Linux is a popular term used to refer to operating systems that use the Linux kernel. It was inspired by the Minix operating system and developed by Finnish programmer Linus Torvalds – hence its name.
It is distributed under the GPLv2 license, so anyone can freely use, study, modify, and distribute it.
Want to learn more about this concept that’s so deeply rooted in the history of computing? Then keep reading!
How did Linux come about?
Torvalds began development of the Linux kernel as a private project, inspired by his interest in Minix, a small Unix system developed by Andrew S. Tanenbaum.
According to Linus, his creation is “a better Minix than Minix”.
It was first announced through the Minix User Group in 1991, and in 1992, Torvalds changed his own license to be free and compatible with the GPL within the GNU project. This transition was, in his words, the best choice he ever made.
That’s because, since its change, many developers have started contributing – and still contribute – to its development, helping to make the Linux kernel a huge collaborative success to date.
By the way, what is Linux?
It’s a component of the kernel operating system, responsible for communication between hardware and software. It allocates the machine’s resources based on the software’s needs, which can be:
- Open a browser tab;
- Listen to music from headphones;
- Start a game.
The Kernel, what is it?
The Linux kernel is the basis for creating the distributions that exist out there, and what is not lacking are different systems created from that kernel.
To promote a clearer understanding, let’s make an analogy. When we learn to drive a car, we see the basic functions such as the steering, pedals, gearshift, and brake. In other words, we don’t act directly on the engine, but rather through the controls that make it work.
When we use Linux, we have another piece of software that mediates between the kernel and the user: the shell, a command interpreter. So there are many “shells” on the market, such as:
- CSH;
- KSH;
- BSH;
- BASH.
The interesting thing is that they’re the same, regardless of the Kernel used. After all, the pedals and steering are always the same, whether the engine is a 1.0 or 1.6.
Main advantages of Linux
The most important advantages of Linux are its stability, security, and versatility, as the code is open to modification. Furthermore, it has many distributions and requires no investment to obtain a license.
For a long time, its users considered it telegram number list a difficult-to-use operating system, but that has changed.
Mainly because many distributions have graphical interfaces very similar to Windows, which is a more popular operating system and, consequently, the one with which users are most familiar.
What are the most used distribution channels for Linux?
Since we’re on the subject of distributions, which one is the most widely used? We’ve ranked them from the most intuitive, allowing Windows users to easily migrate to the more “hardcore” ones, which accept a series of command lines and pose a certain challenge during installation.
It’s important to reiterate that these are just a few, as there are around 300 distributions available today. Shall we begin?
Manjaro
A fast, easy-to-use, desktop-oriented operating system based on Arch Linux, whose key features include an intuitive installation process, automatic hardware detection, a stable rolling release model, and extensive configurability.
You also have the option to customize your installations through Manjaro Architect.
Debian
It’s more than just a free operating small mistakes that make a big difference: a proofreader’s view of email newsletters system. It comes with some 59,000 packages, including pre-compiled software packaged in a format that makes it easy to install.
Furthermore, it is one of the most important systems because it provides a more stable and reliable environment.
Kali Linux
It is the preferred operating system of hackers, formerly known as BackTrack.
It is a distribution consisting of a collection of security tools, including support for the ARM architecture.
Fedora
Distribution developed by the project of the same name and owned by the giant Red Hat, recently acquired by IBM.
It has a reputation for focusing on innovation, integrating new technologies early, and working closely with communities. Its standard desktop environment is Gnome , but others are available.
We can also mention:
- Linux Mint, lightweight, easy country list to use and very similar to Windows;
- Ubuntu, a beautiful, lightweight, intuitive system, widely used by the Linux community and distributed by Canonical;
- Elementary OS;
- Solus;
- CentOS;
- Deepin;
- OpenSUSE;
- Arch Linux.
Linux usage example
Linux is well-known for being the backbone of numerous server systems around the world. It’s worth mentioning that the world’s largest cloud computing platform, Amazon AWS, runs Linux on its servers.
Plus, services like Netflix and Facebook also run on it. And if your phone is running Android, you also use Linux every day.
Main competitors of Linux
Historically, its main competitor has been Windows. Although this “battle” has been going on for years, the landscape is now changing.
This is because Microsoft has become a major contributor to the development of the Linux kernel, and has made it fully available in the Windows 10 version through WSL 2.
However, in the daily use of desktop and laptop computers, we can say that the competitors are Windows, MacOS, and Apple.