Linux is the most famous and widely used open-source operating system.As an operating system, Linux is a software that sits beneath all other software on a computer, receiving requests from those programs and relaying those requests to the computer’s hardware.We use the term Linux to refer to the Linux kernel, as well as the collection of programs, tools, and services that are typically bundled with the Linux kernel to provide a fully functional operating system.Some people, particularly members of the Free Software Foundation, refer to this collection as GNU/Linux because many of the tools included are GNU components.However, not all Linux installations use GNU components as part of their operating system. For example, Android uses the Linux kernel but relies very little on GNU tools.
What Makes Linux Different from Other Operating Systems?
In many ways, Linux is similar to other operating systems you may have used, such as Windows or macOS.Like other operating systems, Linux has a graphical interface, and the types of software you are accustomed to using on other operating systems (such as word processing applications) also have Linux equivalent versions.In many cases, the creators of the software may have made a Linux version of the same program you use on other systems. If you can use a computer or other electronic devices, you can use Linux.However, Linux also differs from other operating systems in many important ways.First and perhaps most importantly, Linux is open-source software.The code used to create Linux is free and available for the public to view, edit, and contribute to for users with the appropriate skills.Another difference with Linux is that while the core components of the Linux operating system are often common, there are many distributions of Linux, each including different software options.This means that Linux is customizable, as not only can applications such as word processors and web browsers be swapped out.Linux users can also choose core components, such as which system displays graphics and other user interface components.
What is the Difference Between Unix and Linux?
You may have heard of Unix, an operating system developed by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and others at Bell Labs in the 1970s.Unix and Linux are similar in many ways; in fact, Linux was originally created to be similar to Unix.Both have similar tools for interfacing with the system, programming tools, file system layouts, and other key components.However, Unix is not free. Over the years, many different operating systems have been created that attempt to be Unix-like or Unix-compatible, but Linux has been the most successful, far surpassing its predecessors.
Who Uses Linux?
Whether you realize it or not, you may already be using Linux.According to user surveys, one-third to two-thirds of the websites on the Internet are generated by servers running Linux.Companies and individuals choose Linux for their servers because it is secure, and in addition to companies like Canonical, SUSE, and Red Hat that provide commercial support, you can also get excellent support from a large user community.Many of the devices you may own (such as Android phones, digital storage devices, personal video recorders, cameras, wearables, etc.) also run Linux.Even your car runs Linux.
How to Get Started with Linux
You may already be using Linux without realizing it, but if you want to install Linux for use on your home computer, the easiest way is to choose a popular distribution designed for your platform (such as laptop or tablet devices) and give it a try.While there are many distributions available, most of the well-known earlier distributions are good choices for beginners because they have large user communities and are backed by some major companies, making them more reliable and allowing you to quickly find solutions online when you encounter problems or cannot resolve issues.Currently popular distributions include Debian, Fedora, Mint and Ubuntu, Manjaro, Deepin, etc., but there are many other distributions available, allowing for personal preference.
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