Why Linux is Still the Operating System of Choice

Despite the fact that technology giant Microsoft now holds a dominant share of desktop computers worldwide (more than a billion), Linux is still the operating system of choice for many computer users. It is the backbone of Android and Chrome smartphones, tablets and laptops, personal video recorders, cameras, digital storage devices and supercomputers, to name just a few. It is also the preferred platform for server applications and cloud computing data centers.

The Linux kernel is the heart of an operating system and manages all system input and output. It runs the hardware, acts as an interface between processes and the hardware, keeps track of memory and ensures that programs execute properly. The kernel also allows user processes to use system calls, and these commands form the upper level of the OS called user space.

Linux is an open source operating system, which means that its code can be studied, modified and redistributed. This is in contrast to traditional proprietary operating systems, such as Unix and Windows, which are locked down and not open to modification.

One of the benefits of using an operating system that is free and open source is that malware and ransomware are much less of a problem. In addition, Linux servers are usually not subject to the same types of outages that plague Windows and Mac computers, and it is quite common for a Linux server to run without needing a reboot for years at a time.

While there are advantages to a Linux operating system, it can be intimidating for newcomers. Fortunately, most Linux distributions make it easy to test out the operating system by booting from a CD or USB drive before installing it on your computer. This means that you can try out the operating system and get accustomed to its command line interface without having to commit any changes to your hard disk or losing any of your valuable information.

Many of the popular Linux distros offer versions with graphical user interfaces that are similar to Windows, making it easier for people who have already used other operating systems. Additionally, most Linux operating systems allow for dual-booting so that you can swap between your existing software and the Linux operating system when needed.

When choosing a Linux distro, you should pick the one that feels most familiar to you. Some Linux operating systems include features that are particularly reminiscent of old versions of Windows, for example, and some come with support from a robust community of developers, documentation teams and regular users to help with any issues you might have while learning to use it.