What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system, much like Windows, and macOS, and it powers one of the world’s most popular platforms: Android. An operating system (OS) is a critical piece of software that manages all hardware resources in a computer, enabling smooth communication between software and hardware.
Key Components of Linux
The Linux OS is built from several important components:
Bootloader: Manages the boot process of the computer. For most, it’s a splash screen that transitions to the OS.
Kernel: The core of the OS, managing CPU, memory, and devices. Technically, "Linux" refers to just this part.
Init System: Manages booting processes and controls daemons (background services), with "systemd" being the most common and sometimes controversial init system.
Daemons: Background services (e.g., printing, sound) that start at boot or after logging in.
Graphical Server: The subsystem (usually called "X server") that displays graphics on your monitor.
Desktop Environment: The part users interact with directly, offering various styles like GNOME, KDE, and Xfce.
Applications: Thousands of high-quality software titles are available for Linux, often installed through centralized tools like the Ubuntu Software Center.
Linux Architecture
The representation of the Linux Architecture in a layered structure:
Hardware: The physical components of a computer.
Kernel: Manages hardware resources and system operations.
Shell: Acts as an interface between the user and the kernel, processing commands.
Utilities/Applications: Tools and applications built on top of the shell for specific tasks.
Image source: unstop.com
Why Use Linux?
Many wonder why they should switch when other operating systems seem to work “just fine.” But do they? Users often encounter viruses, malware, crashes, and costly repairs with Windows or macOS. Linux offers a different experience: it’s stable, secure, and free.
Linux also eliminates the need for costly licensing fees. Unlike other operating systems that may require separate payments for server licenses and additional features, Linux is free and open-source. Setting up a complete web server stack is straightforward and can be accomplished with just a few clicks or simple commands, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for developers and organizations alike.
Thanks to its security features and open-source nature, Linux is also notably resilient against malware and viruses. For instance, Linux servers can go years without reboot, offering remarkable uptime and reliability.
Open Source and Freedom
Linux is distributed under an open-source license, promoting freedom of use and collaboration. Here’s what this means for users:
Freedom to run the software for any purpose.
Freedom to study and modify the software.
Freedom to redistribute copies to others.
Freedom to share modified versions.
Linux is “by the people, for the people,” allowing anyone to contribute, modify, and share. This openness has created a vibrant community and makes Linux a great choice for those who value freedom and flexibility.
What is a “Distribution”?
Linux has numerous versions, called distributions or "distros," tailored to different users—from beginners to tech experts. Most distributions are free to download and install on multiple machines.
Popular desktop distributions include:
Linux Mint
Ubuntu
Fedora
Debian
Elementary OS
openSUSE
Kali Linux
For servers, popular options include:
Ubuntu Server
CentOS
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
SUSE Enterprise Linux
Each distro offers unique features and environments, allowing users to pick one that fits their needs. For the latest and most popular distributions, you can explore many options on sites like DistroWatch.
Until next time, keep coding, automating, and advancing in DevOps! 😁
Peace out ✌️