If you’re only familiar with the windows operating system, it’s time to be introduced to something more interesting…” Linux”.
A brief history
Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki started a personal project to create an open-source operating system similar to MINIX, a UNIX operating system in the early 1990s.
Open source: a software with code that can be inspected, modified, and enhanced by anyone, which is in most cases, free.
Linux kernel and GNU utilities equal a complete, open-source UNIX-like operating system.
Some Linux principles;
- Everything is a file: In Linux, files, directories, and external devices like your mouse, USB, etc. are all handled as files since doing so makes writing programs easier.
- Small and simple programs: There are rarely bulky programs in Linux that’s why there are so many dependencies because one program does one job and does it well.
- Configuration data is stored in text files: Such files are usually with a .conf extension and text editors like VI, VIM, NANO, etc are used when editing the files.
- Chaining of programs: Programs can be chained together to perform complex operations.
Why choose Linux?
All the best people in life seem to like LINUX.
-Steve Wozniak
These days, Linux is used in many devices, from smart TVs to supercomputers, android phones, and even serves most websites you visit. It also offers a wide range of other uses.
Here are a few reasons why you should choose Linux:
Linux is open source
Because of the way the operating system was designed, the source code can be inspected, modified, enhanced, and is also available for users to download and use for free. By Linux being open source since its inception, it has a community of developers and individuals who have the hearts and brains to advance the technology.
Linux supports a wide variety of hardware
This comprises a variety of hardware such as routers, automation controls, smart home appliances, video gaming consoles, televisions, cars, and spacecraft.
Most servers run on Linux
Due to its stability, security, and flexibility, Linux servers are among the most commonly utilized in today’s world.
Security
For developers, Linux is the best solution because of its security features. It isn’t fully secure, but it is less exposed than in other places. The admin user must approve each application. A virus is only activated when the admin user types in the password. So no antivirus software is needed on Linux systems.
Architecture of Linux
The Linux operating system’s architecture mainly contains some of these components:
Hardware: This consists of several peripheral devices such as the RAM, CPU, and HDD.
Kernel: The Linux kernel reads and understands the hardware while passing a signal from the hardware to the shell.
Utilities: Lots of tools are built around the Linux kernel.
Linux distros
A Linux distro is an operating system made from a software collection that includes the Linux kernel and, often, a package management system. Linux users usually obtain their operating system by downloading one of the Linux distributions, which are available for a wide variety of systems. You can download any of these distros to get started with Linux on your computer.
Some popular Linux distros;
- Ubuntu Linux
- Linux mint
- Arch Linux
- Fedora Linux
- Debian
- OpenSuse
Most used Linux distros according to their packaging methods
RedHat package manager (RPM) based: This is considered a stable and secure operating system. Examples include; RHEL, Centos, Oracle Linux
Debian-based: This is easy to install and focuses more on user-friendliness. Examples include; the Ubuntu server, Kali Linux, etc.
With all this being said, I hope you choose Linux as your operating system if not, here’s a sign to start now.