All You Want to Know About Linux Operating System

Linux is a very popular and highly used open-source OS. It sits under other software on a system. It receives requests from programs and relays these requests to the hardware of the computer. In this article, we will learn about the Linux OS system.    

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What Is Linux?

Linux is highly customizable software. This OS was developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in 1991. This is an open-source and free alternative to Minix. The trademark on “Linux” is on the name of its creator, Linus Torvalds.

The term “Linux” comprises the Linux kernel, and a bundle of tools, programs, and services. The Linux source code is under copyright by several licensed authors under the GPLv2 license.

Linux Vs Other OS

Linux shares similarities to other OS such as Windows, iOS, and macOS to a good extent. It also has a graphical user interface and similar types of software that you are familiar with. This includes word processors, video editors, photo editors, etc. As it is open-source software, its code is free to use. Anyone who has the necessary skills can view, or edit the code.

Linus Vs Unix 

Unix is an OS that was created by Dennis Ritchie, Ken Thompson, etc. at Bell Labs in the 1970s. There is a lot of similarity between Linux and UNIX. Both the operating systems have similar tools to interface with the system, filesystem layouts, programming tools, and other major components. 

Not all UNIX software is open source, and free. Over the years, several OS is designed to be compatible with UNIX, but Linux is the most successful of them. It surpasses its precursors in popularity.

Who Are The Users Of Linux?

Linux is ideal for individuals and companies who are in search of a flexible and secure operating system. By choosing Linux, you also get to enjoy the support of a vast community of users. Furthermore, there are companies such as Red Hat, SUSE, and Canonical that provide commercial support.

Many devices that you own, such as Android tablets, Chromebooks, smartphones, digital storage devices, cameras, personal video recorders, wearables, etc. runs on Linux. You may not be aware that your car has a Linux OS that runs under the hood. Microsoft Windows has certain Linux components, including Windows Subsystem for Linux.

How Can One Contribute To Linux?

A majority of the Linux kernel is coded in the C programming language. Some part of it is written in assembly language and other languages. The Linux community is more than its kernel. It requires contributions from programmers and other people.

Every distribution has 100’s or 1000’s of programs. They need different types of skills. Based on their skills, one can contribute by developing and distributing these programs.

Conclusion

Linux is a widely used and best-known OS. It is used in the development of several advanced technological components. Its customizable and robust nature makes it stand out from its OS counterparts.