What is Linux?
Many have heard of the existence of a free Linux operating system. To a person who is far from programming, this system may seem complex and inaccessible to understanding. However, most of us come across her daily without knowing it. So it's time to figure out what Linux is.
Linux what is it?
Linux is an operating system whose kernel is distributed free of charge. It consists of the core of the system and a set of small programs that interact with this core. By itself, without programs, the kernel is completely useless to work, but on its basis, you can build your own version of the operating system, distribution. Today, there are at least 9,000 Linux distributions; new ones appear regularly.
The kernel began to be developed back in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, a student from Finland. The very first version of 0.01 was presented to him on September 17, 1991. The Linux trademark was registered by the developer, but the name itself was chosen through user voting. The current symbol of operating systems, the Tux penguin was invented personally by Torvalds.
A kernel was built, but no programs existed for it yet. Instead of writing software from scratch, Torvalds screwed on to the Linux kernel the then-existing programs of the GNU project, developed by Richard Stallman for the movement of free software. Since then, Linux has expanded, new distributions have appeared. On the basis of this core, even the Android operating system was built, the popularity of which is impossible to dispute.
GNU/Linux
What we call Linux today is actually a combination of two efforts in the early 1990s.
Richard Stallman wanted to create a truly free, open-source alternative. He worked on utilities and programs called GNU.
Although the kernel project was under development, it did not end in the end, and without a kernel, the dream of open source and a free operating system could not be created.
But thanks to the work of Linus Torvald to create a functional and viable Linux kernel, the life of the entire operating system appeared. Because Linus used several GNU tools (such as the GNU or GCC compiler collection), a combination of GNU tools and the Linux kernel was perfect.
Torvalds launched the Linux kernel in September 1991. The development community worked on integrating GNU components with the Torvalds kernel to create a free, fully functional operating system, commonly known as Linux.
Since the Linux kernel is licensed under the GNU GPL, in addition to the traditional PC, it is widely used in cars, streaming devices, home devices, Internet devices, and more. Most of the Internet is dependent on Linux through the Apache HTTP Server platform installed on the servers.
Linux name origin
Torvalds originally gave the kernel the name Freax, a mixture of the free with the freak and the letter 'x' to remember Unix. To facilitate development, the files were sent to the FUNET FTP server (ftp.funet.fi) in September 1991.
Ari Lemke of Helsinki University of Technology (HUT), who was one of the volunteer FTP server administrators, did not think Freax was a good name. So he called the project for “Linux” on the server without consulting Torvalds. Later, however, Torvalds agreed to Linux.
Linux kernel
In popular use, “Linux” usually refers to a group of operating system distributions built around the Linux kernel. However, in the strictest sense, Linux refers only to the presence of the kernel itself.
To create a complete operating system, Linux distributions typically include the GNU project tools and libraries. Most of the core tools that make up the operating system are from the GNU project; hence the name: GNU / Linux. To think that Linux is the operating system itself, such as graphical interfaces or applications, is a rather limited view.
The Linux kernel is the kernel control of the operating system. It is an intermediary between software and hardware. However, to have a useful operating system, you need components other than the kernel. These components may include system libraries, graphical user interfaces, email utilities, web browsers, and other programs.
Core components
The kernel is the core of the operating system. Establishes a connection between devices and software. In addition, it manages system resources, such as:
Memory Management: Another function that the kernel controls is memory management. The kernel keeps track of used and unused memory.
Process Management: The kernel manages processes and also processes security information.
Who uses the Linux operating system.
If you have an Android device, then you are already a Linux user. The operating system, of course, is different, but it is built on the basis of the same kernel. Most of the embedded systems of your home appliances also work on the basis of this core, as well as a number of portable game consoles. The Linux operating system is often put on laptops and computers as the very first. Buying a computer with preinstalled Linux is a great opportunity to get a workhorse and save money.
- Professional web programmers.
- Amateur programmers.
- Any users whose computer needs are limited to sitting on the Internet and working with a number of basic programs.
- Users who like to customize the operating system for themselves, configure and customize.
- And one of the distro name Kali Linux also used by Hackers widely.
In fact, today everyone can work with this operating system. The main thing is to choose the right distribution and configure it well, taking into account all your needs. The system is not suitable unless for gamers who play powerful modern games developed for the PC platform. A variety of games are already available under Linux, but state-of-the-art commercial games are available only for the latest versions of Windows.
Linux distributions
To start using Linux, just select the distribution that suits you, install and configure it. But it’s not always easy, because there are a lot of distributions and not every hardware they get up clearly. There is no one specific distribution that will satisfy the needs of each user, usually, they are very specialized.
- Parrot. Great for system administrators.
- Fedora. A custom option that is easy to work with.
- Mint. Desktop distribution.
- CentOS. Server distribution.
- Snappy Ubuntu Core. Good for the internet of things.
- Kali Linux. widely used by hackers.
If you are ready to start acquaintance with the Linux OS not only on the basis of Android, choose the appropriate distribution kit, install and configure.
Linux License
Linux runs on many hardware platforms, from dedicated network devices, telephones, personal computers, and even supercomputers.
Linux was developed on PC hardware using Intel processors. Over time, Linux has been ported to more hardware platforms than any other operating system.
Linus Torvalds originally applied Linux to its own license, which had limitations for commercial use. The GPL was only introduced in 1992 since Linux was already used with the GNU software.
The GPL license created by the Free Software Foundation (an organization founded by Richard Stallman) based on the following freedoms:
1. The freedom to run the program for any purpose (freedom No. 0).
2. The freedom to learn how the program works and adapt it to your needs (freedom No. 1). Access to the source code is a prerequisite for this freedom.
3. The freedom to distribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom No. 2).
4. The freedom to improve the program and release its improvements so that the entire community benefits from them (freedom No. 3). Access to the source code is a prerequisite for this freedom.
2. The freedom to learn how the program works and adapt it to your needs (freedom No. 1). Access to the source code is a prerequisite for this freedom.
3. The freedom to distribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom No. 2).
4. The freedom to improve the program and release its improvements so that the entire community benefits from them (freedom No. 3). Access to the source code is a prerequisite for this freedom.
Computer software can not use the GPL does not meet all of these requirements.
Some frequently asked question on Google
Q. Why do hackers use Linux?
A. The most famous Linux distro for hackers is Kali Linux. Hackers use Kali Linux because it has a wide range of hacking tools.
Q. Does Linux use antivirus?
A. Linux desktop does not use antivirus because Linux is the safest operating system. But there is still some antivirus available for Linux.
Q. Why Linux is important?
A. Linux is important because you can learn many skills from Linux.