Linux, an Emerging Operating System

Linux is a general term used to refer to Linux kernel based operating systems. The “Linux” name is derived from the original creator of the Linux kernel in 1991 – Linus Torvalds.  Linux operating system is predominantly known for use in server machines, but can also be installed on a wide array of computer devices and hardware like embedded system devices, mobile devices like phones and watches, on supercomputers, and recently on personal computers, desktop and laptops.

Linux is under the GNU-GPL licenses, where it’s underlying source codes can be used, modified, and redistributed freely. Linux is a known example of free or open source software.

Linux is an emerging software product with great potential that can rival leading products such that of Microsoft. Statistically, in 2008 alone, sixty percent (60%) of web servers run on Linux as against the forty percent (40%) on Windows. This significant fraction of Linux usage in the server market is overshadowed by its weak hold on the desktop market. On the same year, only 8-12% of desktops run of Linux while a huge 85% is held by Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Development

Linux is free and open source software and is the most widely used software in this category. Its development is inspired by the copyleft principle or reciprocity, wherein any work product derived from any copyleft work product should be copyleft in itself. Each software product or packages are created and maintained independently by many individuals, commercial entities, volunteer organizations, and teams in a collaborative manner. Each work product is then collected and grouped as a Linux distribution. This process ensures that inside the Linux distribution, all work products are coherent with each other and are based on same underlying system or core for compatibility. The Linux kernel is managed and maintained by a single team lead by Linus Torvalds himself.

Advantages

• Linux is basically free. The cost is such a big factor can never be undermined in selecting an operating system. With Linux, there is no need to spend money for licenses, and a wide variety of Linux based software applications are available for download in the internet for free.
• Linux exhibits high performance. Linux are known to handle large numbers of users at the same time without noticeable performance deterioration or slowing.
• Stability. Linux can run uninterrupted on hundreds of days without freezing or slow down. No periodic rebooting needed and no memory leaks over long and continuous run time.
• Easy network set up. Linux has strong network support with functionalities like network back-ups, network set-up, and other reliable network functionalities.
• Linux is secure. Since Linux is free, a variety of packages can be downloaded for free in the internet without a need of credit card numbers, personal information, and purchase transactions. Additionally, Linux provides inherent walls and access permissions to combat viruses and unauthorized access.
• Linux is an open source. For technical users and developers, it is very handy to have the opportunity to modify the operating system codes for specific applications you want to develop or examine the code for better understanding and knowledge.
• Compatibility. Linux can process all known file formats and can run all UNIX packages.
• Multitasking capability. Linux allows simultaneously running a variety of tasks without slowing down other work processes running.
• Backward compatibility with old computers. Linux can run and salvage old computers with barely any memory or processing power. Linux can put them in use again.
• Choice. Linux offers a wide range of choices with almost every facet of the operating system where you can choose the best options for your needs with same core functionalities.

Disadvantages

• Familiarity. The use of Linux operating system may need a relatively deep understanding. Such can be obtained with patience and drive to figure things on your own. With our exposure to other leading operating systems, we are used to having things done for us.
• Up to date compatibility. It is always a known disadvantage of the Linux system to be somewhat behind in terms of compatibility with new hardware. Because it is free in nature, it lacks corporate backing and funding in comparison to other operating systems.

Linux Operating System: Current Development and Popular Distribution in Today’s Competitive Market

The Linux operating system was originally created by Linus Torvalds in the year 1991. The term Linux refers to Unix-like operating systems. Its design is basically derived from the Unix operating system. It is characterized by free and open source software. This makes the Linux operating system different from other operating systems in the market today. Although this is not the only operating system that has this feature, this is the most widely used. Its installation covers a vast variety of computer hardware such as laptops, standard desktop computers, mobile phones, supercomputers and even watches. In the industry of movie making, the operating system Linux has been widely used by major film studios making it as the primary choice in terms of computer operating system. As a trivia, the first major movie ever filmed and showed on the big screen using the Linux operating system was the movie Titanic on the year 1997. This only goes to show that Linux is one of the most if not the most preferred operating system used by the biggest and most renowned film studios around the world. Its emergence in the market today has made the industry of technology much stiffer and much more competitive.

The use of Linux as an individual’s preference as far as the operating system of his or her computer hardware is concern is increasing in number in the past years. Linux has gained popularity around the world in every household, in many educational institutions and in various national and local governments. Its distribution has also become very much popular in the scene of notebooks and laptops with pre-installed Linux operating system. Majority of the Linux systems uses the X Window System as graphical user interface and it supports a wide variety of programming languages. The distribution of Linux is most of the time for free or without charge. Huge corporations continually support and contribute to Linux’s development in terms of software and applications. Applications initially available in Linux are now available on other operating systems such as MAC OS X and Microsoft Windows. In return, applications available on other operating systems are also adopted in Linux.

So, what makes the use of Linux as operating system of an individual’s computer hardware a good choice? Does Linux provide a user-friendly interface? Does it support various kinds of applications found on other operating systems? Out of all the operating systems available in the market today, why should one opt for Linux as operating system? These are just some questions brought about by the emerging popularity and vast distribution of the operating system Linux. If you are on the verge of confusion whether or not to opt for Linux, then probably the best thing you can do is to do a background check about Linux operating system. It is encouraged to research on the web or read articles about it so as to acquire knowledge on how the operating system really works. In this way, an individual can increase his awareness regarding the use of Linux.

Therefore, the use of Linux as an individual’s preference in terms of operating system has indeed increased over the years. Due to its popularity, the demand also has increased over the years. The emergence of the Linux operating system adds yet another alternative into today’s market. In this connection, it makes the competition in the market a lot stiffer thereby giving consumers a very hard time in choosing and deciding what operating system to choose from a variety of operating systems available. This somehow promotes a sort of healthy competition among corporations selling their respective product lines in the market. The name of the game is about whose got the best operating system available in the market. With this, corporations are even more challenged to develop and improve the operating systems they sell thereby producing a product that has the highest possible quality to ensure consumer satisfaction. The never ending search of consumers all around the world for the best quality at the most competitive price is always a struggle for the part of the consumers. But through the development of Linux, probably the quest of searching for the best operating system will come to a close.