Operating Systems

The first Linux systems were completed in 1992 by combining system utilities and libraries from the GNU project which is another operating system we’ll address next. 

Predominantly known for its use in servers, Linux is used as an operating system for a wider variety of computer hardware than any other operating system including desktop computers, super computers, mainframes, and embedded devices such as cell phones.  Linux is packaged for different uses in Linux distributions which contain the kernel along with a variety of other software packaged tailored to its intended use.

Linux alleges that people regard the system as suitable mostly for computer experts because mainstream computer magazine reports cannot explain what Linux is in a meaningful way as they lack real-life experience using it.  Furthermore, the frictional cost of switching operating systems and lack of support for certain hardware and application programs designed for Microsoft Windows have been two factors that have inhibited adoption.

However, as of early 2007, significant progress in hardware compatibility has been made, and it is becoming increasingly common for hardware to work “out of the box” with many Linux distributions.  Proponents and analysts attribute the relative success of Linux to its security, reliability, low cost, and freedom from vendor lock-in.

The primary difference between Linux and other contemporary operating systems is that the Linux kernel and other components are open source software.  That means that users have permission to study, change, and improve the software.  They can then redistribute it in modified or unmodified form.  This is usually done in a public and collaborative manner.

Linux is not the only such operating system, although it is the most well-known and widely used one.  Some open source licenses are based on the principle of “copy left”, a kind of reciprocity:  any work derived from a copy left piece of software must also be copy left itself.  One of the advantages of open source is that it allows for rapid software bug detection and elimination which is important for correcting security exploits.

Another advantage of Linux as an operating system is inter-operability.  That means, it can run software from other companies such as Mac and Windows.  This makes it hugely advantageous to the open market as inter-operability in an operating system is rather uncommon as of late.

People have actually taken on the promotion of Linux in what might be considered almost a cult-like following.  In many cities and regions, local associations known as Linux Users Groups.  They seek to promote Linux and, by extension, the notion and reality of free software.  They actually hold meetings and provide free demonstrations, training, technical support, and operating system installation to new users.

There are also many Internet communities that seek to provide support to Linux users and developers.  Most distributions and open source projects have a chat room on the freenode IRC network.  These chat rooms are open to anyone with an IRC client.  Online forums are another means for support with notable examples being www.linuxquestions.org. 

Every established free software project and Linux distribution has one or more mailing lists.  Commonly there will be a specific topic such as usage or development for a given list. 

Although Linux is generally available free of charge, several large corporations have established business models that involve selling, supporting, and contributing to Linux and free software.  The free software licenses on which Linux is based explicitly accommodate and encourage commercialization.

As of late, lively discussions among computer enthusiasts have arisen over which is the best operating system to use:  Windows or Linux?  In the past, free software products have been criticized for not going far enough to insure ease of use.  However, some experts have declared that Linux is nearly equal to Windows for ease of use as well as compatibility with other programs.

Many Windows applications can be run on the Linux operating system.  While there are not many games or applications that are available with Linux, there are still others that can run easily on the software.

Another Linux based system is GNU.