Linux Operating System

1.1 What is the Linux operating system?

Linux is an operating system like mac Os, android, windows but this Linux is not fully operating system because it is Kernel. Kernel is the main part of the operating system. It primarily manages operations of memory and CPU time. Kernel acts as a bridge between applications and hardware.

1.2 Linux distributions 

Linux is a free and open source operating system. Linux compiler code from open source projects. Because it is open source software, anyone can make their own Linux distribution by assembling it from the source code themselves, or by modifying an existing distribution. www.github.com/zavg/linux-0.01 because currently build many Linux distributions in the world. More than 300 Linux distributions are currently actively maintained.

1.3 History of Linux operating system

The history of Linux starts with Linus Torvalds,  in   1991 while a student at the University of Helsinki. Linus wanted to create a better alternative to MINIX, a UNIX-based operating system developed for use in the educational field. the problem with MINIX was that users could not modify or freely distribute the code. Using almost exclusively the C programming language, Linus developed the Linux kernel using the foundation laid by Richard Stallman’s work on the GNU project. Work was completed on the project over the next few years, and Linus released version 1.0 of Linux in 1994. 

1.4 Advantages of the Linux operating system.

1. Free and open source - the main advantages of Linux is an open source operating system.  Its source code is easily available for everyone. Anyone capable of coding can contribute, modify, enhance and distribute the code to anyone and for any purpose.

    2. Various distributions / flavors - There are many distributions available on Linux. It provides various choices or flavors to the users. You can select any flavors according to your needs. Some flavors of Linux are Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Debian,Linux Mint and many more. If you are a beginner you can use Ubuntu or Linux Mint. 

    3. Software updates - Linux faces a larger number of software updates. These software updates are much faster than updates in any other operating system. Updates in Linux can be done easily without facing any major issue.

    4. Security - Linux is more secure in compare to other operating systems. Linux is not totally secure as there is some malware for it also but it is less at risk than others. Every program in Linux whether an application or a virus needs authorization from the administrator in the form of a password. Unless the password is typed, the virus won’t execute. There is no requirement for any anti-virus program in Linux.

 

    5. Customization -  A feature that gives a major advantage over other operating systems is customization.

    6. Low Cost - Linux is freely available on the web to download and use. You do not need to buy the license for it as Linux and many of its software come with GNU General Public License.  This proved to be one of the main advantages Linux faces over Windows and other operating systems. 

1.5 Disadvantages of Linux operating system.

    1. Limited Software Availability  - One of the biggest disadvantages of Linux is that the operating system has limited software availability. Many software developers do not create software for Linux, which means that users may not be able to find the software they need. For example, a graphic designer may not be able to find a specific software that they need to use for their work.

    2. Limited Hardware Support - Linux  operating system has limited hardware support. Many hardware manufacturers do not create drivers for Linux, which means that users may not be able to use certain hardware with the operating system. For example, a user may not be able to use a specific printer with Linux.

 3. Some hard Learning - Linux can be difficult to learn, especially for users who are not familiar with the command line interface. This can make it difficult for users to navigate and use the operating system. For example, a beginner may find it difficult to navigate the operating system and may require additional training.

1.6 Windows or Linux ? 

1. Open Source

Linux - Linux is Open Source and is free to use.

Windows - Windows is not open source and is not free to use.

2. Case sensitivity

Linux - Linux file systems are case sensitive.

Windows - Windows file system is case insensitive.

3. kernel type

Linux - Linux uses a monolithic kernel.

Windows - Windows uses a micro kernel.

4. Efficiency

Linux - Linux is more efficient in operations as compared to Windows.

Windows - Windows is less efficient in operations.

5. Path Separator

Linux - Linux uses forward slash as path separator between directories.

Windows - Windows uses backward slash as a path separator.

6. Security

Linux - Linux is highly secure as compared to Windows.

Windows - Windows provides less security as compared to Linux.

Thank you…!