What Is Linux Operating System? The Underrated Desktop OS!

You may have heard about Linux from friends or on the news. Or maybe even discussed during your computer subject in middle school. Well, this article will explain what it’s used for and how it works.

The Linux operating system is a computer operating system that’s built around the Linux kernel. It’s often used on servers, mainframes, and supercomputers, but it’s also a popular option for personal computers these days.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what exactly makes up the Linux operating system, why it’s so popular, and how it works differently from other computer systems.

What Is Linux Operating System?

Linux is a free, open-source, and open-development operating system. It’s used on the majority of web servers in the world. It is also used in many other devices such as routers, embedded systems, and mobile phones. The kernel is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which means anyone can use it.

Linux can be used in server environments as well as embedded systems such as storage appliances and network routers. It is often used in server environments because these servers need to run 24 hours a day without stopping (or crashing). And it is used in embedded systems because the operating system isn’t visible to users but rather runs quietly in the background—like mobile phones and GPS devices, for example.

The main reason Linux is so popular today is its fast, flexible, and affordable operating system. Also, the fact that there are no licensing fees for using Linux makes it an attractive option for many companies.

What Are The Features Of The Linux Operating System?

The Linux kernel is a built-in application that provides low-level access to hardware resources like the CPU or graphics card, which is an ideal operating system if you are on a budget. You will find many pre-installed applications in any Linux distribution out there, including office suites (OpenOffice), web browsers (Firefox), audio players (VLC), and much more!

Users of Linux are free to make changes to the source code and publish new versions of the operating system, called distributions, for other users or for sale. Because of its flexibility, Linux has become the platform of choice for hosting infrastructure. As a result, the vast majority of websites run on servers that support a Linux distribution. What’s impressive about this is that you can modify everything on your computer according to whatever you want, and you can comfortably use it.

In Linux, everything is a file. This means that you can treat files as if they were devices, regular files, and more. You can even process them with the same tools you would use for other kinds of files! The only difference between one kind of file and another is how it appears when viewed through different commands.

What Are The Benefits Of Using The Linux Operating System?

The Linux operating system does not cost anything to use. This indicates that you will not be required to make a payment in order to download it. Since the Linux operating system is based on open-source software, it is modifiable by anybody who has some familiarity with programming. Because of this, it is very adaptable and configurable.

Learning how to use the Linux operating system won’t be difficult, even for novices. There is a wealth of information and how-to guides accessible to you in the form of internet resources and tutorials. Millions of programs and apps are already available for use with the Linux operating system, and the vast majority are free. When it comes to obtaining software that is suitable for your requirements, this provides you with a great deal of choice.

Many phishing and other computer viruses have resurfaced, which is frightening. But Linux has another benefit. After you have finished installing the Linux operating system, you will no longer need an antivirus program. This is due to the fact that the Linux operating system is very reliable and secure. 

The History Of Linux Operating System

Linus Torvalds originally developed the Linux operating system, but he had no intention of selling it. Because of its open-source nature, Linux OS has benefited from widespread participation in its development, which has increased its stability and reliability. The GNU Project, begun in 1983, offered many of the building blocks necessary to make a fully functional operating system, and Torvalds drew heavily from this work while developing Linux. 

The history of Linux started as several separate Unix-like computer operating systems assembled under the free and open source software development and distribution model. Linux was first released in 1991 as a combination of existing Unix projects.

I would say that the growth of Linux is underrated. As said, Linux is free, and we are not even taking advantage of the operating system itself. We should have been making the most out of Linux due to how in demand it is in the past. Even Microsoft, a potential competition, loves Linux. As you can see in the table below, in 2000, Steve Jobs even tried to hire Torvalds and made him leave Linux.

But I guess it was worth it for Torvalds to stay with Linux. Nonetheless, here are the achievements of Linux over the years.

Year	Achievement
1991	Linus Torvalds, 21 at the time, announced Linux.
1992	Linux had converted in to an open source.
1993	Slackware Linux was released.
1995	The First Linux Expo happened in NCSU.
1996	The penguin became the Linux’s logo.
1997	GNOME, a Linux desktop environment, was announced.
1998	KDE, another Linux desktop environment, was developed.
2000	Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, tried to hire Torvalds.
2002	Red Hat Enterptrise Linux was launched.
2004	Ubuntu 4.10 was developed.
2005	Git was developed, a source code management.
2007	The first Linux powered netbook was developed.
2008	Android was launched, a mobile OS based on Linux.
2009	Chrome OS was launched, a desktop OS based on Linux.
2014	Ubuntu Phone project was launched.
2015	Linux 4.2 was released.

How Does Linux Differ From Other Operating Systems?

Linux has many similarities with other OSes you may be familiar with, such as Windows and macOS. Linux, much like other operating systems, has a graphical user interface and can run all the same programs that you are used to using on different computers. Often, the developer of the software you use on other platforms also created a Linux version of the same application you use. In a nutshell, Linux can be used by anybody capable of using a computer or other electronic device.

Some might say that Linux has similarities with macOS; well, that is true because both operating systems give access to the Unix commands. Some features look the same, too, like its taskbar. But Linux is really an excellent operating system if you are someone who focuses on programming and other deep computer commands.

Although the fundamentals of the Linux OS are standard, many distinct Linux versions are available, each with its own programs and features. This implies that Linux is very adaptable since not just programs like text editors and web browsers may be replaced. Users of Linux may customize their operating system in fundamental ways, such as by selecting the graphics system and other user interface elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrap Up

So far, we’ve learned about the history of Linux and how it differs from other operating systems. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Linux. If you’re interested in learning more about operating systems, check out some of the other articles on our blog.