Linux is a genus of multi Linux operating systems based around the Linux kernel, an open-source kernel originally developed by Linus Torvalds for the Linux operating system. Linux is usually packaged with its user software in a Linux Distribution. There are two main flavors of Linux. These are Red Hat and Gentoo.
The Linux Kernel is modeled after the UNIX kernel. It can be compared to an open-source operating system like the Windows or Mac OS. In comparison to the latter, Linux has several advantages over the latter. For example, Linux offers more security than the latter.
Moreover, Linux was created as a way to provide developers with free software. Most developers favor Linux kernels because they are more stable and provide better control than other OS. With this, they can add new features and functions with ease. In addition, Linux’s simplicity and modularity contribute a lot to the popularity of it. This is also one reason why Linux can be used for multiversion communication and server applications.
Linux was initially a modification of the Unix operating system. The main difference between the two is that Linux is derived from a combination of the C programming language (using a POSIX), Open Source Computer Software (OSC) and the Linux Networking solution. In addition, it uses a kernel instead of a file system like windows.
The Linux desktop environment is different from the windows based systems. It is more user friendly than the windows versions. It also has the advantage of being cheaper. One of the major reasons why Linux is preferred among the developers is because it offers a free source code.
Linus Torvalds is the creator of the Linux operating system. He made the Linux more popular than the Unix. The Linux kernel is licensed under GNU or the GNU public license, while the source code is licensed under the GNU free software license. The major difference between the Linux and the Unix is the fact that Linux requires less code while the latter requires much more code. Another difference between the Linux and the Unix is the availability of the source code.
You can install Linux easily and quickly using the various ways such as from a CD, internet download, or by using a package manager. When you want to install Linux, make sure to select a reputed distribution like Red Hat, Ubuntu, or Gentoo. These operating systems are renowned for their excellent quality of support and security. For an additional feature, you could install other open source applications like MySQL, PHP, Apache, Perl or Python.
To build your system, you can either use the Linux Live CD or the traditional RPM packages. Linux Live CD offers an easy way to install Linux. It also enables you to customize your system. RPM packages on the other hand offer greater control over the distribution of the Linux kernel.
The Linux kernel has several variations. Some of them are Red Hat Linux, Fedora, OpenMandriva, Mandriva, and SuSe. Each one of these has a different function and is suited to a particular environment. Among the popular Linux distributions, Red Hat Linux is probably the most famous for its reliability and security features.
Unlike the Windows operating system, the Linux kernel offers more freedom to the programmers. This freedom allows the programmers to create software for a number of purposes. The developers can use the Linux kernel to create new operating systems, new applications, and modifications to the kernel. While Microsoft makes it mandatory for programmers to register with them before they can modify the Windows registry, Linux does not impose such regulations.
With so many advantages offered by the Linux operating system, it is not surprising to find that Linux is widely used in the corporate world. Many corporations prefer to use Linux because they have the support of the Linux community. The Linux community is willing to assist the open source operating system developers in creating new programs and offering support for those already in existence. Thus, Linux is an easy solution for corporate companies who cannot afford to spend too much on software licensing.
Moreover, the Linux command line is much simpler than its counterpart, Windows. For the user, it is also easier to use. Unlike the windows interface, Linux does not have icons all over the screen. There is only a small menu on the desktop and the user has to follow simple directions to perform functions. Linux desktop environments also differ from the Windows ones.
