great way to learn how to use the software and get familiar with the Linux environment.
Almost all major Linux distributions include popular office, graphics and media programs such as LibreOffice, GIMP and Blender. They also have a wide selection of programming tools, including version control systems like Git and Mercurial; text editors such as Vim and emacs; and compilers and interpreters for almost any programming language. Many of these are ported to other operating systems, but most enterprise software development is still done using Linux.
It is also widely used for web server hosting and for cloud computing platforms, with many of the largest providers offering Linux instances. Its stability and reliability make it a popular choice for server deployments, especially in data centers where outages are costly.
Another advantage of Linux is that it’s open source and thus free to download, install and modify. This gives developers the opportunity to create, build and improve on a platform that is otherwise closed off from them. It also allows users to easily customize the user experience and add applications that they can’t get on non-Linux operating systems.
While the turbulence of recent years has slowed the rate of growth, a number of trends suggest that Linux is here to stay. The rise of IoT and edge computing is a clear example where Linux’s lightweight, modular and secure features make it the ideal solution for new technologies and devices. And the emergence of enterprise solutions vendors, such as Red Hat and SUSE, has given companies confidence that they can rely on Linux for their IT needs.
10 moments that shaped Linux history
This article by Alan Formy-Duval is an interesting look at the significant events that have helped shape Linux over 30 years. It is a good read for anyone interested in Linux, and it shows how a small project can grow into something larger than its original creators ever imagined.
One of the biggest challenges for Linux, however, is preserving its essence. The ethos of the open source movement, centered around community and transparency, must be safeguarded against the pressures of corporate adoption. Initiatives such as the CNCF and the Open Enterprise Linux Association are dedicated to keeping that spirit alive.
