What is Linux? What are the advantages of Linux based operating system?

Most of us have heard the name Linux-based operating system. Since it is not as popular as Windows among common users, many people lack a detailed understanding of Linux based OS as an operating system. In this post, we will talk mainly about the Linux-based operating system.

Mainstream Linux-based operating systems have a unique combination of features and security. These are usually free and open source. A Linux-based OS can be a great alternative to Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS. However, Linux will feel different from traditional Windows or Mac operating systems because their code base is different. Let's learn more about what Linux is and how it works. In this post you will learn:

• What is Linux?

• Advantages of Linux

• What is a Linux distribution

• What is a desktop environment

• Software installation on Linux OS

• Linux command line

 

What is Linux?

Technically, Linux is the "kernel", which is the main controlling part of the operating system software. Various operating systems are developed on Linux kernel like Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Redhat etc. Even Android OS is based on Linux kernel. When we say "Linux operating system", we basically mean an operating system based on the Linux kernel.

The kernel is the part of the operating system that connects the hardware and other software components of the device. For example, if you open your laptop's camera app, the kernel communicates with the camera hardware using your instructions from the camera app. It will then appear on the screen when the camera is on. Of course, there is additional hardware and software at work here. This is a simple example.

The Linux family of operating systems is so large that it can be discussed all day. Linux is capable of running almost any type of computer system, from light bulbs to firearms, from laptops to massive computer servers. From phones to refrigerators, all the smart gadgets of daily use can be run on Linux. The first version for Linux was released on September 17, 1991.

What are the advantages of Linux?

There are many arguments in favor of using a Linux operating system. These significant benefits of using Linux include:

 • Free to use as it is free and open source software

 • Safer against malware than other operating systems

 • Linux gets more updates than other computer operating systems

 • Adding or removing any feature is relatively easy thanks to Linux's built-in customization

 • Since there are many distributions, you can choose the Linux operating system according to your convenience

 • Excellent community support is available through various forums on the Internet

 • Linux ensures that the distribution or software does not collect any personal data out of necessity

 • Ability to deliver high performance across multiple networks and workstations

 • Network functions are more convenient to use in Linux

 • Linux is very easy to install; Linux can also be used from a USB disk (pendrive) without installing it

What is a Linux distribution?

The Linux kernel works much like an engine where the distribution is the vehicle that drives it. There are hundreds of distributions for Linux. A Linux distribution can be a complete Linux-based operating system for you. Each distribution is built for different tasks and users. Some common Linux distributions are:

 • Linux Mint: Requires less computer skills, is easy to install, and has a Windows-like desktop

 • Debian: This distribution offers real Linux for free

 • Ubuntu: A modified Linux distribution that is very easy to install and use

 • Fedora: The fastest Linux distribution with updated features

 • CentOS: A commercial Linux distribution based on

• Manjaro: Manjaro is based on Arch Linux and comes with ease of use and frequent updates

• Arc: Quite powerful, but can be difficult for new users

• Elementary: The ideal Linux distribution for those who prefer a Mac-like interface

In short, a Linux distribution is also called a Linux distro. If you want to run a Linux-based operating system on your computer, you can start with Ubuntu. You can also find any distributions listed above (or outside of them).

What is a Desktop environment?

A desktop environment is a package that contains various GUI components. GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. The desktop environment consists of all the icons, desktop widgets, wallpapers, menus, etc. that you see on a PC.

Some Linux distributions have only one desktop environment. However, different desktop environment installations are possible using software repositories. Some common desktop environments are Cinnamon, GNOME, Unity, KDE, Enlightenment, XFCE, etc.

Cinnamon is a desktop environment that looks a lot like Windows 7. It has a panel at the bottom, a menu, a taskbar icon, and a quick launch icon.

GNOME and Unity are two almost identical desktop environments. Both of these modern desktop environments use launcher icons and a dashboard-style display to select applications. There is also the option to further improve the integration of the desktop environment with the theme using core applications.

KDE, on the other hand, is a classic desktop environment with a number of its own functions and applications. There is an option to customize these features and apps as needed. Enlightenment, XFCE, etc. are lightweight desktop environments with panels and menus.

Rules for installing software on Linux

The rules for installing software on Linux operating systems are different from those on Windows. In Linux, a package manager accesses repositories that contain different types of software. Basically, this package manager can be compared to Android Play Store or Microsoft Store. Any software can be found, installed, updated and even removed using the package manager.

However, package managers vary by distribution. However, some common command line tools work in almost all distributions. For example, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Debian use the apt-get package manager. Again, Fedora and CentOS use the Yum (yum) package manager. On the other hand, Pacman will be seen in Arch and Manjaro.

Linux shell

Today, Linux has changed a lot in favor of the modern desktop environment, but at its core is the shell session. Shell is called Terminal in macOS and Command Prompt in Windows.

Although everything is done using the graphical user interface of the modern Linux desktop environment, most Linux-related online education still depends on the shell. The shell works well on all distributions because the use of the shell is the same in all distributions. If you want to learn Linux, using a shell is essential. Anything can be done in Linux using various command lines written in the shell.

Common questions and answers about Linux

Is Linux more difficult to use than other operating systems?    

Some Linux distributions are not as user-friendly as Windows or Mac operating systems. However, using most Linux distributions is not that difficult for the average computer user.

How is Linux for gaming?

Linux as an operating system is not bad for gaming. But gaming on Linux is not very popular because not all games are supported yet.

Is Linux faster than other operating systems?

Linux can be considered faster in some cases. Linux is an ideal choice if you want to run many services in the background and use numerous features without any problems.