Linux OS – The Good Alternative

Introduction on Linux OS

Just like Windows 7,8.x, and Mac OS X; Linux is a computer operating system.
Linux is founded upon free open-source software development and was first released on the early 1990s. It’s application has grown to cover wider systems like cars, web-servers and not just computers only.
The Linux OS is set up with tools that are similar to those found on UNIX systems, hence sometimes the OS is called GNU/Linux.
As an open source OS, there’s a larger oppotunity for developer’s enthusiasm to study it and customize the OS to suit any specific function or purpose.

Linux OS Components

The Linux system is configured with fundamental features for its operation. These are :

• Kernel : Responsible for managing and sending executable instructions to the CPU, Memory and Peripheral devices – it’s the bottom operating system’s core.
• Bootloader : package that runs the booting process (The two common loaders used in Linux are : LILO – Linux Loader and LOADLIN – LOAD Linux). Additionally, there’s an alternative loader GRUB – GRand Unified Bootloader.
• The Shell : Works as a command interpreter in a terminal emulation window. It’s present in two ways, as a window on the workstation’s GUI or as an application over a network serving connected clients such as SSH – Secure Shell Client. Mostly you’ll find the Shell applications running on the web servers to gather data such as traffic, network management report and server’s security reports.
  How Linux is used on IT industry
  It’s undoubtedly that Linux is one of the most applied OS in the technology-related fields today; in fact, there are some household gadgets that you may not realize run on Linux – such as Android Phone, Camera and video recorders.
  Majorly, corporations such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, IBM, NY Stock Exchange…are some of the big names that have proven Linux as a successful OS since its development and release to the public!

Linux in Android

Android and Google’s Chrome OS may be based on Linux but not wholly. Android as a mobile OS developed by google; it runs on modified Linux version since it’s an open-source program.
Linux kernel lays the background for the Android OS. It provides the developers with an already built and well-maintained kernel as a core part to write the Android on – instead of starting from scratch.
It’s important to note that even though Linux sets up the core for android, it doesn’t use the same versions found on desktops. For example, the GNU Libraries found on typical Linux distros isn’t included on Android. Also, you can’t run Linux standard graphical applications on Android., instead, it uses a virtual platform that runs Java applications, targeted on APIs.

Linux Distribution (Distros)

Linux distribution shortened to Linux Distro is a packaged version of Linux OS which consists of more components, such as specific programs, applications or software etc
For instance : Packages can contain fonts, development environments, browsers etc
Linux Distros also come equipped with ‘package management system’ which is responsible for install/uninstall and managing software package.

Examples of Open Source Software used on Linux

Since Linux is built on collaborative development; most of its software is created by anyone that has the freedom to contribute on it. These may be companies, governmental organizations etc
Popular applications such as GIMP, LibreOffice, Audacity… are some of the software developed for use with Linux and other OS too.
GIMP : initials stand for GNU Image Manipulation Program; which is a free application used on Linux to create and manipulate graphic images. It can convert different image formats, do image retouch, free-form drawing etc
LibreOffice : Free open source office suite for editing documents, word processing, creating presentations making vector graphics and spreadsheets/math. Unarguably, LibreOffice is the most popular and powerful free open source office suite in the market!
Audacity : Audacity is a free software that you can use on Linux machine to record and play sound and audio media files. Also, editing WAV records, applying effects and mixing tracks is covered by Audacity. It’s actually common with podcast creators.
Looking for studio feel? then be sure to check out the VST plugin effects and bass boos

Why Linux is better

Open Source :

• There’s something about transparency. Other OS and software don’t come in open-source format; meaning that the users of other OS will constantly be getting new updates’ request, being asked to fix bugs without knowing how it affects their systems!
• Furthermore, should some codes be introduced to your system through a backdoor program, you cannot control what to allow – since it’s all invisible and secret; yet you get charged for that.
• On the contrary, Linux is a closely monitored OS; with global developers testing and sharing insights on various software that work with the system – should anything be added that’s wrong; everyone will know.
  No need for drivers :
• This is because all the drivers come pre-installed in the Linux Kernel. Once the installation is done, you are set to rock. Also, since you don’t need the installation CD’s and manuals, it helps save the environment.
  Eco-friendly :
• Even though it is a software, there’s something unique about Linux. It doesn’t have to be purchased and packaged in plastics for shipping – simply download a stable version from the internet.
• No separate proprietary applications are required for Linux; translating to less boxes, papers on shop shelves etc.
• Linux can be installed on any piece of hardware, regardless of how old the machine is! This is because the Linux OS hardware requirements aren’t like those of Mac OS and Windows OS. This helps recycle old machines into internet servers, multimedia consoles…
  It’s Free with Unlimited Support :
• Every laptop or PC in the market, as long as it comes with an OS other than Linux, then you have paid for your OS. It’s estimated that OS prices are quoted as 1/4 of the normal PC cost – even if you bought the machine with pre-installed OS!
• Most of the Linux software (not all) will be available for no penny and unlimited for its users; including the Linux OS itself.
• As a new user, if you develop challenges or problems with a Linux software, you are guaranteed that there’s a support community online and even around you. Anybody you know that uses Linux will gladly be willing to help you fix any issue with your system – if not, there are countless forums and platforms created to help you and others alike.
  Very Stable :
  Linux is quite fast and responsive on any machine its installed on. No need to re-install as is the case with other OS that are sluggish and poorly designed; Linux won’t let you down even in years of use it’s still the same way!
  Theme & desktop look :
• When it comes to decor, everyone loves being the’r own boss, right? OS such as Windows and Mac OS don’t give you that privilege. Linux has ‘desktop environment’ program with different styles that you can customize to feature any environment you like.
  Secure :
• Open Source Software has more eyes on the lookout for anything and everything in it. Should there be any on Linux, you are assured of fast solving whereas other OS can take even more than a month to identity a spyware or Trojan on a system.
• Viruses can’t just go into your Linux system and pirate any of your work or program (eg: sending emails to all your contacts or deleting files in a folder); for every subtle action and system requests – you need the administrator password; if you don’t have one, forget the authority hat!
• Additionally, the Linux and nearly all the open source software, have ‘bug tracker’ on the system. This means you can point out an issue or a bug and see the progress in neutralizing it! No secrets, it’s open and clear for all users!

Future of Linux and Open Source Software

This is a two way sided view. Does Linux have a bright future? Maybe or maybe not. Check out the contrast.
As of late, the security mishap, bugs and privacy invasions; most commercial OS are set to lose market in the future. Linux and open source software offer that transparency that OS such as Windows an Mac fail to, and this might act as a drop zone for most users especially the millennial generation.
Furthermore, since Linux is a modern, stable operating system; it qualifies for daily desktop use. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise to find almost everyone using Linux in the future.
But also, Linux is unstructured in the marketing form. For instance, there’s no firm or company pushing its upscale. Its awareness in the market is too way low compared to OS giants like Windows, which is owned and widely marketed by Microsoft. Mac OS/X, iOS; are a product of Apple inc. Linux is majorly spread by word of mouth, which makes its market popularity stand against other competitive OS a bit wavy and feeble.
Finally, with the evolving world of technology, there’s a continuous migration from desktops to tablets and mobile devices. These are configured to deliver service that meets market’s needs. And it doesn’t matter what OS is used, since no one cares – as long as the product is good and meets their expectation.