Introduction to Linux
The Linux kernel was originally developed by Linus Torvalds, a Finn, as a personal hobby while studying at the University of Helsinki.
Linux is a free and open-source Unix-like operating system that is based on POSIX and UNIX standards. It is a multi-user, multitasking system that supports multithreading and multiple CPUs.
Linux can run major UNIX tools, applications, and network protocols. It supports 32-bit and 64-bit hardware. Linux inherits the network-centric design philosophy of Unix and is a stable multi-user network operating system.
Linux Distributions
In simple terms, a Linux distribution is a package that combines the Linux kernel with application software.
Some of the well-known distributions include Ubuntu, RedHat, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, SuSE, OpenSUSE, Arch Linux, SolusOS, among others.
Linux Application Domains
Linux distributions are used in various settings today, from embedded devices to supercomputers, and have established a strong presence in the server market. Servers often use LAMP (Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP) or LNMP (Linux + Nginx + MySQL + PHP) stacks.
Linux is not only used in homes and businesses but also enjoys popularity in government sectors.
- The Brazilian Federal Government is renowned for its support of Linux.
- The Russian military has developed its own Linux distribution as part of the G.H.ost project, which has achieved success.
- India's Kerala state plans to promote the use of Linux across all high schools.
- The People's Republic of China exclusively uses Linux on the Loongson processors to achieve technological independence.
- Some regions in Spain have developed their own Linux distributions, which are widely used in government and education, such as gnuLinEx in Extremadura and Guadalinex in Andalusia.
- Portugal uses its own Linux distribution, Caixa Mágica, for Magalhães laptops and e-escola government software.
- France and Germany are also gradually adopting Linux.
Linux vs Windows
Currently, Linux is predominantly used on servers in China, while desktop operating systems are more commonly Windows. The main differences are as follows:
| Comparison | Windows | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Uniform interface with a fixed shell. All Windows program menus are almost identical, and shortcuts are mostly the same. | Graphical interface styles vary by distribution and may be incompatible. The GNU/Linux terminal inherits from UNIX, with basic commands and operation methods mostly consistent. |
| Drivers | Rich driver support with frequent updates. Default installations usually include popular hardware drivers at the time of release, with new hardware drivers depending on hardware vendors. Older hardware may be difficult to support without original drivers. Sometimes, hardware vendors do not provide drivers for certain Windows versions, which can be problematic. | Developed by volunteers and released by the Linux kernel development team. Many hardware vendors do not provide drivers due to copyright considerations. Although most do not require manual installation, installation can be complex for new users. However, under the open-source development model, many old hardware that is difficult to support in Windows can easily find drivers. HP, Intel, AMD, and other hardware vendors are gradually supporting open-source drivers, which is alleviating the issue. |
| Usage | Easy to use and learn, with a graphical interface that is beneficial for users without computer background knowledge. | Graphical interface is easy to use and learn. Text-based interfaces require learning to master. |
| Learning | Complex system with frequent changes, and knowledge and skills become obsolete quickly. Deep learning is difficult. | Simple and stable system with good knowledge and skill传承. Deep learning is relatively easy. |
| Software | Specific functionalities often require commercial software support, which needs to be purchased. | Most software is freely available, but there are fewer options for software with the same functionality. |