Introduction to Linux
The Linux kernel was initially developed by Finnish student Linus Torvalds as a personal project while attending 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, multi-tasking system that supports multi-threading and multi-CPU configurations.
Linux can run major UNIX tools, applications, and network protocols. It supports both 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 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.
- Russian military news reports have showcased their own Linux distribution as part of the G.H.ost project.
- India's Kerala state plans to promote Linux usage across high schools.
- The People's Republic of China exclusively uses Linux on the Loongson processor to achieve technological independence.
- Some regions in Spain have developed their own Linux distributions, 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 likely to use Windows. The main differences are as follows:
| Comparison | Windows | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Uniform interface with a fixed shell. Windows program menus are almost identical, and shortcuts are consistent. | Graphical interface styles vary by distribution and may be incompatible. The GNU/Linux terminal is inherited from UNIX, with basic commands and operations largely consistent. |
| Drivers | Rich in drivers with frequent updates. Default installations include popular hardware drivers at the time of release, with new hardware drivers dependent on hardware manufacturers. Older hardware may lack support without original drivers. Sometimes, hardware manufacturers do not provide drivers for certain Windows versions. | Developed by volunteers and released by the Linux kernel development team. Many hardware manufacturers 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 devices that are difficult to support in Windows can easily find drivers. HP, Intel, AMD, and others are gradually supporting open-source drivers, mitigating the issue. |
| Usage | Easy to use and suitable for users without computer background knowledge due to the graphical interface. | Graphical interface is easy to use and suitable for beginners. Text-based interface requires learning to master. |
| Learning | Complex system with frequent changes, fast-paced knowledge and skills, and challenging deep learning. | Simple and stable system with good knowledge and skill inheritance, making deep learning relatively easy. |
| Software | Specific functionalities often require commercial software, necessitating purchase of licenses. | Most software is freely available, though choices for specific functionalities may be limited. |