The vast majority of computer users use Microsoft's Windows operating system. This is a proprietary operating system for which a license fee must (or had to) be paid. As an alternative, we have Linux, which is the name given to Unix-based operating systems . Its main characteristic is that it is open source, meaning we can view and modify the code, and it is free.
What is Linux
They are a set of Unix-based operating systems that operate under the GNU GPL license . Most of these operating systems are free , although some professional versions are paid. They are a fully functional alternative to Windows.
GNU GPL: General Public License; in Spanish, GNU General Public LicenseThe great strength of this operating system is that it is multi-user, multi-tasking, and cross-platform . It can be used via commands, although this requires advanced knowledge. Distributions such as Fedora, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Clear Linux have a graphical interface similar to Windows.
Being open source, we can manipulate the code at will, copy it and distribute it, always under the terms of the GPL license.
The first version of Linux , based on Unix, was developed by Linus Torvalds . In the 80s, he released Minix , a version of his Unix-based operating system. He didn't particularly like the name and changed it to Linux in 1991 , using his own name.
Torvalds has had the strong support of Richard Stallman , with whom he developed the Free Software Foundation and the Linux Foundation . Both organizations promote the use of free software . Interestingly, Microsoft is also part of the Linux Foundation.
The GNU logo with a Wildebeest, while the Linux logo is a penguin named TuxLinux is the name of the operating system kernel . Different layers of applications, programs, and graphical environments are added to this kernel to build different operating system distributions.
👉 Difference between proprietary software and free software 👈
What is Linux for
Like Windows, this operating system is used to run a computer . The main advantage of Linux is that it doesn't require licenses.
Linux is present on many computers , especially laptops and OEM (pre-built) systems. The reason is that it's illegal in many countries to sell a computer without an operating system . Without an operating system, the computer is considered non-functional, so one must be installed. Manufacturers choose to install it to avoid the cost of a Windows license and reduce expenses.
Where Linux truly shines is in servers and supercomputers. Servers typically use Red Hat or custom Linux distributions, while supercomputers usually run custom-designed versions of the operating system.
Another feature is Linux Live , a solution that allows for the auditing of Wi-Fi networks . Although when Wi-Fi networks first became popular, they were used to gain free internet access by bypassing security. WiFiSlax, a Linux Live distribution, was created to easily obtain wireless network passwords and allow illicit internet access.
Although Linux is most commonly used in smartphones , the Android operating system is based on the Linux kernel without GNU components. Apple's macOS and iOS operating systems are also based on this kernel. There are even specific versions for NAS systems, Smart TVs, routers, and more.
As a curious fact, the CERN hadron collider runs under Scientific Linux, a custom-built distribution.