WHAT IS LINUX?

Like Windows, iOS, and Mac OS, Linux is an operating system. One of the most popular platforms on the planet, Android, is powered by the Linux operating system. An operating system is software that manages all of the hardware resources associated with your desktop or laptop. The operating system is a communication medium between your software and your hardware. Without the operating system (OS), the software wouldn’t function.

The Linux operating system comprises several different pieces:

1. BOOTLOADER
2. KERNAL
3. INIT SYSTEM
4. DAEMONS
5. GRAPHICAL SERVER
6. DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT
7. APPLICATIONS

BOOTLOADER.

The software that manages the boot process of your computer. For most users, this will simply be a splash screen that pops up and eventually goes away to boot into the operating system.

KERNAL.

This is the one piece of the whole that is called? Linux?. The kernel is the system's core and manages the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices. The kernel is the lowest level of the OS.

INIT SYSTEM.

What is init, System Manager? In Linux/Unix-based operating systems, init (short for initialization) is the first process that started during the system boot-up by the kernel. It’s holding a process id (PID) of 1. It will be running in the background continuously until the system is shut down. It is the init system that manages the boot process, once the initial booting is handed over from the bootloader (i.e., GRUB or GRand Unified Bootloader).

DAEMONS.

These are background services (printing, sound, scheduling, etc.) that either start up during boot or after you log into the desktop.

GRAPHICAL SERVER.

This is the sub-system that displays the graphics on your monitor. It is commonly referred to as the X server or just X.

DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT.

This is the piece that the users interact with. There are many desktop environments to choose from (GNOME, Cinnamon, Mate, Pantheon, Enlightenment, KDE, Xfce, etc.). Each desktop environment includes built-in applications (such as file managers, configuration tools, web browsers, and games).

APPLICATIONS.

Desktop environments do not offer the full array of apps. Just like Windows and macOS, Linux offers thousands upon thousands of high-quality software titles that can be easily found and installed. Most modern Linux distributions (more on this below) include App Store-like tools that centralize and simplify application installation. For example, Ubuntu Linux has the Ubuntu Software Center (a rebrand of GNOME Software) which allows you to quickly search among the thousands of apps and install them from one centralized location.

WHY USE LINUX?

This is the one question that most people ask. Why bother learning a completely different computing environment, when the operating system that ships with most desktops, laptops and servers work just fine?

To answer that question, I would pose another question. Does that operating system you? re currently using work? just fine?? Or, do you find yourself battling obstacles like viruses, malware, slowdowns, crashes, costly repairs, and licensing fees?

If you struggle with the above, Linux might be the perfect platform for you. Linux has evolved into one of the most reliable computer ecosystems on the planet. Combine that reliability with zero cost of entry and you have the perfect solution for a desktop platform.

OPEN-SOURCE.

Linux is also distributed under an open-source license. Open source follows these keys:

1. The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.

2. The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.

3. The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.

4. The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.

These points are crucial to understanding the community that works together to create the Linux platform. Without a doubt, Linux is an operating system that is ? by the people, for the people. These tenants are also the main factor in why many people choose Linux. It’s about freedom and freedom of use and freedom of choice.

WHAT IS DISTRIBUTION?

Linux has some different versions to suit any type of user. From new users to hard-core users, you’ll find a “flavor” of Linux to match your needs. These versions are called distributions (or, in the short form, “distros”). Nearly every distribution of Linux can be downloaded for free, burned onto disk (or USB thumb drive), and installed (on as many machines as you like).

Popular Linux distributions include:

1. LINUX MINT
2. MANJARO
3. DEBIAN
4. UBUNTU
5. ANTERGOS
6. SOLUS
7. FEDORA
8. ELEMENTARY OS
9. OpenSUSE

Each distribution has a different take on the desktop. Some opt for very modern user interfaces (such as GNOME and Elementary OS’s Pantheon), whereas others stick with a more traditional desktop environment (openSUSE uses KDE).