What Is Linux?
Almost two-thirds of the web pages you view are likely powered by servers running Linux. Linux is a powerful operating system that offers flexibility, security, and control over the environment. Its open source nature allows users to customize the system to suit their needs and preferences, and its stability and reliability make it an ideal choice for businesses and organizations.
Linux is a computer operating system that uses the UNIX kernel and GNU software to provide an integrated framework for programs, libraries, and tools. It features file systems and utilities to manage hardware devices and network connections, a desktop environment, and a command line interface. Unlike other commercial OSes, such as Windows and macOS, which are often installed on new computer hardware by the original equipment manufacturer, Linux is usually downloaded and installed by individual users or by companies that purchase Linux licenses to support their own IT departments.
Depending on the specific distribution, a linux system may include a package management system to easily install, update, and remove software programs; an init system (such as systemd, OpenRC, or runit), a graphical display server such as X.org or Wayland; GNU tools and documentation; IP network configuration utilities; a getty TTY setup program; and other components. Users can also add a variety of additional programs to their linux system. This includes multimedia playback and streaming apps such as VLC or Celluloid; file manager programs; photo organizers and editors such as gPhoto and Pixelmator; and text editing, programming, and word processing tools such as Gimp and LibreOffice.
While the linux operating system can be customized to suit many different types of applications, its lack of an established standard can limit the number of available hardware drivers and software that works well with it. Some software developers may only create applications for other OSes, such as Windows and macOS, that have larger user bases. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to find an application that meets a particular need or use case.
A linux OS can be more secure than other operating systems because it uses the same permission model as UNIX, requiring a password to log on and access resources, and requiring a special code to execute files. In addition, a chmod command can be used to assign read, write, or execute permissions to files and directories.
Linux is often criticized for its steep learning curve and difficulty for beginners, as it requires a deeper understanding of system commands and configurations than more user-friendly options like Windows and macOS. However, the open source nature of linux encourages a large community and industry to contribute to its development and provides a wealth of online resources for help and support. This means that the system is constantly being improved and updated, ensuring its long-term viability and security. Its stability and reliability also make it a popular option for enterprise servers. As a result, the system is widely used by major corporations and companies such as Amazon, Google, IBM, and Red Hat.
