The Basics of Linux: An Introduction

Linux is an open-source operating system that aids in the functioning of any computer device. It was created in 1991 by a computer programmer named Linus Torvalds. It is considered to be the most popular of all the open-source operating systems, with millions of users worldwide. Despite the fact that Linux has been around for decades, many people are still unclear on its purpose and functionality in the modern world. This article is a basic introduction to Linux and will cover what it is, how it works, and why it’s worth considering.

What is Linux?

At its core, Linux is an operating system, which means that it is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. It is used to organize how a computer interacts with the user and its other devices, such as printers and scanners. It also manages memory, processor, and disk space and governs the applications installed on the computer.

Linux is known as a “kernel”, which acts as an intermediary between an application and the computer. It allows applications to do what they need to do by interacting with the hardware, such as RAM and the hard drive.

Linux is also a platform for the numerous distributions that are available worldwide. These different distributions are just cohesive settings of a Linux kernel and you can choose from them based on your need and interest.

How Does Linux Work?

The Linux kernel organizes which operations the computer can do, as well as how they interact. It works inside the operating system, meaning it has full control over what applications can do and how they are allocated resources.

When you open an application in Linux, the kernel is the first thing that the computer accesses. It then processes the instructions and stores them in the memory so that it can access them quickly when they are needed. It also schedules tasks so that they can be done in an effective order.

Why Use Linux?

One of the big advantages of using Linux is that it is free and open source. This makes it accessible to anyone and also ensures that any improvement or innovation from the open source community is immediately accessible to all users.

Linux also offers some advantages over other operating systems in terms of speed and security. It is known for being faster and more secure than Windows, as it is less versatile and more secure from malware and viruses.

Finally, Linux also offers great flexibility and customization. Because it is open source, you can customize the look and feel of your system to match the needs of your business or specific tasks. As an example, you could create an optimized version of the Linux kernel for data entry tasks.

Overall, Linux is an incredibly powerful and popular open-source platform. Knowing the basics of how it works and its advantages will help you make an informed decision on whether or not it’s right for you.