What is Linux?
What is Linux?
Linux is an open source operating system. Like Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX, Linux is capable of running the basic processes required for everyday use on a computer -- file management, networking, memory management, and the like. However, Linux is unique in that it's open-source -- anyone out there in the computing world can see the underlying code that makes Linux work, and make changes, customizations, or improvements as they see fit. These changes are submitted and then incorporated into one or more official distributions of Linux, some of which you may have already heard of, like Ubuntu, and Red Hat. These distributions vary slightly, but all share the major defining characteristics of Linux -- speed, customizability, and low cost.
Why should I use Linux?
Linux is an immensely powerful tool when implemented in the right scenario... but what exactly does it bring to the table when compared to a traditional, Windows based-setup?
1. Speed
Linux is fast for several reasons, but mostly due to the fact that as open-source software, it's been hacked and fine tuned by thousands of independent groups and developers in the course of it's more than fifteen year history. By comparison, a closed, private project such as Microsoft Windows is debugged and optimized by a limited group of employees, and can take years to release important bug fixes and optimizations.
2. Customizability
Another important aspect of Linux's performance is its customizability. The basic core of Linux is what it is -- a classic, Unix-style operating system -- but additional features such as a graphical user interface (GUI), multimedia capabilities, etc., vary depending on the specific distribution of Linux you're running. Thanks to the fact that there are so many distributions (some of which are free), there's essentially a Linux for every kind of computing need, from servers, to small electronics, to a traditional desktop computing environment. Linux is often used on older computers that can no longer run the latest Windows environment, simply because its more resource-draining features can be turned off or not included at all -- try that with Windows.
3. Low Cost and Interoperability
As mentioned, Linux is available in a wide variety of distributions, most of which are significantly cheaper than Windows, and some of which are simply free. Thanks to the army of unknown, open-source contributors, Linux essentially has no development costs, and that savings is passed on to the user. Even better, distributors often have little to gain from locking you in to one operating system (unlike Microsoft, which has based much of its business on making it's flagship product the de facto standard). As a result, as versions of Linux stress interoperability, meaning they're designed to work with as many open industry standards as possible. Have you ever been stuck with a particular software product because of a large library of files you need access to? That won't happen with Linux.
4. Security
Linux has two major advantages over larger players like Microsoft Windows when it comes to security. Firstly, open-source software can be bug tested and patched much, much faster than privately developed software, since its entire user base is constantly submitting revisions. Considering its technically adept audience, this is a huge advantage for Linux, which is not only patched more quickly than Windows, but is actually designed and re-designed with modern security concerns in mind. The Linux community not only reacts to computer and internet security trends – often times, it is ahead of them. The second benefit Linux has regarding safe computing is “security through obscurity”. With fewer users, malware authors simply aren’t as interested in writing malicious code for Linux. Although this probably isn’t as large a benefit as Linux’s open-source nature, or it’s Unix foundation, it doesn’t hurt to be an unappealing target for hackers.
Is Linux for me?
Maybe. Linux is a funny creature -- it is, conceptually, a real changeup from the traditional model of the operating system, and as a result, many find it to be confusing, intimidating, or both. Many customers don't like having to choose between the six or so versions of Windows Vista, never mind the many, many distributions of Linux. And while there's a large base of Linux users, it's nothing like the legions of Windows users in existence today -- even if many of them have no choice in the matter. Similarly, although many popular software titles (even games!) have Linux versions, many -- especially smaller titles -- do not. The question you'll need to ask yourself, then, is whether you're ready to switch from some of your traditional software tools in the name of escaping Windows. In some cases, it's not that bad; OpenOffice, for instance, is a highly functional productivity suite designed for maximum compatibility with the ubiquitous Microsoft Office. There's even a Windows version! All in all, however, the ups and downs of Linux are not unlike those of any other operating system -- it performs the basic functions of a computer or hardware device, and has its own unique advantages and disadvantages (particularly when compared to Windows). If you're interested in an alternative to the traditional, often frustrating process of working with an operating system, though, and want to use your existing hardware (or hardware you thought was obsolete), you should strongly consider making the switch to Linux.
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