Linux operating systems for different tasks. What is Linux operating system? Distributions for corporate clients

Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation

Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education

Perm State Agricultural Academy

named after academician D.N. Pryanishnikov "

Department of Informatics

Specialty "Accounting, Analysis and Audit"

Test

in informatics

Completed by a correspondence student

Batueva A.N.

Checked by the senior teacher:

Kritchenko T.N.

Perm, 2008

1. Theoretical task. Operating room Linux system

1.1 Features provided by Linux OS

1.2 Who May Need Linux OS and Why

1.3 Characteristics Linux as an OS

1.4 What it looks like simultaneous execution several programs

1.5 How multiple users work on the same machine

1.6 How fully documented Linux is

1.7 How Linux differs from other open source operating systems

1.8 Software that Linux system supports

1.9 Working with the global Internet

1.10 What word processor can be used in Linux

2. Practical task

2.1 Task 1

2.2 Task 2

2.3 Task 3

1. Linux operating system

Linux is a modern POSIX-compliant and Unix-like operating system for personal computers and workstations.

It is a multiuser network operating system with the XWindowSystem network window graphics system. Linux OS supports standards open systems and protocols Internet networks and is compatible with Unix, DOS, MSWindows systems. All components of the system, including the source code, are distributed with a license for free copying and installation for an unlimited number of users.

The Linux operating system is widely used on IntelPC 386/486 / Pentium / PentiumPro platforms and is gaining ground on a number of other platforms.

Linux was developed by Linus Torvalds of the University of Helsinki and an uncountable team of thousands of Internet users, research workers, foundations, universities, and more.

1.1 Features provided by the OS Linux

· Makes it possible to have a modern OS for free and legally for use both at work and at home;

· Has high performance;

· Works reliably, steadily, absolutely free of hang-ups;

· Not susceptible to viruses;

· Allows you to use the full capabilities of modern PCs, removing the limitations inherent in DOS and MSWindows on the use of machine memory and processor (s) resources;

· Effectively manages multitasking and priorities, background tasks (lengthy calculation, sending e-mail via modem, formatting a floppy disk, etc., etc.) do not interfere with interactive work;

· Allows you to easily integrate your computer into local and global networks, incl. on the Internet; works with networks based on Novell and MSWindows;

Allows you to run the application programs of other operating systems presented in the download format - different versions Unix, DOS and MSWindows;

· Provides the use of a huge number of various software packages accumulated in the Unix world and freely distributed along with the source code;

Provides a rich set tools for the development of application programs of any degree of complexity, including systems of the client-server class, object-oriented, with a multi-window text and / or graphical interface, suitable for work both in Linux and in other OS;

Gives the user and especially the developer a wonderful training base in the form of rich documentation and source texts all components, including the kernel of the OS itself;

Gives everyone who wants to try their hand at development, organize communication and joint work via the Internet with any of the Linux developers and contribute by becoming a co-author of the system.

1.2 Who may need an OS and why Linux

V Linux application on different reasons many categories of users may be interested. It is impossible to provide an exhaustive list. However, here are some examples. Linux is a full-fledged 32-bit (64-bit on DECAXP platform) operating system that uses the computer at full capacity. Linux turns the IBMPC into a true workstation. At the price of a personal computer, which is significantly lower than the cost of a workstation.

The price gain is huge because in addition to saving on hardware, Linux software comes with a free license that allows free, unlimited copying of the system. Kernel, editors, translators, DBMS, networking, GUIs, games, and more software thousands of megabytes - free and legal.

The payoff on software alone can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. For many users in Russia free license- this is the only way to legally supply yourself with a complete set of software.

It's common for the pirate market not to pay for software. However, in the case of Linux, not only will no one be prosecuted for this, they will also give full documentation! Moreover, with the source codes of all programs! The pirates never dreamed of such a thing.

Linux is of great interest to consumers and application developers. Imagine a company consisting of several branches, geographically dispersed in different areas of the city and even in different cities and countries. A database server operates at the headquarters, and clients - workstations in branch offices - interact with the server via the network. Such a system is quickly, cheaply and conveniently done in Linux. Think about Linux resilience. This is where it comes in handy!

Linux opens the door to the giant open systems world in which it exists great amount means for solving a wide variety of tasks.

1.3 Features Linux as OS

· Multitasking: many programs run at the same time;

· Multi-user mode: many users simultaneously work on the same machine;

Protected mode of the processor (386 protectedmode);

· Protection of process memory; a program crash cannot cause the system to freeze;

· Division of pages by record between the instances of the executable program. This means that the processes-instances of the program can use the same memory when executing. When such a process tries to write to memory, then a 4-kilobyte page into which recording in progress copied to free place... This property improves performance and saves memory;

· Virtual memory with paging (that is, not the entire inactive process is pushed to disk from memory, but only the required page); virtual memory in independent disk partitions and / or files in the file system; volume virtual memory up to 2 GB; resizing virtual memory during program execution;

· Common memory programs and disk cache: all free memory is used for buffering the exchange with the disk;

· Dynamic loadable shared libraries;

· POSIX.1 certification, compatibility with SystemV and BSD standards at the source level;

Via iBCS2-matched emulator compatibility with SCO, SVR3, SVR4 by downloadable programs,

· Job management in the POSIX standard;

· Availability of the source code of all programs, including the texts of the kernel, drivers, development tools and applications. These texts are freely distributed. A number of Linux vendors currently supply a number of commercial programs no source code, but everything that was free remains free;

· Emulation of the coprocessor in the kernel, so the application may not care about the emulation of the coprocessor. Of course, if a coprocessor is present, then it is not used;

· Support for national alphabets and conventions, incl. for the Russian language; the ability to add new ones;

· Multiple virtual consoles: on one display several simultaneous independent sessions, switchable from the keyboard;

· Support for a number of common file systems (MINIX, Xenix, SystemV file systems); the presence of its own advanced file system up to 4 Terabytes and with file names up to 255 characters;

· Transparent access to DOS (or OS / 2 FAT) partitions: a DOS partition looks like a part of the Linux file system; VFAT support (WNT, Windows 95);

Special file system UMSDOS, which allows you to install Linux in the file DOS system;

Access (read-only) to file system HPFS-2 OS / 2 2.1;

Support of all standard formats CDROM;

· TCP / IP network support, including ftp, telnet, NFS, etc.

1.4 What does the simultaneous execution of several programs look like

The so-called virtual multiconsole makes it possible to organize the work of several consoles on one display. The broadcasting process starts on the first console. The Alt-F2 key combination follows the transition to the second console. The broadcast continues, but the first console on the display screen is replaced by a new picture of the second console. In which, for example, a text editor is launched. The Alt-F3 combination follows the transition to the third console, in which the debugger is launched, etc. There are usually 8 consoles in a system, but up to 64 can be installed. You can switch to any console at any time.

A separate console can run both text and graphical programs.

You can run the XWindowSystem from one of the free consoles. Open a window on the screen and play DOOM. It is possible through a network with a partner. And in other windows - database, mail, editor, broadcast, etc.

Thus, there are many consoles running at the same time, and one of the consoles also has many XWindowSystems.

This article will talk about some of the features of the operating systems of the Linux family.

- OS family on Linux kernel... Includes the open source and free software development model.
The beauty of Linux operating systems is that they are distributed absolutely free.
For Linux installations most users use distributions. The most popular distributions in the world are the following:

Debian Linux – oldest distribution Linux. Many other images are built on this distribution. The main differences Debian- a rigorous approach to the inclusion of proprietary software;
Ubuntu- a distribution kit created with Debian and very quickly gained its high popularity. The interface and use of this distro is very easy and does not require any special knowledge. Supports almost all PC hardware and is suitable for any computer; how to install this OS is written in.
Linux Mint - this distribution, in turn, is based on Ubuntu. These two distributions are fully compatible with each other.

About the last two and there will be a speech in this article.

For the average user, to whom the article is devoted, there are practically no differences between Ubuntu and Linux, except in the design. Speaking of the interface, as I already said, it is just elementary - on the left (Ubuntu) and bottom (Linux Mint) there is a taskbar that includes the necessary programs. These programs can be added or removed. As in Windows, the taskbar has a "Start", where you can find all other programs, documents, games, as well as search on your computer or the Internet.

Application Center on Linux (App Gird) and Ubuntu ( App Store) has a ton of applications, 95% of which are absolutely free. In the app center, you can find many useful utilities, different games and a lot of other software. These applications are installed directly from the center, as well as uninstalled, which is very convenient. These distributions have built-in Flash Player that gets rid of long searches on the Internet, because the official Adobe website does not have a player for everyone Linux versions, but for Ubuntu there is no player at all.

One more useful utility Linux - terminal... , simply put. You can do a lot with it in Ubuntu and Linux: install an application, move it, delete it, create files and directories, change the shell, and much more. The terminal, of course, will be incomprehensible to an inexperienced user, but it is very easy to learn it.

The last plus that will be discussed here - viruses... Or rather, their absence. Why there are no viruses in Linux is a long story, but if you are afraid of using Windows, for example, viruses that can erase important data, or simply slow down your computer so that it will not be possible to use it, switch to Linux. It is very difficult to find a good antivirus for Windows. By the way, ours is constantly growing. various reviews on popular and not very antiviruses, be sure to go and read.

The most popular operating system at the moment is the Windows operating system. This is both thanks to a successful start and an initial focus on working with her. not experienced users... But almost everyone who has had several years of using this OS behind them raises the question of what analogs can offer. Here is one of these will be considered within the framework of the article.

Linux: what is it and what does it consist of?

This is not an easy question. To fully familiarize yourself with the capabilities of this development, you need to read more than one book and spend a lot of time at the computer. The operating system itself is a set of programs with which it is possible to interact with a computer and launch other programs. There are several underlying important applications, which can be divided into the following groups:

1. Allowing you to receive instructions from users and communicate with them.
2. Making it possible to read and write data to the hard disk, as well as their reproduction using a printer.
3. Allowing to control memory usage and launch of other programs.

The most important part of an operating system is the kernel (called Linux). What does this device give you in practice? Currently popular temporary samples as another part of the operating system use various programs that were written for this project. By the way, the full name of this OS is GNU / Linux. Next, you will find out why she has such a name.

Creation

GNU / Linux is modeled after the Unix OS. From the very beginning, this operating system was designed to be multi-user and multitasking. This is already enough to make it stand out. But there are much more differences in it. The most important thing is that it is free (a significant part of the development was created by volunteers at no cost) and the absence of an owner. The first time something like this was created was the Free Software Foundation in 1984. Then a Unix-like operating system was developed, which was called GNU. Many basic functions were created with the help of which it was possible to solve problems of a wide range (when compared with what existed at that time). In addition to the fund, many working groups and individuals, which does not in the least detract from their work. But there are still some peculiarities. Thus, the foundation created most of the tools used, philosophy and community of enthusiastic users and independent programmers. It was through them that a debugged version of GNU / Linux appeared. But this is still the story of only the first part. The Linux OS kernel was created by a Finnish student in 1991 (the first stable version dated 1994). Then it was announced as a replacement for Minix. The creator has not retired since then and continues to lead a group of several hundred programmers who improve the operating system.

What does the operating system provide to users?

Today there is a lot of freedom in choosing the required software. So, there are a dozen shells command line as well as several graphical desktops. Moreover, this does not mean visual design, but the change is in the functional part. Also, due to the adaptation of the operating system for the execution of several programs, it is less susceptible to various failures and is better protected. Since its inception, Linux OS has slowly but surely conquered its audience. So, most of the servers are already running on it. She is just beginning her journey in the corporate segment and at home. Each distribution is different in its functionality, appearance and size. So, there are options that provide the broadest opportunities. There are some that can fit on a small flash drive or work on old computers. Also, immediately after it is given the opportunity to quickly install software packages to work in certain areas (which is valuable if an "office" computer is being created).

Terminal

This is an important part of working with the Linux operating system. What is a terminal? This powerful tool with great potential. With its help, you can facilitate, or even completely shift all routine work to the machine. Using the terminal, you can:

1. install and run programs;
2. customize the distribution or configuration files;
3. add new program storages;
4. and many other things that this Linux overview will cover.

Basic use of the terminal, as well as installing programs

Start it up. To start the program, just enter its name. This way you can activate everything from simple timer programs to complex utilities... To do this, you do not need to enter the full path (which is a strong difference from Windows). Let's take as an example the launch Firefox browser and immediately - the opening of the site. The latter must be placed in the arguments. Their types depend on the programs that are called. So, the desired command will look like this: firefox "URL of the site we want to visit". Also important feature terminal is that there are a number of commands that are only designed to work with it. That is, they have no graphical interface. And now it's time to talk about Of course, there are graphics applications who can help with this task. So, launch a terminal and enter the following: sudo apt-get install package_name. Not difficult, right? The word sudo is used here to gain administrator rights to install the program. With apt-get, the desired parameters for the application are read. And install directly installs the program. Moreover, the peculiarity is that you can work with several applications at the same time - for this you only need to separate them using a space.

About the name and purpose installation packages can be easily guessed without using various tools. But if this is not possible, press Tab. When changing distributions, it is not necessary to do everything first - you just need to export the names of the packages used to text file to import its contents later. Here is such a simple Linux instruction required for the initial work.

Working with files and directories

There is a nuance here that will help you quickly understand the features of the functioning of the operating system. So, the work always takes place in the current directory. To do something elsewhere, it must first be specified. There is such a command - nano. Used to open a text editor. If you enter nano "document name", then a file will be created in the current directory with specified name... But what to do when it needs to be done in a different folder? We register the command as follows: nano / home / rabota / documents / "Document name". If the specified directive does not contain a file with the required name and extension, then a new one will be created and opened. And if you need to move from one folder to another? To do this, use the cd command. It can be specified by itself - with /, ~ or with a directive. The first three commands will move to the root directory. Use ls to list the files in the current directory. To create new catalog, use mkdir "Name or Path". The rm command is used to remove files. After it, it is imperative to indicate the name of the document or the directive for its placement.

To copy files, you must use the command cp "Document name" - "Path". Keep in mind that you must use it in the directory where the portable object is located. Mv works the same way, but it is already moving the file. So, it is necessary to indicate as follows: mv "Directory where the document is located" - "The path where the object is moved". It may look a little daunting from the outside, but a little practice will convince you that it just looks like it. Now you can basic Linux tweak to suit your needs.

Working with the system

Use Tab. It is extremely useful key... So, it can help with autocomplete. This works for packages, files and folders. If there are several options, the system will offer to choose one of them. Also remember that taking care of Linux will be on your shoulders. Although you can use the provided assemblies, if you do not want to build your own brick by brick (although this is one of the features of the system). But just in case, know that this is a simple matter, and in most cases the implementation this action won't be difficult. You can also use any of the graphical interfaces for work, which is in free access(although the easiest way to control is the command line).

Installing "Linux"

What if you want to use this operating system? Then you need to know how to install and how to run Linux. Initially choose the distribution that you will have. Popularly used are Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS and many others. We draw your attention to the operating systems presented, although the final choice is yours. To do this, you will need to acquire an .ISO image and burn it to disk. It is desirable to download the file from the official assembly site. Then you need to select the number of system bits. The 32 version has fewer compatibility issues and works better with drivers. But its analogue has a higher performance by 62. True, they will also cause troubles that you will have to deal with. Make sure to back up all your important data before you start. Do not think that the system can spoil something for you. It's just that in most cases, the users themselves, unknowingly or in panic, delete important information... So, you have a disk with a system image. Before reinstalling, configure the base I / O system to work with You can now reboot.

As an example, we will consider installing Ubuntu... It is a popular operating system, and it is not difficult to find recommendations for working with it. So, initially a screen will load where you will need to select "Install Ubuntu". Initially, you will need to select the Linux language. Determine your time zone. Then you configure the keyboard to work. In the next step, you will need to prepare the disk space. At this stage, the solution to this issue can be shifted to the operating system, or you can define everything manually. The last option suitable for experienced users who know what a data sector is and how a computer works in general. Moreover, the level of awareness should be very high.

After questions with disk space are exhausted, you will be prompted to name this computer and also to create an administrator. It will be necessary to remember what was indicated here, otherwise the operation of the machine in the future without reinstallation or reset will be almost impossible. By the way, the password and username are needed not only to log into the system. After that, you will see a window of the wizard for transferring settings from other operating systems. If they are not there, then the step will be skipped. Otherwise, the operating system will offer to transfer files, as well as settings that were in user accounts. And at the end a window should appear in which the user's choice will be displayed. Check if everything is the way you want it. If there are no complaints, then click on the "Install" button, and the process will be launched. Depending on the configuration of the computer on which all these actions are carried out, the speed of replacement of operating systems changes. When all necessary actions will be executed, you will be prompted to press the "Enter" button.

Launching Linux

When you first turn it on, you will be greeted by a bootloader. In this case running Linux will depend on the presence of extraneous OS. If it is alone, then Linux itself will boot. If this is not the case, then you will have three options:

1. When you select the first, the operating system will boot in ten seconds.
2. The second option is an analogue safe mode Windows.
3. Testing RAM.

Also, depending on the number of installed operating systems, options for launching them will be added, and not just booting the Linux system. After activating "Linux", you can start customizing its design, start using additional applications- in general, to do everything so that the operating system is customized as much as possible for you. exist in a huge variety, and you can choose what you like. Some problems can arise only when using games and computational applications (AutoCAD and the like).

Removing and restoring Linux

The same Ubuntu will be used as an example. It doesn't matter why you wondered "how to uninstall Linux" - you didn't like the system or decided it was difficult. The main thing is how to do it. Let's consider two options. In the first, let's say you have a Windows fallback. In the second, we will assume that you do not have another operating system:

1. Place the installation disc in your floppy drive. Boot from it, changing the priority in the basic I / O system. We open the command line. This can be done through the menu of the installation disk. Then select the "System fix" option. In English, it looks like Repair your computer. Correcting the entry about the system boot. To do this, enter the bootrec / fixmbr command. And on startup, you will no longer see the operating system selection screen when you turn on your computer, and Windows will always boot. Everything is ready. Now, for the changes to take effect, restart the machine. If you want to completely get rid of Ubuntu, then you need to do two more steps. First, open the disk management menu. In the window that opens, you will need to click on the section with the operating system right click mouse and select the command to delete it. That's it, she's gone. Now right-click on the Windows partition and select Expand Partition. Free space needs to be added to it. But, recall, this can be done only if there is a spare operating system.
2. Now, imagine you only have one Ubuntu. Then you need a disk with the desired operating system (Windows will be taken as an example). Insert it into the optical drive. Then it will be necessary to delete the section in which there is "Linux". After that, continue with the installation. If you do not do this, then you will not be able to use the computer. And then you have to create an operating system somewhere on a USB flash drive and perform the necessary actions from it.

Linux: so the same and different

Let's talk about what Linux analogues exist and give them brief description... Only the most popular distributions will be considered:

1. Ubuntu. Focused on ease of learning and use.
2. OpenSUSE. A convenient distribution kit during setup and maintenance.
3. Fedora. One of the most popular options that has won love for itself due to its versatility.
4. Debian. This distribution served as the basis for many others. An extensive developer community is working on its creation. Has a rigorous approach to using proprietary software.
5. Slackware. One of the oldest distributions. Has a conservative approach to design and use.
6. Gentoo. A very flexible distribution. Compiled from source codes. The end result may vary high performance and flexibility in task execution. Aimed at power users and computer technology experts.
7. Archlinux. Application-oriented distribution latest versions software. Constantly updated. Suitable for those who want to have all the benefits and modifications, but do not want to waste their time.

In addition to all of these listed options, there are many other distributions. They can be based on the ones indicated above or created from scratch. In the second option, they are usually created to perform a limited range of tasks. Each distribution has its own concept, set of packages, advantages and disadvantages. None of them can claim to satisfy all users. Therefore, together with the leaders, there are successfully other implementations created by associations of programmers and firms. So, there are many designs that can function from a CD, and you don't have to install the system on the computer itself. If there are no specific goals, then any distribution can be used. If you want to assemble the necessary components yourself, I recommend that you pay attention to Gentoo, CRUX or LFS.

What do those who use Linux tell us?

In general, you can research the reviews yourself. But the article contains a certain "compilation" of them for those who have no desire or time to search and read various texts. O Linux reviews for the most part positive. As a positive feature, they call a small amount of RAM, which must be allocated for the operation of the operating system itself. She also earned respect among those people who need to focus on work, but they are constantly distracted by games. This is not least because there are relatively few entertainment programs released for Linux. Of course, you can use the services of operating system emulators, but this always requires a lot of time and resources. Therefore, for lazy people, this is a good option. Linux is very popular among representatives of the information technology sector. Not least of all, this is due to the presence of various various tools. Programmers and technical specialists speak positively about this system due to its versatility and ease of conducting the necessary activities. Negative traits are usually cited as the need to have significant knowledge of computers, to be able to work by a scientific poke method and visual difference from Windows. These are the opinions you can find about Linux. The operating system really differs significantly from the familiar interface of most personal computers, but there is an opinion that this is more an advantage than a disadvantage.

Conclusion

This is the end of the description of Linux. The review presented many different aspects. You have learned, You have also studied programs for Linux: what are the features in their work, how to install and run the operating system itself. Also provided various teams, with which you can perform the main range of custom operations. It is hoped that the information about Linux - what it is and with what it is eaten - will be useful to you in practice.

There are many different ones and one of them is "Linux". What is it and where is it used? How does it work? What are the differences from the "Windows" familiar to most people here? Linux? All these questions will be answered within the framework of the article.

What is "Linux"

It is an operating system relative to which you have a wide choice of software to install. In it, you can choose between several types of desktops and about a dozen shells for the command line. The latter, by the way, is called a terminal and plays a very important role... Due to its focus on executing multiple programs at once, the operating system is relatively less prone to crashes. Due to the fact that no default program can start without the user's knowledge, it is very difficult (although possible) to encounter a virus written for Linux. But if they do infect computers, it is solely because the user has launched a suspicious application. Some examples of this system can be safely hosted and operated via optical drives or USB.

Development history

Linux in Russian sounds like "Linux", that is, it is not translated. Do you know why this is so? This is due to the fact that it is named after its pioneer founder, Linus Torvalds. He presented his creation to the public in 1994 (although development began back in 1991). Due to the fact that the operating system was open source, and everyone could modify it, he has followers all over the world. Various companies that release paid distributions are beginning to take an interest in her. At the same time, developer communities are emerging that volunteer to create and distribute their builds. And for 2016 there are about a dozen popular versions of Linux operating systems. What does this state of affairs tell us? This means that there is strong competition, mutual assistance (no matter how strange it may sound) and diversity. In addition to popular versions, less common ones are also widely used, which are often aimed at performing a certain range of tasks. And now, if you are interested in Russian "Linux", know that downloading it is not a problem. And for others, there are localizers that will translate at least some of the designations.

Linux and Windows: what are the differences

At first glance, the data doesn't look much different from the outside. But this is not the case. There are differences, but to see them, you need to look "deeper". The main focus will be on Linux, but to give you an idea of ​​what and how, and will be compared to Windows. We will consider:

1. File system.
2. Graphical shell.
3. System configuration.
4. Scope of application.

And finally, there will be a little attention to distributions.

File system

Initially, it should be noted that no hard drives in the usual sense in Linux. What does this state of affairs tell you in the first place? Hard? Far from it! Logical partitions and physical disks will be saved, only here they will be represented by catalogs. The operating system connects to a folder, and everything that is created gets into it. Work can only be carried out with the files that are in it. The most important folder is the root folder. It is denoted by a /. For example, user files are usually stored in / home / username /. But at will, you can change the location of almost anything. Is it difficult to navigate such a structure?

Graphical shell

In the early days after Windows, it may seem inconvenient to move. But this is only when using the terminal. There are also graphical shells with which you can work with familiar interface... The terminal, by the way, is used either on servers, or by very advanced people with a good memory. The graphically designed shell is suitable for everyone else, as well as those who simply do not want to remember the exact catalogs of information. The Linux system can come in many different forms. Several desktop options can be configured, and already graphic design for them, it is calculated in hundreds of variations.

Configuration

Windows this information is in system registry which is a specific database. It is necessary so that the programs launched in the operating system are correctly configured when they are loaded and at the beginning of work. In it, if the registry is damaged, it will only help complete reinstallation... Although this has an advantage - everything is in one place. But Linux took a different path. In it, each program is the owner of a separate configuration file (and sometimes even several). They can be viewed or edited with an arbitrary text editor. If there are several files, then this has its advantages - if one of them is damaged, only a part of the work will be lost. And in the worst case, you only have to reinstall a separate program. When the user decides to change the computer used, he does not have to start all over again. Required files it can just copy between machines (directly or using media). But what if the operating system is damaged? This is important advantage that Linux possesses. The operating system needs to be reinstalled and you need to perform it. But the file settings after this process will be saved and will not be lost. Although there is one small drawback - each program has its own format of configuration files, and it will be necessary to understand well what and how before editing.

Applications

We talked about this and how it differs from the familiar to most Windows users. Now let's pay attention to the areas of its use. Alas, it will not be used everywhere. So, "Linux" -server or home / office workstation - here it is close to ideal. The fact is that there are not many ported or created games for this operating system. There are also individual programs with the launch of Adobe graphics packages and complex engineering programs(like AutoCAD, MatLAB and the like). But with emulation this problem in most cases it can be solved. People do not always need a computer that solves specific problems. Therefore, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with short list capabilities of the system, and if it does what it needs to do, you can try it in practice and not be disappointed:

1. The system can be office documents, spreadsheets, various documentation and process texts.
2. It is possible to view and edit images and photographs.
3. You can listen to music and watch videos.
4. Games can be played in the system, but usually very simple ones.
5. Realize communication processes via the Internet (in this regard, Linux is a cut above for Windows).
6. Convenient to program.
7. You can explore the vastness of the Internet.
8. It is convenient to remotely manage operating systems (any).
9. Various messaging and e-mail programs are available.
10. File exchange is conveniently implemented.
11. Free operating system
12. And in the end - viruses exist here as a myth. At least the author has never met a single one in his entire life.

About distributions

Already want a Russian "Linux"? Then a little bit about distributions needs to be said. On the one hand, it is difficult to say that we have different operating systems. But on the other hand, no one can prove otherwise. You can choose your preferred language and geographic focus, which will help make Linux more user-friendly. Russian version, French, Brazilian - the choice is yours. With the help of the operating system, you can seriously engage in the study of foreign languages. But let's talk about distributions. Their main differences are the location of programs in the file system. This is not to say that one distribution is more convenient than the other. It all depends on the tasks you face. So, you can install one version in which you can only program, and there is weak Internet support (only text components are loaded). This option is suitable for those who cannot concentrate on work and are constantly distracted. There are also those that will allow you to best tune the power to get the optimal performance from the machine. There are a lot of choices, and only you can stop at one of them.

Linux is not an operating system, but just its kernel. Everything that you are used to seeing and understanding as an operating system (buttons, windows and panels) - in fact, it is not. What you see is GUI(Graphical user interface), that is graphical interface user, also called the graphical environment or graphical shell. GUI is a program designed to make life easier for the user, so that he does not suffer with the console. In fact, any OS looks like a console, that is, like good old DOS.

The types of operating systems built on the Linux kernel differ greatly both in terms of providing a working environment and in a set of application programs available in the OS. This is partly because some of the programs only support some of the GUIs or depend on other programs that are not on this system. For a quick overview of the differences and features of the colorful Linux world, see this article.

So, any Linux starts at the console. DOS is an abbreviation that is more familiar to everyone. AND appearance DOS is not forgotten by everyone.

Not too comfortable to work, right? In addition to everything else, you need to know a bunch of commands, and not just remember where to move the cursor and which of the two mouse buttons to click. Therefore, the aforementioned GUIs were developed for the general user.

Linux graphical shells

With windows, everything is clear - one developer, one graphical environment. Its quality depends on the ability and diligence of Microsoft programmers. Linux, on the other hand, is an open and free system, so anyone can write any program and graphical shell as well. Its popularity will depend on how much users will like it in terms of beauty, stability, convenience ... Free competition, so to speak.

Therefore on Linux graphic several shells. The most widespread are GUI programs GNOME and KDE, however, they are quite demanding on system resources... Of course, there are also lighter analogues, such as X ( Xorg, Xvesa) or Openbox... When it comes to user program, then the term Front-end (user interface or data entry interface) is used along with the shell (GUI). As you can see, the choice is quite large.

Classification of Linux distributions

Taking into account the above, it is not hard to guess that there are a great many distributions. Some appear, others disappear. The distribution kit can be assembled by anyone and this process is not controlled by anyone. On the one hand, this is good, on the other, it is a complete mess. Truth Linus Torvalds still oversees the development of the kernel and has a casting vote when making changes to its official branch.

The choice of a distribution kit is an individual matter and, one might say, not easy. By and large, all distributions can be divided into two large categories: regular and mini. The main criterion for determining them is resource intensity and size.

Each of the two groups, in turn, can be divided into parental subgroups. The fact is that the world of Linux distributions has its long-livers and many builders use them as the basis of their assemblies. Naturally, child distributions inherit the basic features of their parents. List of parents:

This is the case for parent distributions. You can get acquainted with child distributions in the article Linux Distribution on Wikipedia.

Mini Linux distributions and Live-CDs

Separately, I would like to note one special, as it seems to me, group of distributions - Puppy Linux. Puppy can also be called parental, since it is based not on one of the above centenarians, but enough interesting ideas(with the permission of the reader, I will not go deep into technical nuances). Many mini-distributions have been created on the basis of Puppy, there is also a localized domestic version - PuppyRus Linux

This is a separate Linux branch that stands alone. The distributions are quite young and the community is small (compared to other distributions), but I believe that this variation has great advantages before other distributions, if you want lightness, simplicity and portability.

It's no secret that Linux is a kind of constructor. A lot of things may not work out of the box, and users who are accustomed to Windows at any system errors will become very uncomfortable. Therefore, these mobile mini-distributions are very suitable for a first acquaintance. They are undemanding to iron, work with removable media, and reinstalling the system will take 5 minutes and in fact is just copying the file + rebooting the PC.

Installing software on GNU Linux

Now about programs, or better to say packages ... In Windows there are two types of program installers - .msi and .exe. The principle of operation is slightly different, the result is the same. There are absolutely no problems or difficulties. There are several software installers on Linux. Developers and communities do not agree on this issue, so there is no uniform standard... This creates certain difficulties in the field of software of the Linux operating system.

In fact, everything seems to be simple - there is an archive (.tar.gz, for example) that contains a tree of folders with files. For installation, it is often enough just to unpack it in the root of the disk on which the OS is installed. As a result, the files will go to desired folders... The program will start and run. Everyone is happy and contented. But if there is a need to uninstall the program, the fun begins ...

It must be remembered what was copied to, what libraries the program uses and whether these libraries are needed for the operation of other programs or they can be safely removed. In OS Windows family this kind of information is stored in the system registry. The installer (installer) writes it there during the installation of the application. Thanks to this information, associations with file extensions are determined, icons appear in context menu and desktop shortcuts ...

On Linux there is no registry, and the information mentioned above is called dependencies (libraries from programs, programs from files, files from paths, etc.). The package manager works with this information - a program designed to simplify the life of the user so that he does not have to remember what was copied where and what depends on what. The principle, as you can see, is the same: shove it and remember, plus something else to write down (add) sometimes. But here are the implementations of this principle ...

1. rpm (RedHat)
2. tar.gz (archive with folder tree)
3. tar.bz2 (archive with folder tree)
4. pup (PuppyLinux)
5. pet (PuppyLinux)
6. portage (Gentoo)

This is 30% (if not less) of the available variety of package extensions and there is no guarantee that there will not be even more of them tomorrow. There are programs that convert one package format to another for use with various distributions. But there is no guarantee that this will work.

Maybe it will help, maybe not. Therefore, each distribution is tied to its own repository(program storage in the desired format). If the desired program not in the repository - you will have to experiment and even dance with a tambourine and shaman. In addition, the program can be tied to a graphical environment, for example KDE. And if your system uses Xorg as a graphical environment ... In short, you get the idea.

In order not to face difficulties, it is best to use a distribution based on Debian and not go outside the framework of its repository (stable branch). True, then it may happen that you will be limited in something, since the repository is not a bottomless repository and in any case there will not be all programs and all drivers.

In no way did I set myself the goal of scaring someone by telling such horror stories. I just don't want anyone to have any illusions about Linux. Linux OS is a system for thinking people. Not in the sense of being smart, no. She just WILL MAKE YOU think and learn if you don't give up early. Sooner or later it will happen, so be sure!

The reader may wonder what the author himself is working on. The author works on Windows for the most part. I have a Linux Mint netbook, but I rarely use it. But all my web development is located on a dedicated virtual server and I hang around there every day. And this, my friends, console Linux with a bunch console programs, most of which are customizable exclusively through configuration files. So there is a platform for training the brain and is used!

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