Linux is a free and open source operating system, and the operating system is a set of programs and basic components that make a computer run, and without an operating system the device cannot function. The computer consists of two parts.
Hardware such as keyboard, screen, processor, RAM, etc.
Software, such as Linux, Windows and Mac, and programs such as Firefox, Messenger, and others.
In this article we will talk about one of these programs, which is the Linux operating system; What is Linux?
It is a free open source operating system
What does an open source driver mean?
“Open source” means that anyone can view and modify the source code of the operating system. Programmers usually write the source code using one of the programming languages, then the computer converts it into an executable format 0 or 1, so we can run it on our devices, but we don’t get that source code, but only the operational version of the programs. Unlike Windows, which cannot be copied, distributed to others, or seeing the source code or modifying it, the Linux system gives freedom to do all of the above, because the source code is available for editing, publishing, and sharing free of charge. All of these reasons made Linux enjoy a great level of protection compared to Microsoft Windows, and it is used by almost all giant companies such as Google, Twitter, Facebook and others on its servers because it is very safe and appropriate for them, along with many additional features.
In short, Linux is not just an operating system for servers, and it does not work by the black screen only, but it is a very easy and practical system that all people can use, and it does not only work on the command line, but contains hundreds of “distributions” intended for the average user.
Distribution: It is a version of the operating system, such as Windows XP, 7, 10 and Vista, but in Linux, there is not a single manufacturer of distributions, but anyone can manufacture and distribute it themselves, and there are thousands of distributions designed for different purposes. However, some of them may be free of charge, such as the Redhat distribution, but they are small, not exceeding 3 out of 500. The difference between one distribution and another may be in the form, the structure of the system and programs, the distribution interface, additions, and others.
As for the interface: it is a cover for the distribution, and it deals with applications and programs and shows them graphically, i.e. the layer between the user and the command line and without it you will have to command lines, there is only one interface in Windows called explorer, and it cannot be changed or get others, but Linux has a lot Interfaces such as “GNOME” or “KDE”, among others.
Linux features
Linux is a high-performance system, and what distinguishes it most from being a free and open system; Users can get it and use it for free, and there is no need to use any “crack” to break the protection of programs and obtain them. Rather, it is mainly provided by developers at no cost, unlike the Windows system that requires it to be paid by Microsoft.
Low cost.
Speed : Unlike many Microsoft systems, different Linux distributions are characterized by speed and flexibility, and the operating system does not need to change every two or three months.
Stability: There is no need to restart it periodically to maintain performance levels.
Ease and customization: the system and its default applications can be completely modified and changed according to the user’s needs and desire.
Friendly : It can work more quickly and reliably compared to alternative systems.
Flexible : where you can choose which apps to use.
The ability to fully use the hard disk.
Doing multiple tasks at the same time.
It can be used on older devices.
Ease and safety: It does not contain any disruptive files such as viruses, that is, it does not need antivirus software.
Availability of technical support : Fix any problem that exists in the system very quickly, and the maximum period is only two days.
Development speed : Anyone can contribute to this.
Having more than one distribution.
Variety, abundance and multiplicity of programs.
Hardware parts : such as printers, microphones, web cameras, Wireless … etc., often automatically recognize the system without the need for a CD definition of the piece or user intervention.
Freedom : When you purchase a Windows system, you buy a license to use and not the system physically. This license does not allow you to share, redistribute or modify your operating system, but only to use it. In Linux, you are free to act without legal concerns as long as you respect the software license that came with the application.
Ease of access to software: Linux does not download programs, but rather from the distribution repositories itself and not from the Internet, and the repositories are internet sites that track the distribution that includes all installable and available programs, and their use is limited to storage only, and cannot be opened nor download programs, but only Installing programs through the graphic “software center” in an easy and fast way, where about 100 programs can be installed within one minute.
Linux disadvantages
Some applications are not present in it.
Not compatible with all devices.
The tools in it are more difficult.
Linux needs more time to learn and master its use.
The lack of commercial programs, the most famous of which are games, a web browser, word processing programs, and others.
