When we talk about operating systems, we generally talk about Windows, although in the most advanced sectors, the operating system most used by system and application administration professionals is a version of Linux. Although the correct term is GNU Linux, it is widely known as Linux.
Table of Contents
Linux history
Linus Torvalds is the creator of Linux. In the 80s, Richard Stallman was creating a completely free operating system, and with it, he created the free software movement. The idea behind this movement is that people should have the ability to read the source code of programs and modify them according to their needs.
This went against the proprietary belief that code belongs to the company that creates it, since it is their intellectual property. Richard Stallman wanted to create a completely free operating system, which he called GNU . Ten years later, the project was still progressing, but it still lacked a kernel. A kernel is the engine of the operating system, and it's what makes the connections between the software and the hardware. It was missing a kernel, and in 1991, Linus Torvalds was creating one as his own project, which he described as a mere hobby.
He called that kernel Linux, a combination of his name Linus and Unix. The result is an operating system upon which many other systems were based. Since Richard Stallman only lacked the kernel, the two were combined to create the first free operating system.
What is Linux?
Linux as such is not an operating system, but ul kernel. A kernel is the core that thinks and drives the operating system, and can be used in many different environments. Unix is the first portable operating system, and it has been widely used by other agents, such as MacOs is a Unix-based system. The similarity between these is such that their terminal and command and folder structures are very similar to each other.
It could be installed on various PCs, since computers were very different in the past, and Unix allowed it to be adapted to different PCs. One of them was Richard Stallman's GNU project and also Linux.
What is the terminal and commands?
These terms refer to the interface where instructions, or commands, are entered into the operating system. A visual interface like Windows is a terminal, similar to MS-DOS, that is controlled visually with the mouse and keyboard. In the case of the terminal, commands are typed manually.
What are Linux distributions?
The correct term to refer to a specific version of GNU Linux is distribution. This is because there is no single Linux operating system, and many are edited according to what uses. These distributions can range from Ubuntu to Linux Mint.
Herein lies a drawback: it 's highly fragmented , both at the user and distribution levels. This means that a program might be easy to install on a high-end distribution but incompatible with a simpler one, for example. This could be solved with a dedicated recompile for the distribution, but that's not feasible for most users or non-dedicated businesses. This fragmentation has often been cited as the reason why it has never gained traction as a desktop operating system outside of specialized, enterprise, and a small user base.
Why is Linux associated with a penguin?
The Linux penguin is a mascot associated with the Linux system in its graphics and as a symbol. Its name is Tux . Tux has even appeared in some games created by the Linux community.
What systems use Linux?
Linux is especially used on servers and supercomputers that do big data processing. The reason they use it is its open source nature. For a computer, server or supercomputer that is going to carry out specific tasks of a lower or higher level, a very personal system can be created.
It could be used more in offices, but the high fragmentation and compatibility problems with office software mean that offices often opt to buy Windows Enterprise keys in bulk.
What reasons are there not to use Linux?
The biggest reason is that the software you need to use for work or want to use for leisure is not supported. Another factor would be changing the operating system from Windows to any other distro in a company and having to retrain people in the use of Linux, if it is a time that cannot be lost that does not compensate.
Examples of Linux distributions
- redhat: Distribution designed for business data centers.
- debbian: Linux distribution designed for professional users.
- Ubuntu, Fedora and Linux Mint: Three different Linux distros designed for end users, since they are very similar to Windows visually and usability.
What do different Linux distros have in common?
The main point in common is the command line. A user can control and manage a Linux system with the command line, regardless of the distro it is. It is possible that in some there are some differences, like in Redhat, but they are very small.
Is Linux free?
The business relies on support, because it is highly customizable. Companies that want to use Linux on a dedicated machine can easily download a distro like Redhat. But if it is something that requires optimization down to the last detail, it is very possible that a company wants to hire someone to make a custom distro for the system.
Redhat is the company that earns the most money by providing services to huge companies. Canonical also supports enterprises with Ubuntu Server.
Android is Linux?
Yes and no. Android is based on Linux, but it's its own separate operating system, since, remember, Linux is a kernel, not an operating system. Furthermore, Android is completely proprietary and they decide who can or cannot use Android on their terminals. Although they do not use it because it compensates them that users use Android even in the lowest ranges, except when they are forced.
This is due to Donald Trump 's trade war against China and Huawei. The mobile phone manufacturer was left with only the most basic version of Android and no access to the customizations Google introduces in Android versions, nor to its software such as the App Store or Gmail. Another example of this is the various smartphone manufacturers who have been creating their own versions of Android, compatible with the Google Play Store.
Is Linux secure?
First of all, there is the security of Linux itself, which has a system of permissions and greater security than other systems. Computer security is never infallible, and Linux has been found to have several vulnerabilities.
The reason it was previously said that Linux was virus-free was because it wasn't widespread enough. But now that it's on the vast majority of large systems and servers, ransomware is being created a lot because these are the cases where a ransom is most likely to be paid.
Does learning Linux give you work and job opportunities?
As with any degree in application development, system administration and any variation of the technology sector, there are many opportunities for it. As always happens in the sector, specialization matters a lot. With Linux being widely used in servers, there is a lot going on in the server and system administration industry.
Is Linux or Windows better?
Depending on the intended use, Linux or Windows is better in certain situations. For a home user who wants everything to be simple, Windows is the best option, even if it means paying for proprietary software.
For users who want to fully customize their experience, there are numerous Linux distributions to choose from. In the sysadmin sector, Linux is widely used, particularly with Apache and other interfaces. Many system maintenance applications are developed for Linux, and many servers run on Linux systems.
In order to have a basic and functional operating system for an office user, many distributions have suites like Libre Office and Open Office, along with free programs like Gimp. These distributions like Linux Mint offer a Windows-based operating system experience for users.
How to install programs on Linux?
Depending on the Linux distribution, certain software and programs can be installed using installer packages. In some cases, it's possible to use the " .deb " format. Some distributions have a list of approved applications, like an app store, from which you can install software. However, some packages must be installed manually using the commands specific to your Linux distribution.
Can you play games on Linux?
Yes, there are games for Linux, and you can play Windows games on Linux. There are a number of games created exclusively for Linux, but they are very few. Steam usually indicates whether a game is compatible with Mac, Linux, or Windows, although the vast majority of games are already compatible with Windows. However, the number of Mac and Linux versions on Steam has been considerably reduced because Steam is using the Proton emulator , which converts a Windows game on the fly to run on Linux. This is the system they are using to allow games to be played on Steam Deck without requiring a Windows version to be installed.
Another option is the WINE emulator, which emulates Windows within Linux. But the use of WINE to emulate games is not recommended if the game is very large and you don't have a PC up to it.
Can I create my own Linux distro?
Yes. You can create an operating system using Linux and distribute it as your own distro. You'll be able to get paid with them, and it doesn't have to be open source.
