1 introduction to linux os

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Introduction to Linux OS

An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that
manages computer hardware resources and provides
common services for computer programs. The operating
system is a vital component of the system software in a
computer system. Application programs usually require an
operating system to function. OS is the interface between
hardware and user .All computers need an OS
OSes are used to run applications and control hardware.
Popular OSes include Windows, Linux, Mac OSX

Linux is a free open-source operating system based on
Unix. Linux was originally created by Linus Torvalds with the
assistance of developers from around the globe. Linux is
free to download, edit and distribute. Linux is a very
powerful operating system and it is gradually becoming
popular throughout the world. Linux is a Unix-like computer
operating system assembled under the model of free and
open source software development and distribution
Linux was originally developed as a free operating system

the underlying source code may be used, modified, and
distributed—commercially or non-commercially—by
anyone under licenses such as the GNU General Public
License. Typically Linux is packaged in a format known
as a Linux distribution for desktop and server use

Before Linux
In 80’s, Microsoft’s DOS was the dominated OS for PC
Apple MAC is better, but expensive
UNIX is much better, but much much expensive. Only
for minicomputer for commercial applications
People was looking for a UNIX based system, which is
cheaper and can run on PC
Both DOS, MAC and UNIX are proprietary, i.e., the
source code of their kernel is protected

GNU project
Established in 1984 by Richard Stallman, who believes
that software should be free from restrictions against
copying or modification in order to make better and
efficient computer programs GNU is a recursive acronym
for “GNU's Not Unix”
Aim at developing a complete Unix-like operating system
which is free for copying and modification Companies
make their money by maintaining and distributing the
software,

e.g. optimally packaging the software with different tools
(Redhat, Slackware, Mandrake, SuSE, etc) 1985,
Stallman started the Free Software Foundation and wrote
the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL) in 1989.
A famous professor Andrew Tanenbaum developed
Minix, a simplified version of UNIX that runs on PC
Minix was for class teaching only. No intention for
commercial use In Sept 1991, Linus Torvalds, a student
of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki,

developed the preliminary kernel of Linux, known as
Linux version 0.01
It was put to the Internet and received enormous
response from worldwide software developers
By March 1992 came version 0.95….. x-windows
It was put to the Internet and received enormous
response from worldwide software developers
By March 1992 came version 0.95….. x-windows

November 1992 SUSE , German version
August 1993 Debian & slackware
March 1994 kernel version 1.0
Oct 1994 Red hat & caldera
March 1996 kernel version 2.0
KDE 1998
Jan 1999 kernel version 2.2
2000 IBM invest 1 Billion$
Jan 2001 kernel version 2.4

Open Office 2002
Late 2003 Fedora
December 2003 kernel version 2.6
October 2004 Ubuntu
July 2011 kernel version 3.0

Linux Pros and Cons
Advantages over Windows
It's almost free to relatively inexpensive. Source code is
included. Bugs are fixed quickly and help is readily
available through the vast support in Internet. Linux is
more stable than Windows. Linux is truly multi-user and
multi-tasking

multiuser: OS that can simultaneously serve a number of
users. multitasking: OS that can simultaneously
execute a number of programs. Linux runs on
equipment that other operating systems consider too
underpowered, e.g. 386 systems, PDA, etc
Disadvantages compared with Windows
Isn't as popular as Windows.Less commercial company
is responsible for Linux.Linux is relatively hard to learn
and use as compared to Windows

Low cost:
There is no need to spend time and huge amount money to
obtain licenses since Linux and much of it’s software come
with the GNU General Public License. There is no need to
worry about any software's that you use in Linux.
Stability:
Linux has high stability compared with other operating
systems. There is no need to reboot the Linux system to
maintain performance levels.

Rarely it freeze up or slow down. It has a continuous up-
times of hundreds of days or more
Performance:
Linux provides high performance on various networks. It
has the ability to handle large numbers of users
simultaneously.
Flexibility:
Linux is very flexible. Linux can be used for high
performance server applications, desktop applications, and
embedded systems.

You can install only the needed components for a particular
use.
Compatibility:
It runs all common Unix software packages and can process
all common file formats.
Wider Choice:
There is a large number of Linux distributions which gives you
a wider choice. Each organization develop and support
different distribution. You can pick the one you like best; the
core function's are the same

Fast and easy installation:
Linux distributions come with user-friendly installation.
Multitasking & Multiuser:
Linux is a multitasking operating system. It can handle
many things at the same time.It is Also a true multiuser OS
Security:
Linux is one of the most secure operating systems. File
ownership and permissions make linux more secure.

Open source:
Linux is an Open source operating systems. You can easily
get the source code for linux and edit it to develop your
personal operating system.

Today, Linux is widely used for both basic home and office
uses. It is the main operating system used for high
performance business and in web servers. Linux has made
a high impact in this world. Today, Linux systems are used
in every domain, from embedded systems to
supercomputers

No threat of viruses
Linux systems are extremely stable
Linux is Free
Linux comes with most of the required software pre-installed
Linux never gets slow
Linux does not need defragmentation
Linux can even run on oldest hardware
Adding more software is a matter of a few clicks
Most Windows-only apps have their either their native version or
alternatives for Linux

Linux distributions
Today there are hundreds of different distributions available
popular Linux distributions include

1 introduction to linux os

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