Why Linux Is So Reliable, Secure and Worry-Free
The Linux kernel is the first piece of software that loads when a computer starts up. It enables hardware to interact with the operating system and governs resource use. It’s the core building block of cloud computing, the Internet of Things, billions of smartphones and much more. And it’s the reason why linux is one of the most reliable, secure and worry-free operating systems available.
Whether you’re using a laptop, desktop or tablet, your device runs some form of Linux. It’s also the operating system behind most of the world’s major stock exchanges, many social media sites and more than half of the planet’s web servers. It’s in Android phones, cars, thermostats and refrigerators, TVs and Roku devices and the operating system for most of the world’s supercomputers.
It’s so pervasive that most people take it for granted, but Linux is more than just a computer OS. It’s an essential part of the global Internet infrastructure and powers many other key technologies, including cloud computing and the Internet of Things, as well as desktop computers, cars and many other types of electronics. It’s even the basis for most commercial network equipment and data centers.
That’s why Linux is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, used by companies and individuals who prioritize computer security. It’s also an ideal operating system for home users who want a simple, fast and stable way to control their computers.
Unlike the proprietary Microsoft Windows and MacOS, linux is free to download and use. It’s also open source, which means it can be modified freely by developers and users, and that code is available to anyone who wants to improve or change it. Hundreds of different versions of linux, known as distributions, are available. Each version is distinguished by its goals, philosophy, function and target market.
While the kernel, which manages the system’s resources and communicates with hardware, is common across all of these different distributions, each has its own set of applications bundled together. These apps include a variety of tools that provide users with a variety of ways to interact with their operating system, including tools for managing performance and security settings. They also include everything from basic office suites to social networking and multimedia applications.
Many of the most popular software development tools are available for Linux, too. These include git for distributed version control, vim and emacs for source code editing and compilers and interpreters for almost every programming language.
The wide range of options makes it easy to find a linux version that’s perfect for almost any type of user or application. And the lack of licensing costs can save organizations a lot of money. However, a wide range of choices can make it harder to deploy standardized server and desktop images, which can add to support costs. That’s why many large IT organizations choose to get a professional license from a Linux distributor like Red Hat, SUSE or Canonical.
