What is LINUX ?

What is Linux ?

• LINUX is basically an Operating System. Just like Windows, MacOS it provides an interface between the hardware and software components either through Command Line or through an Interactive GUI.

• But unlike these Operating Systems, LINUX is an Open Source OS developed with a collaborative development model. It is freely distributable and has Cross Platform advantages. It is used on a wide variety of electronic devices ranging from desktops, mobile phones to embedded systems and supercomputers.

• LINUX is an UNIX-like operating system. The defining component of Linux is Linux Kernel, which was first released in October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux Kernel was primarily written in C language and some part of it in Assembly Language.

• LINUX OS is frequently distributed as a bundled package consisting of Linux Kernel (Core Component), other programs and support tools & libraries. These bundled packages are known as Distributions or Distros (in short). Some of the very popular Linux Distros are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Red Hat, OpenSUSE, Arch Linux, Linux Mint, CentOS.

• Linux is often referred to as 'GNU/Linux' by the members of Free Source Foundation as many of its tools are GNU Components. But in case of Android, it is based on Linux Kernel and relies very less on GNU tools. Therefore its reference as 'GNU/Linux' is a bit controversial.

What is Open Source ?

• Open Source refers to a program in which the source code is available openly to the general public for use or modification. Open source code is typically created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share the changes within the community. The main advantage of Open Source Softwares is that they can be improved over time by the input of people active in the Open Source Community and with every modification the software is improvised either in the form of adding new features or fixing bugs.

• Open source sprouted in the technological community as a response to proprietary software owned by corporations. The rationale for this movement is that a larger group of programmers not concerned with proprietary ownership or financial gain will produce a more useful and bug-free product for everyone to use. The process of eliminating bugs and improving the software happens at a much quicker rate than through the traditional development channels of commercial software as the information is shared throughout the open source community and does not originate and channel through a corporation's research and development cogs.

Why Linux is so popular and why do people use it ?

• This is the most commonly asked question by a freshman. But one can get the answer themselves when they start using it. In the beginning there may be difficulties in switching from your normal OS to Linux but one can get used to it in a few days. The best part is the wide community support which helps you to fix issues easily and instantly.

Some other advantages that attract people towards Linux : 

• No risk of any kind of malware, viruses or trojans attacking your computer.
• Hassle free, no issues of system crashes. Linux works very smoothly even on low hardware configuration. 
• No licensing fee. It is all free, you can install it any number of times, on any number of machines absolutely free.
• Frequent updates which keeps you up to date with all the new features, tools and softwares.
•  Large variety of distributions to choose from depending on your needs and purpose of use.
• Various Desktop Environments like GNOME, Unity, KDE, Cinnamon, etc. to choose from to change the look and feel of your desktop and to customize them accordingly.
• Nowadays, Linux is being used in various electronic devices ranging from Desktops, Smartphones to Embedded Systems & Supercomputers.  
• Being Open Source one can easily study the available source code & modify it according to their needs. And then this modified version can be distributed freely to the general public.

So overall, LINUX is currently the most stable and reliable OS available and that too for free. That is what making it the most popular and widely used OS in the world.

Everyone is switching to LINUX, why not you ??