Linux OS History, Features, Advantages and Disadvantages

Linux Operating System

Linux is, in simplest terms, an Operating System. It is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. The Operating System (OS) relays instructions from an application to, for instance, the computer's processor. The processor performs the instructed task, then sends the results back to the application via the Operating System.

Explained in these terms, Linux is very similar to other Operating Systems, such as Windows and OS X.

But something sets Linux apart from these Operating Systems. The Linux Operating System represented a $25 billion ecosystem in 2008. Since its inception in 1991, Linux has grown to become a force in computing, powering everything from the New York Stock Exchange to mobile phones to supercomputers to consumer devices.

As an open Operating System, Linux is developed collaboratively, meaning no one company is solely responsible for its development or ongoing support. Companies participating in the Linux economy share research and development costs with their partners and competitors. This spreading of development burden amongst individuals and companies has resulted in a large and efficient ecosystem and unheralded software innovation.

Over 1,000 developers, from at least 100 different companies, contribute to every kernel release. In the past two years alone, over 3,200 developers from 200 companies have contribute to the kernel--which is just one small piece of a Linux Distribution.

Linux was born out of the desire to create a free software alternative to the commercial UNIX environments. Its history dates back to 1991, or further back to 1983, when the GNU project, who’s original aims where to provide a free alternative to UNIX, was introduced. Linux runs on a much wider range of platforms than most UNIX environments, such as the Intel®/AMD led x86 platform. Most UNIX variants run on just one architecture.

What is Linux?

Linux is an example of Open Source software development and Free Operating System (OS).

Architectures

Linux Originally developed for Intel's x86 hardware, ports available for over two dozen CPU types including ARM.

File system Support

Linux use Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, Jfs, ReiserFS, Xfs, Btrfs format.

Usage

Linux can be installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from mobile phones, tablet computers and video game consoles, to mainframes and supercomputers.

GUI

Linux typically provides two GUIs, KDE and Gnome. But Linux GUI is optional.

Market Share for Desktop PC

The market share of Linux is about 1.29%.

Threat Detection and Solution

In case of Linux, threat detection and solution is very fast, as Linux is mainly community driven and whenever any Linux user post s any kind of threat, several developers start working on it from different parts of the world.

Cost

Linux can be freely distributed, downloaded freely, distributed through magazines, Books etc. There are priced versions for Linux also, but they are normally cheaper than Windows.

Security

Linux has had about 60-100 viruses listed till date.

Text Mode Interface

BASH (Bourne Again Shell) is the Linux default shell. It can support multiple command interpreters.

Development and Distribution

Linux is developed by Open Source development i.e. through sharing and collaboration of code and features through forums etc. and it is distributed by various vendors such as Debian, Red Hat, SUSE, Ubuntu, and GentuX etc.

User

Linux Operating System for everyone, from home users to developers and computer enthusiasts alike.

Kernel

Linux kernel is freely available. Linux kernel is developed by the community. Linus Torvalds oversees things.

Patches

Linux patches are not highly tested as UNIX patches.

Linux Distribution Names

A few popular names:
Redhat Enterprise Linux, Fedora Linux, Debian Linux, Suse Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu Linux

Linux Advantages

One of the most valued advantages of Linux over the other platforms lies with the high security levels it ensures. Every Linux user is happy to work in a virus-free environment and use the regular virus-prevention time needed when working with other Operating Systems for other more important tasks.

Thanks to its open-source distribution, >Linux is being constantly developed and updated by the constantly expanding community of programmers supporting it. Despite its dynamic nature, it is totally complete in terms of functionality and interface. All those ongoing development efforts are made with the sole purpose of keeping the platform flexible and ever adaptable to the changeable 'climate' of the WWW.

Linux in World Wide Web

Due to its innate stability, the Linux-based distributions are a top choice for Internet servers, with a great part of the World Wide Web being powered by Linux. Linux is often used with Apache, thus creating the stable Linux-Apache combination.

As a fundamental part of the web, Linux has deservedly found its place in the popular LAMP open source web platform, which represents a combination between the most popular website building technologies: Linux, Apache (web server), MySQL (database) and PHP/Perl/Python (web application languages).

Disadvantages of Linux

Understanding

Becoming familiar with the Linux Operating System requires patience as well as a strong learning curve. You must have the desire to read and figure things out on your own, rather than having everything done for you.

Compatibility

Because of its free nature, Linux is sometimes behind the curve when it comes to brand new hardware compatibility. Though the kernel contributors and maintainers work hard at keeping the kernel up to date, Linux does not have as much of a corporate backing as alternative Operating Systems. Sometimes you can find third party applications, sometimes you can’t.

Alternative Programs

Though Linux developers have done a great job at creating alternatives to popular Windows applications, there are still some applications that exist on Windows that have no equivalent Linux Application.

Summary

After studying what Linux Operating System is and its relevant characteristics, everyone would agree that this software has made and will continue making history for being so popular and useful.

One of the major challenges that Linux has is to get more people to use it. It does not mean that only a few people is using this Operating System right now, but that since Linux is so powerful, more and more people should get to use it and to enjoy all of the benefits that are found in this wonderful free software.

With this research it is pretended to give a global idea and some specific point to ponder about Linux, so that it can be possible to know better the benefits and limitations that this Operating System has.

It’s important that people can consider Linux as a good option for many tasks, and that users of computers are not limited by stereotypes, but that they can be open-minded to find the advantages and disadvantages that each Operating System is offering, and doing the best selection from there. By the way, a person is not limited to use exclusively one Operating System. That means that for some tasks, one software is appropriate, and for other tasks, a different software could be best. That’s why it’s better to know about the different options and then to be capable to select the best program or software to use.