We all had heard about Linux. Now, if you don’t know what Linux is. We can say that it is a free and open-source operating system. That is present everywhere – from smartphones to cars, supercomputers, and home appliances.
Here, we will discuss various aspects of the Linux Operating System and the benefits of using Linux. We will also take a sneak peek of the creator alongside the evolution of the Linux operating system over the years. Finally, we will discuss the various implementations as well.
What is Linux?
Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel. It allows the developer to edit and customize the general looks and its functions. This tweaked version of Linux is called Linux Distribution or Linux Distro.
However, you can’t just customize Linux straightaway, for that, you need a set of Linux functions known as the Linux kernel. We will discuss what Linux Kernel is, later in the article.
So, this makes Linux the best operating system for various purposes as a user can tweak the Linux source code to their version of Linux OS. That is why Linux is used everywhere. Linux is commonly used – in supercomputers and servers.
History of Linux
Linus Benedict Torvalds was the original creator of the Linux Kernel back in the year 1991. You may be thrilled to know that the kernel for the Linux operating system that Mr. Torvalds created was later tweaked and hence, gave birth to the Linux Distribution Systems.
As Linux is free and open-source, Linux Distributions have quickly gained popularity. Anyone can download it for free to create their version of Linux.
Some of the renowned names are Fedora, Debian, and Ubuntu. Subsequently, several companies then used Linux Distributions to create their version of the operating system like Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
Note:- Do you know, that Linux is one of the first operating systems whose source codes are free to manipulate.
What is Linux Kernel?
Now let’s discuss the Linux Kernel. It is one of the central units of an operating system. So, in this case, the operating system is Linux, and hence, the Linux Kernel is typically an open-source software package. You have to understand that Linux can’t operate on its own, it needs proper driver software for the operating system to run, which Kernel provides.
The kernel serves as a bridge between software and hardware, deciding whether or not to provide permission to a program. The kernel controls everything from how the program accesses the files to how it communicates with the hardware.
The Linux Kernel is monolithic, which means it consists of multiple device drivers to run. Also, it is a Unix-based operating system, which means you can do multi-tasking. Today, however, the whole dimension has changed to a level where most portable devices use Linux Kernel as their primary operating system.
Benefits of Linux Operating System
If you count the Benefits of using Linux, you will probably be tired of counting. Therefore, we are mentioning some of the essential benefits in simple terms:
Open-Source: As discussed, a few times now, one of the most significant benefits of using the Linux Operating System is the fact it is open-source. So, if you are aware of the programming language, you can theoretically tweak the operating system at your convenience. That is how all the Linux Distributions were created.
Low Cost: The fact that Linux is open-source, you can get the source codes free of cost. Then, you can develop new applications. Countless companies used this strategy to create new applications. The cost of such applications or programs is significantly low.
Stability & Performance: Linux is much more efficient when it comes to stability and performance. You can work continuously for hundreds of hours without even rebooting the system. Moreover, you and your friends can work all at the same time and share large network servers too.
Flexibility & Compatibility: With Linux, you can work on high-performance server applications, embedded systems, and desktop applications. It also runs on almost all platforms; therefore, you can play any file format. If you wish, you can restrict users as well.
Practical Implementation of Linux
You can execute the Android using Linux. Hence, smartphones, tablet computers, and even smartwatches also use Linux. One of the most significant aspects is you can literary build anything you wish if you know how to. In fact, the top 500 supercomputers in the world also use Linux as their primary Operating system. Linux is everywhere.
Linux is not just a regular operating system with proprietary functions. It is a powerful tool that can shape your ideas into reality. With Linux, you can also enjoy media, run your programs, and even built a hybrid operating system as well.
