How does Linux Work?
Unlike other operating systems, Linux is free to use and still offers users many of the features that no other operating system can offer, including power, freedom, and security. Without a doubt, Linux is one of the oldest operating systems, and it still causes riots when it comes to giving users power. When you first start using Linux, Linux is not easy to comprehend, and most of the time, you will Google how to accomplish a particular task.
However, once you’ve climbed the intense learning curve, you’ll find out how amazing Linux really is. With the help of this article, we are attempting to decrease the feeling associated with using Linux today. Further, we will show you how Linux is different from other operating systems and, in many ways, better. Let’s get started!
Why should you be using Linux?
Every single Linux OS is designed to manage your hardware resources and launch and handle an application that you want to work on using a computer. It does provide users with an interface that gets the majority of the job done. For anything else, you can always use the command line to bypass the administration and do whatever you want in the Linux operating system.Apart from this, we have put together a list that shows you why you should start using Linux as your operating system.
1st Most Secure Operating System
Having Linux as your operating system is one of the easiest ways you can make sure your files are kept hidden and keep you away from viruses and malware. This is because security was the first thing the developers of the Linux OS wanted to be the best in the industry. And so far, they have succeeded in making it so. Programs have no right to make any form of changes to the system’s settings and configuration rules that have been set by the owner. Most users, when using Linux, don’t log in as root; this way, Linux makes sure that you are not damaging any important files on the OS.
In addition to this, you get to browse the internet without having to worry about infecting your operating system. There are very few antiviruses that work on Linux, as Linux is already secured in the first place.
Two: Better Stability
As a result, Linux is pretty stable as an operating system, and as a result, it is pretty prone to crashes. Your Linux operating system is going to work exactly at the same speed as it did when you installed it for the first time. Microsoft Windows has this problem. It runs very fast with a fresh install, and after some time, the OS starts to lose its pace, and you can see hiccups or longer loading times of applications. On the other hand, the Linux OS server is free and guarantees 99.9% server uptime, making Linux a popular choice for a secure and fast internet server.
Easy Maintenance
When it comes to keeping your OS updated, Linux is by far the best, as users are able to update the OS centrally, and every piece of software installed on the OS will be updated as well. Every Linux distro has its own central software repository that is used for updating the system so it is kept secure from the latest malware attacks. Regular updates can take place in the background while you work and finish your tasks.
Moreover, the updating can be done periodically according to the user’s requirements, and you have the ability to automate the updates. When we compare this ease of maintenance with that of Windows, we find that Windows updates are hard to tackle, and most of the time, you have to update the system whenever Microsoft releases it. Likewise, in Windows, all the other software present in the OS will not be updated, and you have to install the update manually.
4 Supports Any Hardware
With the release of a new OS from Microsoft, you will get the list of minimum requirements for hardware on which the latest OS can run. But that’s not the problem with Linux, and you can run it even on legacy hardware or outdated ones too. As a result, you can see Linux as the favourite choice for companies that prefer to use legacy software for their projects. In addition to this, it helps you to truly use the hardware till its life cycle is completed or it is damaged.
Linux runs on supercomputers as well as even on your smartwatches. With the installation of Linux on old hardware, you can give a new life to your old hardware resources.
Source Code
Everyone wants to save money when they are running a business. If you are a startup, chances are you are trying to get your employees Linux-based computers because there is no licence that you need or a passkey from the developer in order to use it as Linux is completely free of cost as it is an open-source project from a community of developers.
The Evolution of Linux OS
The Linux OS sits in between the applications and the hardware, and this makes it possible for all your software to create an association with the material resources so they can work in more harmony. Linux is designed so it can stand side-by-side with Unix. Every Linux-based operating system uses a kernel, which works as a bridge between the hardware components and the set of software programs that the user needs to get the work done on his computer. Given below is the list of elements on which every Linux OS is based.
1. Shell & System Utility
A shell is software that gives other third-party programs to the operating system resources. The Shell takes in the input from a user in human-understandable commands and then transforms it in a way so that the kernel is able to understand the requirements that hardware needs to process. It is more like a command line that executes read instructions from input devices like documents, keyboards, mice, and more. When you open up a terminal in Linux, the shell starts to work.
2. Kernel In Linux OS
A kernel is the core section of the Linux operating system; all the major actions that a Linux OS does are processed by the kernel in the first place. The Linux OS works by having a number of modules working under it, and then it cooperates with the hardware present in the system directly. The kernel also takes care of hiding details of low-level hardware or programs from the system itself. There are four main kernels used by any Linux OS, and they are the Monolithic Kernel, Micro Kernels, Exo Kernels, and Hybrid Kernels.
3. System Libraries
System libraries are special functions present in Linux. They are used in the operating system’s functionality, and it doesn’t need any code access rights to the modules present in the kernel.
4. Hardware Layer
These are all the peripherals that are attached to the computer. All the hardware components of your system fall under this category. Some of them are the CPU, graphics card, RAM, HDD, and more.
Difference between Linux & Windows
Many people will ask you this question when you tell them you prefer Linux over other operating systems. The most common OS is Windows, but in recent years, Windows has become an ad-driven OS. Users surely have the choice to opt-out if they want. Apart from that, Windows keeps track of things you do or access using it in order to provide you with the syncing capabilities with Microsoft’s One-Drive. Users who are trying to find a solution to get past these limitations should look over to Linux so they can have proper control and full freedom when using an OS.
Source Code
The Linux source code is available to everyone on the internet because it is an open-source project. Windows, on the other hand, is a commercial proprietary OS developed by Microsoft. When you are installing Windows, you don’t have access to the source code files. If you are not happy with a source code and want to make changes to it, you can do it with ease, and there is no one out there to ask you questions as to why you did it. This way, when you find a bug in the Linux OS, you can go to the source code and make changes to it, allowing you to save your OS from being attacked, infected, or trespassed. When there are bugs present in the OS, hackers have the advantage of using the bug to get past the system security and leave your computer vulnerable.
Programing
Linux comes with all the bells and whistles when it comes to developing a program. You will find most of the programming-based software to be available from the start, meaning you don’t need to install it separately after installing Linux. This is not the case with Windows; on Windows, you get support for all the different types of programming languages. But, in order to create a project based on a programming language, you first need to download its software from the internet.
On the other hand, the Windows command prompt is no match for the superior Linux terminal. There are many libraries in a programming language that are specifically developed to meet the requirements of the Linux OS. The package manager of Linux is a favourite among programmers to get things done. Also, Linux comes with the ability to script in different shells, which is one of the most important advantages it has over any other operating system.
Linux is known for bringing in native support for SSH, and this allows network administrators to manage their servers with ease. The apt-get command of Linux allows you to do a lot of work with a single command line, which makes Linux a popular choice for programmers.
Distribution Options
With Linux, you can choose from 10 different distros according to your liking, understanding of the OS, and work requirements. Windows has managed to create a standard version structure, with updates and various versions that are split into tiers. But Linux’s OS distribution is far more complex. Linux was developed to be accessible for all, and this resulted in Linux being an open-sourced OS. So, if you require something from the OS but it does not provide it, you can edit the code and add the functionality yourself, and the Linux OS will work flawlessly.
For Windows, you have to choose from Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11. There are some major changes in each iteration of Windows, but with each new Windows release, Microsoft makes sure that most users will move to the latest version. Even with the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft has said they will stop supporting Windows 10 security and other updates in 2025. This is not the case with Linux; every Linux distribution is maintained by a set of communities that use it. So each Linux distro has its own update cycle, and it gives users more choices to choose from.
Different Linux Distros
So now that we have the difference between Linux and Windows OS, let’s find out what the top 5 Linux distros are in 2022. No matter what your requirements are, Linux has got you covered with its diverse open source community.
1. Nitrux
Suppose you are someone who is using Linux for the first time, then Nitrux is the OS you need to install. Nitrux is considered to be the most stable and well-managed open source project that caters to the needs of new Linux users. For example, you don’t need to build a custom desktop environment from scratch as it relies heavily on KDE Plasma’s framed malleability in addition to some redesigned components. So it simplifies the workflow of the Linux OS for new users. There are a couple of options for you to choose from to make the best of the available screen real estate.
2. Linux Mint
Users coming from Windows 10 should look into Linux Mint OS, specifically the Cinnamon interface. Unlike Chrome OS, the Mint OS looks quite like XP or Windows 7. The two have so much in common that they even use Windows-style icons, menus, and pointer interfaces. It is not a one-to-one match, but still, it makes working with Linux operating systems much simpler.
3. Ubuntu
Working with Ubuntu is the easiest Linux OS to get yourself acquainted with. Most of the things present in Ubuntu are straightforward, and they come with the added benefit of amazing community support. If you are having a problem and you don’t know how to resolve it, you can search the Ubuntu forums and get your answers instantly. By default, Ubuntu uses GNOME 3.x. It is not as fairly easy as the other two that we have mentioned above. Still, with a little bit of practice, you will quickly gain the knowledge to use this operating system to the fullest.
OS Zorin 4
The Zorin OS first originated in 2008, and the main purpose of developing this OS is to make Linux more user-friendly. The developers wanted to come up with an OS that is used by most of the users who are coming from Windows and macOS environments. It uses the methods of modern proprietary operating systems to allow new users to feel welcome and knowledgeable in terms of using it. The Lite edition of Zorin OS can give new life to your old computer. Zorin has three versions: Core, Lite, and Education; all of them are free to download.
5. MX Linux
Over the years, Linux has become a solid, lightweight desktop that uses Xfce for its interface. It is easy to pick up, and it can run on ancient hardware as well. It is ideal for users to understand how the Linux OS operates and see how beneficial it is to use Linux over any other operating system.
Wrapping Up
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Linux’s introduction. As complex and feature-rich as this OS is, you have to actually use it first to fully appreciate its capabilities. If you want to try Linux, you can install any of the five mentioned Linux distributions on your computer and start exploring.