WHAT IS LINUX?

Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open

source software development and distribution.

The defining component of Linux is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released

on 5 October 1991 by Linus Torvalds.

HISTORY

The GNU Project, started in 1983 by Richard Stallman, had the goal of creating a "complete Unix-compatible software system" composed entirely of free software.

In 1985, Stallman started the Free Software Foundation and wrote the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL) in 1989.

By the early 1990s, many of the programs required in an operating system were completed, although low-level elements such as device drivers, and the kernel were stalled and incomplete.

Richard Stallman

MINIX was an inexpensive minimal Unix-like operating system, designed for education in computer science.

In 1991, while attending the University of Helsinki, Linus Torvalds became curious about operating systems. He began to work on his own operating system which eventually became the Linux kernel.

Later, Linux matured and further Linux kernel development took place on Linux systems. Developers worked to integrate GNU components with the Linux kernel, making a fully functional and free operating system.

Linus Torvalds

PRESENT DEVELOPMENT

Torvalds continues to direct the development of the kernel.

Stallman heads the Free Software Foundation, which in turn supports the GNU components.

Finally, individuals and corporations develop third-party components.

POPULARITY

Today, Linux systems are used in every domain, such as:

Embedded systems

Supercomputers

Servers

Use of Linux distributions in home and enterprise desktops has been growing.

Linux is a widely ported operating system kernel. The Linux kernel runs on a highly diverse range of computer architectures like PDAs, video game consoles, portable music players, and mobile phones.

Specialized distributions exist for less mainstream architectures.

GUI DESKTOP ENVIRONMENTS

UNITY DESKTOP KDE PLASMA 4.9 GNOME 3.8

CINNAMON XFCE 4.10 PANTHEON

LINUX VS WINDOWS

LINUX

• Most versions are free. Enterprise versions are cheap.

• Linux variants have improved dramatically in ease of use, over time.

• The majority of Linux versions are notoriously reliable.

• Open Source – code can be modified and customized, even that of other software.

• Linux is and has always been a very secure operating system.

WINDOWS

• A copy can cost between $50 -$150.

• It is still easier than Linux.

• Microsoft Windows cannot match the reliability of Linux.

• Microsoft Windows is not open source and the majority of Windows programs are not open source.

• Windows continues to be the most vulnerable to viruses and other attacks.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS

o 90% of the world’s most powerful supercomputers are using an operating

system based on GNU/Linux. In fact, the top ten of supercomputers use

Linux. Linux was also selected as the operating system for the world's most

powerful supercomputer, IBM's Sequoia, which became operational in 2011.

o The name of the penguin, i.e. the Linux mascot is Tux. How it got the name

isn’t clear though.

o The Linux kernel is now the most widely ported operating system, running

on a great variety of operating systems.

o Linux is present in highly critical applications such as Japan’s bullet trains,

traffic control of San Francisco, the New York Stock Exchange, CERN,

submarines and warships.

o Renowned companies such as Google, Cisco, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin

etc. use Linux as their main operating system.