What is Linux?

For many of us that have lived our entire lives within the Windows or MacOS ecosystem, the name Linux either doesn't ring a bell or you may just associate it with hackers you see on TV. So what is Linux actually?

Just like Windows and Mac OS, Linux is an Operating System. An Operating System is the system software that acts as an intermediary between hardware and software allowing them to communicate so that hardware resources are allocated and managed efficiently allowing you to use the system as desired.

Linux, however, is an Open-Source Operating System. This means that its source code is freely open and available for all to modify and distribute.

Android, one of the most common mobile Operating Systems on the planet is actually based on the Linux Kernel. Linux can also be found in other devices that you interact with everyday, such as your cars, televisions, thermostats, fridges, video game consoles and even the majority of the internet is run on Linux web-servers.

A History of Linux

It all started with the release of the Unix Operating System in 1970 by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie who worked under AT&T Bell Laboratories. Unix became widely adopted by academic and business institutes due to its availability and portability.

In 1977, the Computer Systems Research Group (CSRG) from UC Berkeley released the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). However since the BSD was based on Unix code, AT&T filed a lawsuit which limited its development.

In 1983, Richard Stallman started the GNU project. His goal was to create a free UNIX-like operating system. As a part of this work he created the GNU General Public License (GPL),  a free software license.

Almost a decade onwards, many projects failed to become a suitable free widely adopted operating system many had dreamed of until Linux came along. The Linux Kernel was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991, at first it started out as nothing more than a hobby project for the Finnish computer science student at the University of Helsinki.

Linus Torvalds first published the Linux kernel under a restricted license, but eventually it was released under the GNU General Public License as a fully functional and free operating system.

Linux gained its popularity due to being free, modifiable, widely available, frequently updated and providing stability and high performance to the end user. It is also generally considered more secure than other operating systems.

Linux Distributions

As mentioned earlier, since Linux is Open Source under the GPL, anyone can take the Linux source code and modify it into a new version. These new versions are called Distributions or 'Distros' and there are hundreds of them available that meet different goals or functions.

Some of the most popular Linux distributions you may have heard of are, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Kali, Arch and Linux Mint.

Benefits of Linux

• Open Source and Free: Linux is open-source, meaning its source code is freely available. Users can view, modify, and distribute the code, at no cost.
• Security: Linux is known for its frequent security patches and strong security features. Its permission system, user privilege management, and robust access controls contribute to a more secure computing environment.
• Stability and Reliability: Linux is renowned for its stability, especially in server environments. It can run for extended periods without requiring a reboot, contributing to high reliability.
• Performance: Linux is designed to be efficient and performant. It can run on a wide range of hardware, from older machines to high-end servers, providing consistent high end performance.
• Customisable: Linux allows users to customise nearly every aspect of the operating system.
• Community and Support: Linux has a large active community of users and developers. Online forums, documentation, and community support make it easier for users to seek help and find solutions to problems they may face.

Disadvantages of Linux

• Compatibility with Software: Some proprietary software, especially industry-standard applications, may not have native Linux versions. While compatibility layers and virtualisation can help, it may not provide a seamless experience.
• Hardware Compatibility: While Linux supports a broad range of hardware, some specialised or newer hardware components may lack full Linux support. Driver availability can also be an issue.
• Learning Curve: For users accustomed to other operating systems, there may be a steep learning curve when transitioning to Linux, especially when using the command line. However, this can be mitigated with user-friendly distributions and graphical interfaces.
• Gaming Support: While gaming support on Linux has improved, it still lags behind Windows in terms of game availability and performance. Some popular gaming titles are not officially supported on Linux.
• Limited Vendor Support: Some hardware vendors and software developers may not prioritise Linux support, leading to a lack of official drivers or applications for Linux.

In conclusion, Linux is a powerful, versatile, and open-source operating system that has transformed the landscape of computing. From its humble beginnings in Linus Torvalds' dorm room to its ubiquity in servers, mobile devices, embedded systems and the cloud, Linux has left a mark on the world of computing.

Want to learn more about Linux?

You can learn more about Linux by checking out the recommended articles section below or by checking out our Linux Tag to view all of our Linux articles!