What is Linux Operating System?

In this article you will understand what is linux operating system and why it is such an appreciated and powerful operating system. We will look at the features, architecture, benefits, and some facts of Linux. After reading this article, you may even switch to Linux yourself!

What is an Operating system?

An operating system manages and controls the hardware so that the application software can perform different tasks which include programs that do real work for users. There are plenty of operating systems to choose from where each has its set of pros and cons when compared to the other. Some of the most commonly used operating systems are Windows, Mac OS, solaris, Android, IOS, Linux, etc.

What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system just like Windows, Solaris, MacOS, etc. Except it is better than the lot, because Linux is an open source operating system where the source code is available for free for everyone who wishes to modify it and distribute the modified version. It is extremely secure, and stable that it runs on the world’s fastest supercomputer.

The vast majority of the world runs windows on their desktops, which is true, but everyone knows that if you need reliability for the servers that run different things or store our data in the cloud, Linux is the only way to go. In Fact, even Microsoft (creator and owner of Windows) uses Linux to operate Microsoft Azure!

That’s right, who needs gates and windows in a world without walls !?!

Let us take a look into Linux in slightly more depth and why it is so much better.

History of Linux

Linus Torvalds created the Linux operating system while he was just a student at the University of Helsinki. Linus started to develop an operating system similar to UNIX, because he thought to have a freely available version of UNIX. It was originally a personal project for him, which turned out to be the world’s best operating system.

While Linus was developing the operating System of his visions, he thought he would call it “Freax”, taking in account the ‘free’ and ‘X’ which stands for the free version of UNIX. However, when linus submitted the files named ‘freax’ to the FTP server in order to facilitate development, Ari Lemmeke from the same university, changed the project name to Linux without consulting Linus. Later Linus consented to “Linux”.

On the 17th of September 1992 Linus released the kernel he developed under GNU GPL (general Public License). So that people can obtain the source code and modify it by obtaining the license for free. Free here means 2 things: one is cost, as there is no cost involved in obtaining the license and the second is: you can modify and distribute the code without any copyrights. Just like canonical modified Debian and distributed as Ubuntu.

Linus wanted to develop a better version of UNIX, and even today it still continues to be better than UNIX in every aspect despite UNIX being the mother of Linux. Unlike Linux, Unix is available for use only for their copyrighters. Even now, Unix has only one common environment called GNOME, whereas Linux uses many desktop interfaces like KDE, LXQt, GNOME and many others.

Features of Linux

In a nutshell, linux is an open source operating system which has various distributions and variations. Linux has a lot of advantage and superiority over other operating systems, let us look into some of these dominating features.

1. Open Source

One of the most outstanding features that makes linux way better when compared to windows, mac OS, android, and few others is that linux is an open source software unlike the others which are proprietary softwares. Since Linux is open source, the source code is available under a free license that permits users to inspect, modify or improve the software and even redistribute the modified form.

2. Security

Another dominating feature linux is known for is security. Linux is one of the safest OSs out there. It takes enough precautions to prevent attacks against malware and viruses for it to be safe from hackers. For example every program and application needs authorization for the user in the form of a password for it to run or execute.

3. Free To Use

Linux itself can be freely downloaded from the internet. Even the GNU general public license is free to obtain unlike Windows and MAC OS, whose license costs a great deal.

4. Lightweight / Flexible

Linux requires very few requirements to run on a system. It occupies very less memory and disk space. Linux is such a lightweight OS and extremely flexible that it can run on any given device, ranging from a smartwatch, all the way to a supercomputer. In other words Linux supports different types of hardware.

5. Best for programmers

Linux can handle almost every single programming language like python, C, C#, C++, Java, etc. In Fact Linux itself has shell programming / Bash scripting with its own syntax. For example C programs can be compiled by using the syntax: gcc <filename.c>, and can be executed by using the command : ./a.out. Fun fact: more than 95% of Linux is actually written in C programming language.

6. Multitasking / performance

Linux can handle a lot of users using the system at the same time and also running multiple applications and tasks simultaneously without hindering the system speed, which helps in the efficiency of workflow.

7. Software updates

For people using Windows, this might just be a boon! In Linux we can choose which updates we want to install, and these updates are much faster and installed easily compared to other operating systems. In simple words, you may have just saved yourself from seeing this screen:

8. Customization

Linux has a fun feature called Virtual desktop. A virtual desktop allows you to swap between arrangements of shortcuts and running applications, keeping everything organized and allowing you to focus on the task at hand (or play games when the boss isn’t looking!). Now Windows and Mac OS both have this feature but Linux did this way back in the early 2000’s. gnome and KDE provide exceptional tools for making those desktop URLs and with how powerful they are you can even make custom UI.

9. Command line / terminal

This is the sole heart of Linux, there is Bash, Dash, fish, Bourne, plus many other shells that allow you to run various functions. In fact many people who use linux prefer the terminal over the GUI. The terminal is all about efficiency, no extra movements or clicks. Who needs a mouse? In simple words the terminal is a “lean mean coding machine”.

For example the task of creating a new folder using GUI is simply done by typing the command: mkdir<foldername>.

10. Stability

Linux is one of the most stable operating systems out there. Linux does not need to reboot the system to maintain the system’s performance. In fact it rarely hangs up or slows down.

Architecture of Linux

Linux operating system mainly consists of 3 components:

1. Kernel

The kernel is the sole heart and core of the Linux operating system. The kernel enables access to the underlying hardware like the CPU through the dispatcher, scheduler, and other peripherals.

2. Shell

The shell, as mentioned in the features, is a lean, mean, coding machine. The shell acts as a medium of access between the user and the kernel, where the user can interpret commands to load user applications and execute them.

3. Applications

Applications are more like the hands and legs of Linux, they get the work done for the users. They provide useful functions like email, web browsers, programming tools and so many more.

Distributions of Linux

Linux has many distributions or most commonly called ’Distros’ for different priorities and purposes. Each distro has a specific tune to do better in specific tasks. Let us look into some of the Distros and what they do.

1. UBUNTU

It is the gateway to Linux for most users. It is based on the gnome environment and the focus is more on the GUI over the terminal, you get a good enough file explorer, app drawer, browser, etc.

2. KALI LINUX

On hearing this name the first things that probably come to your mind are hacking, cracking, penetration, etc. well, that sums it up. Kali is for more advanced users who are into professional network security. It is so dedicated to that sector that it comes with a built-in wifi password cracker tool, which can be activated by typing the command: wifite .

3. SLAX

Slax is the deal if you want a portable PC in your pendrive. It’s meant for mediocre hardware (where the device might be very old and has broken parts). You can easily revive any old barely functioning device with Slax.

4. ELEMENTARY OS

It is based on the pantheon environment, and the GIU is a rip off of Mac OS. This distro is the most simplest form of Linux, even simpler than Ubuntu as things are even more GUI focused when compared to ubuntu.

5. MANJARO OS

The most suggested distro of linux for gaming is manjaro, the biggest reason being the native intel and nvidia driver support which is mostly not available in other linux desktops.

These are just some of the many distros of linux, there are so many others like Fedora, Arch, SUSE, Bodhi, Peppermint, red hat and thousands more. The best part is that all of these distros are open source and they can be modified and customized according to your needs.

Benefits of Linux

In the entire document, there are a few places where I compared Linux with different Operating systems like Windows, and Mac. Now let me give a proper list as to why Linux is probably the best operating system out there.

1. Linux is an open-source operating system. Unlike Windows or mac, you can easily obtain the source code of Linux and make modifications as per your need.

2. Linux is extremely easy to learn, in fact, Linus built Linux to be more user-friendly! Especially with the distros of Linux beginners can choose from a variety of simple Linux operating systems like Ubuntu, mintOS, clear OS for an even easier learning experience.

3. One of the main pillars of Linux is security. Once you install Linux, you no longer need any antivirus to prevent you from malware or virus as every program and application needs authorization for the user in the form of a password for it to run or execute.

4. Linux is very versatile. It can be used straight from supercomputers, to a very mediocre, old computer whose hardware does not work properly.

5. Since there are many distros of Linus, you can choose which you prefer as each of the hundred of Linux distributions have been modified to tackle specific tasks or conditions.

Facts about Linux

The mere description of telling the advantages, functionalities, benefits or distros of Linux will not suffice to put forth the picture of how superior it is. It is so admirable that all the gigantic tech companies like Google, Facebook, amazon, and many more use linux.

In fact Google has its own linux distro called Goobuntu for its internal use, and so does India, called BOSS Linux. Surprisingly enough, even Microsoft, the biggest competitor, contributes to Linux as a platinum member.

It also happens that the fastest and the most powerful supercomputer “Fugaku ” in Japan, runs on Redhat Linux. Linux has such, off the charts performance that 98% of all the supercomputers in the world use Linux as their operating system, so much that all of the top 500 Supercomputers run on Linux!

Linux’s performance and ability to multitask have made it take part in almost every space program be it private or government programs. Linux runs the rovers on Mars, and also the first helicopter on Mars named ‘Ingenuity’ by NASA.

Linux even helped in winning Oscar awards and box office collections for movies like “Avatar”, ”Titanic, ”Avengers: Endgame” which were developed in 3D applications on linux using FOSS software. Study says that an estimated 90% of Hollywood Visual effects rely on Linux!

Should you switch to Linux?

YES! simply yes. you must switch now because you are missing a lot in life! At first, when you begin, there might be a learning curve, but eventually, you will get the hang of it, and who knows, you may even prefer the terminal over the GUI!

On a serious note, beginners usually quit using Linux and give out excuses saying that it is very technical and hard. However, in the past few years, Linux operating systems have gotten better in terms of their GUI that they are better than windows, mac, solaris, etc. There are so many distros you can choose from which are all based on the same Linux kernel and share the exact same feature.

If at all you don’t want such a sudden shift in your life, I recommend you download a Virtual box and then download any distro of Linux you prefer on the virtual box. Now you can switch between your current operating system and also get the hang of Linux. If at all you really like Linux, you can always install it directly to your PC and if you think that Linux is not for you, you can continue using your current operating system.

Summary

Linux was first developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991, and today, it still continues to flourish with thousands of different distros and over 30 million lines of code written in the terminal.

Linux gets so much love and support from governments, institutions, people, companies and the rest of the world by contributing to the success and development of the most perfect modern operating system in the world which runs in over 3 billion devices.