Linux Operating System
Linux is a free and open source operating system created by Linus Torvald. He was interested in the Minix operating system. Frustrated by licensing of the system Linus developed his own system that surpassed the Minix. Torvalds operational system is known as Linux (Linux) Kernel. Linux Kernel 1.0 was released in 1994 under the GNU General Public License, which allows the general public free access.
Linux distributions are branched operating system which includes software application such as spreadsheets, word processors, database applications, and media players. Currently there are over six hundred distributions and more than half of those are active with community groups constantly updating them. A “distribution is most simply described as a particular assortment of applications installed on top of a set of libraries married with a version of the kernel, such that its out-of-the-box capabilities meet most of the needs of its particular end-user base.” –(Wiki Pedia) There are different Linux distributions which are built for different uses and have different features and functions depending on the distributor.
Two of the most widely use distributions are Red Hat and Open SUSE. Red Hat operating systems works along with applications, middleware, and management products. It also provides training, support, and consulting services. Open SUSE is a general purpose operating system. Two of the many features this system includes are YaST2 and AutoYaST2. The YaST2 handles system setup, RPM package management, hard disk partitioning, network, firewall configuration and many more integrated interface. Auto YaST is used for automatic installation which is stored in an XML file and installation happens without user interaction. There are many ways to obtain Linux distributions.
One way to obtain Linux distribution is to go to the software project home page and download and install. Search on Google for popular Linux forums or be on Linux mailing list are other ways user can download and update their software. Some software requires specific system such as the Oblivion, which requires OpenGL driver with GLSL support. Within distributions are applications or suite available on Linux.
Linux distribution usually comes with different applications. A popular application before Google doc is Abiwords, a word processor that is free, available to everyone, and operates in virtually any operating system. It is also available in multiple languages. Another popular application is Firefox, a web browser that is used by millions, which is ranked the best web browser on the internet. Firefox features are high speed, small size, tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and resistance to viruses. These two applications do not require a Linux operating system to operate. This is one great advantage of using Linux apps.
The advantages of using Linux are cost efficient, robust programs and software, and free support from communities. With all these free great software, one wonders why Linux isn’t the most popular and widely use operating system? The answer to that is common computer user are not educated or computer savvy. Installing and operating Linux systems requires intimate knowledge of computers and software which the general public doesn’t have. Understanding the system can be time consuming which is a big disadvantage compare to the Microsoft system.