Linux is an open-source operating system that powers countless devices today. An operating system, or OS, is software that serves as the bridge between a system’s physical hardware and its software applications. Through this connection, an OS effectively manages a system’s resources, including its storage, memory and central processing unit, or CPU.
What Is Linux?
Linux is an operating system that powers a wide range of devices today, including supercomputers, cars, smartphones and most of the internet. It serves as a free, open-source system that is updated and maintained by a global community of users.
Created by Finnish computer scientist Linus Torvalds in 1991, Linux has become an integral part of the modern digital world. It’s used to run supercomputers, servers, smartphones, home appliances, cars, stock exchanges and a majority of the internet, among other applications. Here’s a closer look at the Linux operating system and why it continues to be a popular option for developers and everyday users.
Linux Components
There are a number of moving parts that come together to ensure a Linux OS functions properly. Below are some of the main components to know:
- Kernel: The Linux kernel is the core of the OS, managing hardware resources and the software packages that power the remainder of the OS.
- Bootloader: The bootloader oversees the booting process when the Linux OS starts up, loading the kernel into memory.
- Init system: The init system is the first process the kernel runs after booting. It allows other processes to run and manages daemons.
- Daemons: Daemons are services that run in the background like printing and scheduling. They start either during the booting process or when a user logs into the desktop.
- Graphical server: The graphical server is software that manages the graphics displayed on the monitor. It’s also known as the X server or simply X.
- Desktop environment: The desktop environment is the layer users actually interact with, consisting of user interface controls and applications.
- Applications: Applications are software added as part of the Linux installation or after it is complete. Users can choose from thousands of applications to install on Linux.
Together, these parts make up the Linux OS. And because Linux is free and open-source, developers have designed and built upon several Linux variations to create new OS versions, or distributions, that offer specific capabilities to fulfill developers’ immediate needs.
Many distributions require users to interact with Linux through the command line interface, but plenty of distributions come with a graphical user interface, or GUI, more closely resembling a typical desktop for Windows PC or Mac. Popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Red Hat, Fedora, Oracle Linux, CentOS and Debian.
What Is Linux Used For?
Linux is a popular OS that is used by both individuals and organizations alike. Here are some of its common use cases:
- Basic services: Linux is used to manage several services, including process scheduling, application scheduling, basic peripheral devices and file systems.
- IT programs: Linux-based products have made a major impact in the IT space and many have become essential to a large number of organizations’ tech stacks, with Kubernetes (a container cluster manager from Google), Docker (a software container program) and Open Daylight (used to accelerate the adoption of SDNs and Network Functions Virtualization) all seeing widespread use.
- Cloud services: Additionally, Linux-based OSs are a favorite among cloud service providers because of their free and open-source nature.
- Home devices: Linux helps run a number of home devices, including Wi-Fi routers, smart TVs and security cameras.
- Desktop computing: Linux serves as a free, open-source OS that any user can tailor to their needs if they want alternatives to Windows, macOS and other commercial OSs.
Those examples are just the tip of the iceberg for Linux users, and the system’s versatility will only continue to grow as more developers build with it for years to come.
What Are the Benefits of Linux?
Linux comes with several advantages that make it one of the most widely used operating systems by developers:
- Reduced costs: Rather than pay licensing fees associated with commercialized OSs, developers can use Linux as a free, open-source alternative.
- Easy customization: Due to Linux’s open-source nature, developers can easily access the Linux source code to shape Linux-based products and operating systems according to their needs.
- Enhanced security: Linux offers a greater degree of security than many operating systems and requires no antivirus programs for protection.
- Greater efficiency: Linux provides a high degree of stability, requires little disk space, has powerful networking capabilities and puts software updates in the hands of users.
- Constant evolution: Linux is constantly being reshaped and developed to create new products that meet emerging needs.
- Broad applicability: Because of its flexibility, Linux delivers various capabilities and can be applied in a variety of use cases.
How Can I Teach Myself Linux?
Linux can be installed on most computers by using a virtual machine.
Using a Virtual Machine
A virtual machine is a method of hardware virtualization that allows a separate operating system from the machine’s primary operating system to be installed. This alternate operating system shares a computer’s resources to function but cannot be used simultaneously with the primary operating system. Virtual machines contain their own processors, RAM, disk and other crucial components, making them akin to a second device within an existing computer.
Installing a Virtual Machine
Despite the power that they provide, virtual machines are straightforward to install and easy to get started with:
- Download Oracle VirtualBox: Download Oracle VirtualBox, a free virtual machine with a community of users contributing resources and updates to enhance functionality.
- Install a Linux OS: Once you’ve installed VirtualBox, you can then install a Linux operating system. Many choose to use Ubuntu, a free OS built on Linux and designed for desktops and servers.
- Set up the VM: With these two free options in place, all that is left is to use VirtualBox to create a virtual machine on your computer that will run Ubuntu VM, select the proper storage settings, install Ubuntu onto the virtual machine and begin exploring the coding possibilities that Linux has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Linux?
Linux is a free, open-source operating system that powers countless applications and devices, including smartphones, computers, cars and most of the internet. It’s known for its high degree of customization and security, making it a popular option among developers.
What is Linux used for?
Linux is used to run basic services on computers like process scheduling, printing and file systems. It can also be used to run IT programs like Docker and smart devices like smart TVs, among other applications.
