What Is Linux?
Whether you run Linux on your desktop or mobile device, or use it to power the servers running your favorite websites, chances are good that you’re benefiting from open source software. It may only hold a small slice of the desktop operating system market, but it’s an enormous player in the mobile and server sectors, and has influenced many other devices around you—including your car, home entertainment systems, digital storage devices, cameras, and more.
Developed in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, linux is a free and open source operating system that supports a wide variety of hardware and software. It’s known for its stability, safety, and flexibility, making it an appealing choice for both individuals and businesses.
The core component of a Linux system is the kernel, which manages system input and output and communicates with hardware devices. The kernel is complemented by a set of GNU tools, which offer users ways to configure the system, install additional software, and perform other tasks. The exact combination of bundled software varies between different Linux distributions, reflecting the fact that this is an open source OS.
Outside developers and GNU projects add high-level functions to the kernel in the form of modules, which can be modified or optimized to form unique distributions for specific needs. These modules may provide graphical or command-line interfaces, implement a system environment, manage security, handle video input or output, and more. The kernel is then loaded into memory by a boot loader, such as GNU GRUB, LILO, SYSLINUX or the more modern systemd-boot, and the resulting operating system begins to function.
Once a Linux operating system is up and running, the user can access a graphical user interface to perform common computer tasks, such as word processing, photo editing, and even video production. A number of different graphical environments are available, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, and Red Hat, which you can download for free from the respective operating systems’ official sites.
The underlying system is also very flexible, allowing you to install the software that best suits your needs. It’s possible to find a Linux alternative for virtually any piece of software you can imagine, including proprietary programs like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office.
You probably don’t realize it, but you use Linux on a daily basis without realizing it. It powers your smartphone, tablet or Chromebook, most websites you visit, and countless other embedded devices and machines. It’s even in your car, as part of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
You can install a full Linux operating system on your computer by downloading a free distribution from the internet and following its installation instructions. Alternatively, you can purchase computers from companies such as Purism or System76 that have Linux installed. Regardless of which method you choose, it’s best to back up your data before installing. Then you can start exploring all the amazing things you can do with a new operating system. It’s also worth noting that Linux can be run on older computers, albeit not as efficiently.
