What is Linux?
linux is an operating system that is free to download, use and redistribute. It runs on a variety of hardware platforms and supports many types of software applications. Its open source licensing structure provides flexibility for the software developer and for end users. The software allows for a wide variety of configuration options and the ability to customize the system for specific applications.
The linux kernel was created by Linus Torvalds and first released in September of 1991. The linux kernel has since become the foundation of a large number of Linux-based systems including desktops, tablets, smartphones (Android), embedded systems and other devices.
Linux-based mobile systems are gaining popularity as the number of people owning such devices increases. Linux-based smartphones, for example, account for nearly 90 percent of the market share in the United States, according to a recent study by iResearch. The popularity of the mobile systems is partly due to the low cost of the software. The linux operating system has the potential to replace other proprietary systems like the Windows OS and the macOS OS. Some examples of such replacement software include the open source applications LibreOffice suite and GIMP.
Another important aspect of the linux operating system is that it has many security features built into the system. Typical practices include disabling unused ports that could be leveraged by hackers to load malware or otherwise compromise the system. Linux also has an option to close unused connections, which reduces the risk of such attacks.
The linux operating system is highly flexible and customizable, allowing developers to create different versions that cater to specific needs. Such variations are known as distributions and they vary in look and feel, application selection and other features. Some of the popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch. Others, such as Zorin, Solus and Deepin, offer a more modern take on the graphical user interface.
In addition to the Linux kernel, the linux operating system includes traditional general purpose programming languages for scripting and text processing, as well as more specialized programs such as awk and sed. The linux operating system has a unique file system which treats files and directories as one unit rather than storing each type of data in its own directory.
The linux operating system is very reliable and is rarely the target of ransomware or other malware. It is also possible to configure a linux server or desktop to not require a reboot, which can reduce downtime for a business. However, it is a complex operating system, which requires a significant investment of time to learn the software and develop a proficiency with it. Despite these hurdles, the linux operating system is widely used and continues to grow in importance as a computing platform. The Linux Foundation, a non-profit organization, has dedicated itself to continuing development and fostering its growth. The operating system is used in a variety of businesses and is an integral component of most cloud computing environments.
