Linux OS

What Is Linux OS?

One of the most widely used UNIX operating systems is Linux. It is open source because the source code is available for free. The use of it is free. UNIX compatibility was taken into account when creating Linux. Its functionality list resembles UNIX quite a bit. The Linux operating system is used on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, automobiles, supercomputers, home appliances, personal computers, and business servers. Since its introduction in the middle of the 1990s, Linux has grown to have a global user base. You can find Linux in your phones, thermostats, cars, refrigerators, Roku devices, and televisions, among other things. All 500 of the top supercomputers in the world, the majority of the Internet, and the global stock exchanges are also run by it.

Linux is one of the most trustworthy, secure, and worry-free operating systems out there, in addition to being the platform of choice for desktops, servers, and embedded systems around the world. Here is all the information you require to become familiar with the Linux operating system.

Linux is an operating system, just like Windows, iOS, and Mac OS. In fact, Linux is the operating system that runs one of the world’s most widely used platforms, Android. A desktop or laptop’s operating system is a piece of software that controls all of the hardware resources connected to it. Simply put, the operating system controls how your software and hardware communicate with one another. The operating system (OS) is necessary for the software to run.

Components of Linux System

Every OS has its own component parts, and the Linux OS includes the following:

Bootloader – The process of starting up your computer is known as booting. Your OS is the program in charge during the entire boot process, which needs direction. Your operating system’s bootloader initiates the process when you turn on your computer.

Init system – This component bootstraps user space and is in charge of managing daemons. Systemd, one of the most popular and divisive init systems, is one of the most widely used. Once the bootloader has handed off initial booting to the init system, the init system is responsible for managing the boot process (i.e., GRUB or GRand Unified Bootloader).

OS Kernel – The kernel is the component of the operating system that is “closest” to your computer hardware because it manages CPU access, memory access, and any peripheral devices. It is where your operating system operates at its “lowest” level.

Daemons – These are services that run in the background and either begin when your computer boots or when you log in to your desktop. In the background, these small programs serve as butlers, making sure that crucial processes like scheduling, printing, and multimedia run smoothly. When you log in to your computer or after your computer has started up, they load.

Graphics server – The component of your computer that shows graphics on your monitor is this one. It is frequently known as the X server or simply X.

Desktop environment – Direct communication with the graphical server is not possible. Instead, you require server-driver software. Linux refers to this as a desktop environment, and there are many options, such as KDE, Unity, and Cinnamon. Typically, a desktop environment comes with a number of programs, including file and web browsers and a few games.

Applications – The full range of apps is not available in desktop environments. Linux offers countless numbers of high-quality software titles that are simple to find and install, just like Windows and macOS. The majority of contemporary Linux distributions (more on this below) come with tools resembling the App Store that streamline and centralize application installation. For instance, the Ubuntu Software Center (a rebranded version of GNOME Software) in Ubuntu Linux enables you to quickly search among the thousands of apps and install them from a single central location.

It’s important to note that the Ubuntu Software Center, which houses Ubuntu’s application repository, is a great place to search for Linux applications, both free and paid.

Architecture

The architecture of a Linux system is depicted in the diagram below.

Why use Linux Software

Most of us use desktop operating systems that are typically included with our computers, so we hardly ever consider why we might need to switch. Because they believe their current operating system does the job just fine, few people are interested in learning how to use a new operating system and hardly ever inquire about Linux. However, it is not always clear how much time is lost in dealing with typical OS issues, such as malicious software like viruses, frequent OS crashes, and the ensuing expensive repairs. Remember that most operating systems also impose a license fee.

Let’s compare the price of a Linux server to that of a Windows Server 2016. Windows Server 2016 Standard edition costs $882.00 US dollars (purchased directly from Microsoft). Client Access Licenses (CALs) and licenses for any additional software you might require are not included in that (such as a database, a web server, a mail server, etc.). For Windows Server 2016, a single-user CAL, for instance, costs $38.00.

For instance, if you need to add 10 users, the cost of server software licensing will increase by $388.00. The Linux server makes everything free and simple to install. In fact, setting up a complete web server—complete with a database server—only takes a few mouse clicks or keyboard commands (take a look at Easy LAMP Server Installation to get an idea of how simple it can be).

What if having a free operating system wasn’t persuasive enough for you? How about having an operating system that will function flawlessly for as long as you use it? Since I’ve been using Linux for almost 20 years (on both my desktop and my server), I haven’t encountered any ransomware, malware, or viruses.

Linux is typically much less prone to these kinds of attacks. Reboots of the server are only required if the kernel is updated. A Linux server can operate for years without needing to be rebooted, which is not unusual. Stability and dependability are essentially guaranteed if you apply the regularly advised updates.

It’s possible that the OS you currently use isn’t performing as expected. You may want to consider Linux and see if it provides a better, free alternative if you are sick of paying for operating systems and detest the ongoing, expensive maintenance you must perform on your current OS. Linux can be tried for free, and many people believe it to be the most dependable desktop operating system available.

Open Source

Linux is additionally made available under an open-source license. These are the main principles of open source:

• The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
• The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.
• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
• The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.

These ideas are essential to grasping the community that collaborates to develop the Linux platform. Linux is unquestionably an OS that is “by the people, for the people.” These principles play a significant role in why so many people select Linux. Freedom of use, freedom of choice, and other freedoms are at issue.

Linux is a great operating system when dependability is important

It’s also simple to claim that Linux software makes systems administrators’ lives easier because Linux is more dependable. It implies that your server can run without issue and that you do not need to monitor it carefully on a daily basis. Also, because of the way Linux is designed, you can frequently restart specific services without having an adverse effect on the Linux OS as a whole.

An operating system is by definition a tool that you must be able to rely on. If price is not your main concern, Linux’s reliability could change everything. Do you know what the biggest benefit of the Linux operating system is? The biggest reason to use Linux, though, maybe its inherent dependability and general immunity to viruses, malicious software, and other sporadic operating system issues.

Unless the kernel is updated, Linux’s stability enables sysadmins to largely avoid reboots, which are a particular problem for servers. In fact, many Linux servers can run for years without needing to reboot, and sysadmins frequently view this as evidence of Linux’s dependability.

What is a Distribution?

Every user type can use a different version of Linux. You can find a “flavor” of Linux to suit your needs, whether you’re a novice user or a die-hard. Distributions (or “distros” in the short form) are the names for these variations. Almost all Linux distributions are available for free download, burning to disc (or USB thumb drive), and installation (on as many machines as you like).

There are literally countless Linux distributions. Ubuntu is frequently the default option for desktop Linux users, but Fedora, Arch, Linux Mint, Debian, and OpenSUSE are also well-liked options. Thanks to Ubuntu Unity, Ubuntu is one of the most contemporary Linux distributions, whereas openSUSE’s KDE has a more conventional Linux appearance.

Popular Linux distributions list:

• LINUX MINT
• MANJARO
• DEBIAN
• UBUNTU
• ANTERGOS
• SOLUS
• FEDORA
• ELEMENTARY OS
• OPENSUSE

Looking for a list of server Linux operating systems? Although there are many different distributions, some of the most popular ones are Red Hat, Ubuntu Server, SUSE Enterprise, and CentOS. Red Hat requires licensing, but keep in mind that you do get support in exchange for your license fee, which can be important for businesses. Some Linux server distributions are also not free.

Which Linux OS is right for you?

Your preferred Linux distribution will depend on your unique requirements. First and foremost, you should think about your own computer skills: your options will be more limited if you have never used Linux or the command line. Another obvious thing to think about is whether or not you’ll be using your Linux OS to run applications on a desktop. And if desktop, do you favor a more traditional Linux look or one of the more contemporary distros?

You should look at a distribution that is designed for Linux beginners if you only have rudimentary computer skills. Deepin and Linux Mint are both wise choices. Do you regularly use Linux? The most knowledgeable users might select Gentoo, while you might prefer Fedora or Debian. Consider the need for a GUI when it comes to servers.

Because your server won’t be slowed down by the graphics server, some servers are best managed via the command line. Some server distributions won’t include a GUI; others will; and some, like Ubuntu, will let you add a GUI at any time after the server has been installed.

Some server distributions, which come with numerous pre-bundled services, are good for particular applications. A good example is CentOS, which comes with a lot of what you need to run a complete server out of the box. Even better, you can begin with a desktop distribution and gradually add Linux operating system components as you require them. If so, take into account Ubuntu or Debian.

Installing Linux

Installing an operating system may seem like a very difficult task to many people. Unbelievably, among all operating systems, Linux has one of the simplest installation processes. In fact, the majority of Linux distributions provide a feature known as a “Live distribution,” which enables you to run the operating system from a USB flash drive or CD/DVD without making any changes to your hard drive. Without making a commitment to the installation, you receive all of the functionality. After trying it out and deciding you want to use it, all you have to do is double-click the “Install” icon and follow the straightforward installation wizard.

The following steps are typically used by installation wizards to guide you through the process (we’ll use the installation of Ubuntu Linux as an example):

Preparation – Verify that your device complies with the installation requirements. You might be prompted to install unofficial software as well (such as plugins for MP3 playback, video codecs, and more).

Wireless Setup (if necessary) – You will need to connect to the network if you’re using a laptop (or other devices with wireless) in order to download updates and third-party software.

Hard Drive Allocation – You can choose how you want the operating system to be installed in this step. Use the entire hard drive, upgrade an existing Linux installation, install over an existing version of Linux, or install Linux alongside another operating system (dual booting).

Location – Select your location from the map.

Keyboard Layout – Select the keyboard for your system.

User Setup – Set up your username and password.

All done. After the installation is finished, reboot the system, and you’re good to go. Check out “How to Install and Try Linux the Absolutely Easiest and Safest Way” for a more detailed guide to installing Linux, or download the Linux Foundation’s PDF installation manual.

More Resources

Look no further than one of the many Linux distributions if you’re looking for one of the most dependable, secure, and dependable platforms for both the desktop and the server. With Linux, you can be sure that there won’t be any issues with your desktops, servers, or support requests. Check out the following resources for more information to help you throughout your lifetime with Linux:

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