Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that originated in 1991, created by Linus Torvalds while he was a student at the University of Helsinki. Frustrated with existing systems on his Intel 386 computer, Torvalds developed the Linux kernel, which, when combined with GNU utilities, formed a complete operating system. Since its inception, Linux has grown significantly, powering a range of devices from smartphones to automobiles and becoming a popular alternative to proprietary systems like Microsoft Windows.
The operating system's modular design allows for adaptability and resilience, enabling users and developers to customize their experiences. Being free and open-source software (FOSS), Linux encourages collaboration, allowing developers to modify and share their work. Various distributions (distros) of Linux cater to different user needs, from highly customizable options like Arch Linux to easy-to-use versions like Ubuntu. With strong community involvement, both from developers working in major tech companies and independent programmers, Linux continues to thrive and evolve, supported by organizations like the Linux Foundation, which promotes its growth and independence.
Linux
Linux is an operating system made possible through the work of Linus Torvalds in 1991. The University of Helsinki student was unhappy with the system on his Intel 386 computer, so he began writing his own operating system core. Eventually his work led to an open-source software development project that he continued to oversee for many years. Many operating systems, such as Android and Chrome OS, are based on Linux. A wide variety of products, from cellular phones to automobiles, rely on Linux operating systems.
Overview
Torvalds built the core of an operating system, which is called a kernel. He matched his work to a set of tools, known as the GNU utilities, that had been created by Richard Stallman in 1983. GNU tools, which include command lines and compilers, were created to build operating systems but were missing a kernel. With the development and addition of the Linux kernel, a completely new operating system was born.
An operating system (OS) is software that allows a computer user and applications to work with a computer's devices and perform tasks. The OS shares the instructions between the two elements—for example, an application and the processor—and returns the results.
Free open-source software (FOSS) is software that is written by a developer and made available to anyone who wants to copy, change, or distribute it. Users are free to fix bugs or come up with completely new features if they wish. In the case of Linux, Torvalds insisted in the licensing agreement that users had to share what they wrote. Developers of other FOSS had not done this; consequently, as the original software was developed by many people, often times the results were not compatible with each other. Because Linux is FOSS, many companies can collaborate on developing Linux and share the cost of the work, and updates and changes remain compatible.
With the introduction of the Linux kernel, a number of developers created and distributed operating systems. Among the earliest was Slackware, which in turn inspired others to launch companies to support the software. Another early adapter was Red Hat Commercial Linux. Throughout the 1990s, the kernel was morphing and progressing. By 1996, when version 2.0 was released, Linux was the operating system favored by information technology professionals around the world. Between 2000 and 2005, a number of computers arrived on shelves already powered by Linux. During this time, Linux was being seen as a legitimate competitor of Microsoft's Windows operating system. An alternative for those who still preferred the Windows desktop experience was Ubuntu 4.10, which arrived in late 2004. The Android operating systems, which are also Linux based, began arriving soon after. Android developments led directly to the debut of smartphones.
The Linux Foundation was formed in 2000 to protect and foster the growth of Linux while also protecting its independence. The Linux Foundation, under the direction of Torvalds, ensures that Linux remains collaborative and free and maintains a focus on education.
The Linux companies offer the distribution code for free, yet at the same time, Linux generates revenue in several ways. For example, downloading the vast Linux code is a daunting task, and assembling the operating system for oneself is a time-consuming endeavor. Distribution makers charge customers who wish to purchase previously compiled packages of Linux code, called distros, which are designed to be simple to use. Distros may include the Linux kernel, the GNU shell utilities, a web browser, and other components. Other companies charge for commercial support of the operating system.
Many distros are available for users, who can choose the version that works best for them. For example, Arch Linux is highly customizable, while many users find openSUSE meets their needs for a desktop computer. One team of developers has been dedicated to creating a platform for education. The collaborative team—working for One Laptop Per Child, Pentagram, and Red Hat—has created the Sugar distro, which includes software carefully chosen for children's use. Some distros, such as Lubuntu, have been developed to work with old and obsolete hardware. Linux remained popular throughout the early twenty-first century, powering a variety of smartphones and other devices.
Technical Notes
The flexibility of the Linux kernel is a significant element of its success. Torvalds wrote the kernel in modules, and the operating system is also modular. Because it can be expanded or pared down through this modular form, it can easily be adapted for a variety of uses. In addition, the modular nature of the kernel means that a failure in (or an attack on) one piece will not necessarily cause a complete crash.
Although the Linux operating system includes many development languages, more than 77 percent of the code is written in either the C or C++ languages. Other languages include Java, Perl, and Lisp. More than 95 percent of the Linux kernel's code is written in C. Developers use a number of tools in developing code, including text-based tools such as Emacs and Vim, as well as Anjuta, Eclipse, and Netbeans.
Linux Communities
The major Linux communities are the developers and the users. Many developers work for companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Hitachi, which support the Linux Foundation financially and by supplying workers. In 2000, for example, IBM invested $2 billion in developing Linux. In addition, some developers work independently and are not employed by any companies.
End users frequently participate in online communities to discuss issues and support other users. Many speak up and offer their opinions about Linux and new developments, and may offer suggestions as to what they want to see.
Bibliography
Bort, Julie. "If Windows Is Dying, This Guy (Not Google) Killed It." Business Insider. Business Insider Inc. 27 Oct. 2013. Web. 3 June 2015. http://www.businessinsider.com/windows-death-thanks-to-linus-torvalds-2013-10
Hayward, David. "The History of Linux: How Time Has Shaped the Penguin." Tech Radar. Future US, Inc. 22 Nov. 2012. Web. 3 June 2015. http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/the-history-of-linux-how-time-has-shaped-the-penguin-1113914
Hoffman, Chris. "Android Is Based on Linux, but What Does That Mean?" How-to Geek. How-To Geek LLC. 12 May 2014. Web. 4 June 2015. http://www.howtogeek.com/189036/android-is-based-on-linux-but-what-does-that-mean/
"Linux." Britannica, 30 Nov. 2024, www.britannica.com/technology/Linux. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.
McMillan, Robert. "Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (and Dad of 3)." Wired. Conde Nast. 20 Mar. 2012. Web. 3 June 2015. http://www.wired.com/2012/03/mr-linux/
Rob. "What Is Linux." Linux.org. Linux.org. 2 July 2013. Web. 3 June 2015. http://www.linux.org/threads/what-is-linux.4076/
Sharma, Mayank. "Best Linux Distros of 2022." Tech Radar, 1 Nov. 2022, www.techradar.com/best/best-linux-distros. Accessed 29 Dec. 2022.
"What Is Linux." Linux Foundation. Linux Foundation. Web. 3 June 2015. http://www.linuxfoundation.org/what-is-linux