Operating systems based on LINUX. Which are the most famous? Types of Linux, where to download, why this OS is free and who makes it

The most popular operating system at the moment is Windows. This is due to a successful start, and the initial focus on working with it for inexperienced users. But almost everyone who has several years of using this OS behind them, the question arises of what analogues can offer. Here is one of these will be considered as part 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 run other programs. At the very core there are several important applications that 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 you to control the use of memory and the launch of other programs.

The most important part of an operating system is the kernel (called Linux). What does such a 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. Read on to find out why she has such a name.

Creation

GNU/Linux was modeled after the Unix OS. From the very beginning, this operating system was developed as a multi-user and multi-tasking one. That alone is enough to make her stand out. But there are much more differences. The most important thing is that it is free (a significant part of the development was created by volunteers free of charge) and the absence of an owner. The Free Software Foundation first created something like this in 1984. Then they developed a Unix-like operating system, which was called GNU. Many basic functions were created with the help of which it was possible to solve problems of a wide range (if compared with what generally existed then). In addition to the foundation, many working groups and individuals have made their contribution, which in no way detracts from their work. But still there are some features. So, the foundation created most of the tools used, the philosophy and the community of enthusiastic users and independent programmers. By their efforts, a debugged version of GNU / Linux appeared. But this is only the story of the first part. The Linux OS kernel was created by a Finnish student in 1991 (the first stable version dates back to 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 command-line shells, as well as several graphical desktops. Moreover, this does not mean visual design, but a change in the functional part. Also, due to the adaptation of the operating system for the execution of several programs, it is less prone to various failures and is better protected. Since its inception, Linux OS has been slowly but surely gaining its audience. So, most of the servers are already working on it. The path in the corporate segment and at home is just beginning. Each distribution is different in its functionality, appearance and size. So, there are options that provide the widest possibilities. There are also those that can fit on a small flash drive or work on older computers. Also, immediately after, it is possible 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? It is a powerful tool with great potential. With it, 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 distribution or configuration files;
3. add new program repositories;
4. and many other things that this Linux review will cover.

Basic use of the terminal, as well as installation of programs

Run it. To start the program, just enter its name. Everything from simple timer programs to complex utilities can be activated in this way. You do not need to enter the full path for this (which is a strong difference from Windows). Let's take as an example the launch of the 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 "address of the site we want to go to." Also, an important feature of the terminal is that there are a number of commands that are only designed to work with it. That is, they do not have a graphical interface. And now it's time to talk about Of course, there are graphics applications that can help with this task. So, launch the terminal and enter the following: sudo apt-get install package_name. Easy, right? The word sudo is used here to get administrator rights to install a program. With apt-get, the desired options 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 with a space.

The name and purpose of 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 from the beginning - just export the names of the packages used to a text file in order to import its contents later. Here is such a simple Linux-instruction is necessary for the initial operation.

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 type nano "document name", a file with the specified name will be created in the current directory. And what to do when it needs to be done in another folder? We write the command in this way: nano /home/rabota/documents/”Document name”. If the specified directive does not contain a file with the required name and extension, a new one will be created and opened. And if you need to move from one folder to another? The cd command is used for this. It can be specified by itself - with /, ~ or with a directive. The first three commands will be moved to the root directory. Use ls to list the files in the current directory. To create a new directory, use mkdir "Name or path". The rm command is used to remove files. After it, it is necessary to indicate the name of the document or the directive for its placement.

To copy files, you must use the command cf "Document Name" - "Path". Keep in mind that it must be applied in the directory where the transferred object is located. mv works in the same way, but it is already moving the file. So, it is necessary to specify as follows: mv "Directory where the document is located" - "The path where the object is moved." From the outside it may look a little complicated, but with a little practice you'll be convinced that it's only on the surface. Now you can basicly configure Linux to meet your needs.

Working with the system

Use tab. This is a very useful key. Yes, it can help with autocomplete. This works for packages, files and folders. If there are several options, the system will prompt you to select one of them. Also remember that Linux will be your responsibility. Although you can use the provided assemblies if you don’t 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 of this action will not be difficult. You can also use any of the graphical interfaces that are freely available for work (although the easiest way to manage is the command line).

Linux installation

What if there is a desire to use this operating system? Then you need to know how to install and how to run Linux. Initially, choose the distribution kit that you will have. Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS and many others are popular. We pay attention to the presented operating systems, although the final choice is yours. To do this, you will need to acquire an ISO image and burn it to disk. It is advisable 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 counterpart at 62 has better performance. True, they will also bring troubles that you will have to deal with. Before you start, get a backup of all important data. Do not think that the system can spoil something for you. It's just that in most cases, the users themselves, out of ignorance or in a panic, delete important information. So, you have a disk with a system image. Before reinstalling, set the basic I/O system to work with Now you can reboot.

The Ubuntu installation will be considered as an example. This is a popular operating system, and finding recommendations for working with it is not difficult. So, the screen will initially load, where you will need to select "Install Ubuntu". Initially, you will need to select the Linux language. Determine your time zone. Then set up the keyboard. The next step is to prepare the disk space. At this stage, the solution of this issue can be shifted to the operating system, or everything can be determined manually. The latter option is suitable for advanced 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 the disk space issues are exhausted, you will be prompted to name this computer, as well as 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 will be needed not only to log into the system. After that, you will see the window of the wizard for transferring settings from other operating systems. If there are none, 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 in the end, a window should appear in which the user's choice will be displayed. Check if everything is the way you want. If there are no complaints, then click on the "Install" button, and the process will start. Depending on the configuration of the computer on which all these actions are performed, the speed of replacing operating systems varies. When all the necessary actions are completed, you will be prompted to press the "Enter" button.

Launching Linux

The first time you turn it on, you will be greeted by the bootloader. In this case, the launch of Linux will depend on the presence of foreign operating systems. If it is alone, then Linux itself will boot. If not, then you have three options:

1. If you select the first one, the operating system will boot in ten seconds.
2. The second option is an analogue of Windows Safe Mode.
3. RAM testing.

Also, depending on the number of installed OSes, 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, do everything so that the operating system is as customized as possible for you. there are a huge variety, and you can choose what you like. Some problems may only arise when using games and calculation applications (AutoCAD and similar).

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 thought 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 fallback in the form of Windows. In the second, we will assume that you do not have another operating system:

1. Put the installation disk in the drive. Boot from it by changing the priority in the basic input / output system. Open command line. This can be done through the installation disk menu. Then select the "System Fix" option. In English, it looks like Repair your computer. Correcting the entry about system boot. To do this, enter the bootrec /fixmbr command. And at startup, you will no longer be presented with the operating system selection screen when you turn on the 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 right-click on the partition with the operating system and select the command to delete it. That's it, she's no more. Now right-click on the Windows partition and select Extend Partition. Free space must be added to it. But, remember, this can only be done if there is a spare operating system.
2. Now imagine that you only have one Ubuntu. Then you will 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 partition in which there is "Linux". After that, continue with the installation. If this is not done, then you will not be able to use the computer. And then you have to create an operating system on a flash drive somewhere and carry out the necessary actions from it.

"Linux": so the same and different

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

1. Ubuntu. Focused on ease of learning and use.
2. openSUSE. Convenient distribution kit during setup and maintenance.
3. Fedora. One of the most popular options that has won love due to its versatility.
4. Debian. This distribution has served as the basis for many others. An extensive community of developers is working on its creation. Has a strict approach to using non-free software.
5. Slackware. One of the oldest distributions. Has a conservative approach regarding development and use.
6. Gentoo. A very flexible distribution. Compiled from source codes. The end result can be high performance and flexible execution of tasks. Aimed at advanced users and computer technology experts.
7. archlinux. A distribution that focuses on using the latest versions of 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 those indicated above or created from scratch. In the second variant, 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, along with the leaders, other implementations successfully exist, created by associations of programmers and firms. So, there are many developments that can function from a CD, and you do not need 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 paying attention to Gentoo, CRUX or LFS.

What do people who use Linux tell us?

In general, you can research the reviews yourself. But in the article a certain “compilation” of them was carried out for those who do not have the desire or time to search and read various texts. About Linux reviews are mostly positive. As positive features, they call a small amount of RAM that needs to 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. Not least, this is due to the fact that relatively few entertainment programs have been 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. Last but not least, this is due to the presence of various various tools. Programmers and technicians speak positively about this system due to its versatility and ease of doing the necessary activities. As negative traits, the need to have significant knowledge of computers, be able to work using the scientific poke method, and a visual difference from Windows are usually cited. These are the opinions you can find about Linux. The operating system is indeed significantly different from the usual 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 learned, Studied and programs for Linux: what are the features in their work, how to install and run directly the operating system itself. Various commands have also been provided with which to perform the basic range of user operations. It remains to be hoped that information about Linux - what it is and what it is eaten with - will be useful to you in practice.

A user who just wants to get acquainted with operating systems based on the Linux kernel can easily get lost in the assortment of all kinds of distributions. Their abundance is associated with the open source of the kernel, so developers around the world are diligently replenishing the ranks of already known operating systems. This article will discuss the most popular of them.

In fact, the variety of distributions is only at hand. If you understand the distinctive features of certain operating systems, you will be able to choose the system that is perfect for your computer. Weak PCs get a special advantage. By installing a distribution kit for weak hardware, you can use a full-fledged OS that will not load your computer, and at the same time provide all the necessary software.

To try out one of the distributions below, just download the ISO image from the official website, burn it to a USB drive and start the computer from the USB flash drive.

If the manipulation of writing an ISO image of the operating system to a drive seems complicated to you, then you can read the guide on installing Linux on a virtual machine on our website.

ubuntu

Ubuntu is considered to be the most popular Linux distribution in the CIS. It was developed on the basis of another distribution - Debian, but in appearance there is no similarity between them. By the way, users often argue about which distribution is better: Debian or Ubuntu, but everyone agrees on one thing - Ubuntu is great for beginners.

Developers regularly release updates that improve or fix its shortcomings. The network is distributed free of charge, including both security updates and corporate versions.

Among the advantages can be distinguished:

• simple and easy installer;
• a large number of thematic forums and articles on customization;
• Unity user interface, which is different from the usual Windows, but intuitive;
• a large amount of pre-installed applications (, games, Flash plugin and many other software);
• has a large number of software in both internal and external repositories.

Linux Mint

Even though Linux Mint is a separate distribution, it is based on Ubuntu. This is the second most popular, and also a great product for beginners. Has more pre-installed software than the previous OS. Linux Mint is almost identical to Ubuntu in terms of internal system aspects that are hidden from the user's eyes. The graphical interface is more similar to Windows, which undoubtedly inclines users to choose this operating system.

The advantages of Linux Mint are as follows:

• it is possible to select the graphical shell of the system when loading;
• during installation, the user receives not only software with free source code, but also proprietary programs that can ensure optimal operation of video-audio files and Flash-elements;
• developers improve the system, periodically releasing updates and fixing bugs.

CentOS

As the CentOS developers themselves say, their main goal is to make a free and, importantly, stable OS for various organizations and enterprises. Therefore, by installing this distribution kit, you will get a stable and secure system in all respects. However, the user should prepare and study the documentation for CentOS, as it has quite strong differences from other distributions. From the main one: the syntax of most commands is different for her, like the commands themselves.

The advantages of CentOS are as follows:

• has many functions that ensure the security of the system;
• includes only stable versions of applications, which reduces the risk of critical errors and other kinds of failures;
• Enterprise-grade security updates are released to the OS.

openSUSE

openSUSE is a good choice for a netbook or low end computer. This operating system has an official website powered by wiki technology, a user portal, a developer service, projects for designers, and IRC channels in several languages. Among other things, the openSUSE team sends emails to users when updates or other important events happen.

The advantages of this distribution are as follows:

• has a large number of software delivered via . True, it is somewhat less than in Ubuntu;
• has a KDE graphical shell, which is in many ways similar to Windows;
• has flexible settings performed using the YaST program. With its help, you can change almost all parameters, from wallpaper to the settings of internal system components.

Pinguy OS

Pinguy OS was developed with the goal of making a system that was both simple and beautiful. It is intended for the average user who decides to move from Windows, which is why you can find many familiar features in it.

The operating system is based on the Ubuntu distribution. There is both a 32-bit and a 64-bit version. Pinguy OS has a large set of programs with which you can perform almost any action on your PC. For example, turn the standard Gnome top bar into a dynamic one, like in Mac OS.

Zorin OS

Zorin OS is another system targeted at newbies looking to migrate from Windows to Linux. This OS is also based on Ubuntu, but the interface has a lot in common with Windows.

What sets Zorin OS apart, however, is its bundle of pre-installed applications. As a result, you will immediately be able to run most Windows games and programs thanks to the Wine program. Also pleased with the pre-installed, which is the default browser in this OS. And for fans of graphic editors there is (analogue). The user can download additional applications on their own using the Zorin Web Browser Manager - a kind of analogue to.

Manjaro Linux

Manjaro Linux is based on ArchLinux. The system is very easy to install and allows the user to start working immediately after installing the system. Both 32-bit and 64-bit OS versions are supported. Repositories are constantly synchronized with ArchLinux, in this regard, users are among the first to receive new versions of the software. The distribution kit immediately after installation has all the necessary tools for interacting with multimedia content and third-party equipment. Manjaro Linux supports multiple kernels, including rc.

Solus

Solus is not the best option for weak computers. At least because this distribution has only one version - 64-bit. However, in return, the user will receive a beautiful graphical shell, with the possibility of flexible settings, many tools for work and reliability in use.

It is also worth noting that Solus uses the excellent eopkg package manager, which offers standard tools for installing / removing packages and finding them.

elementary OS

The Elementary OS distribution is based on Ubuntu and is a great starting point for beginners. An interesting design that is very similar to OS X, a large amount of software - this and much more will be acquired by the user who installed this distribution. A distinctive feature of this OS is that most of the applications that come with it are designed specifically for this project. In view of this, they are ideally comparable with the overall structure of the system, which is why the OS works much faster than the same Ubuntu. In addition, all the elements thanks to this are perfectly combined externally.

Conclusion

It is difficult to objectively say which of the distributions presented is better and which is somewhat worse, just as you cannot force someone to install Ubuntu or Mint on their computer. Everyone is individual, so the decision on which distribution to start using is up to you.

It is quite difficult for beginners in the field of administration to decide on the choice of a LINUX distribution kit, since a very large number of them have been developed and each of them has its own characteristics and purpose. Popular Linux myths covered.

In this article, we will consider popular distributions that are based on the LINUX kernel. The distribution kit is the kernel itself and a set of very different software, that is, it is an operating system based on LINUX. Linux vulnerabilities and their types.

In this article, we will consider distributions:

• Debian
• red hat
• Arch Linux
• Gentoo
• Linux From Scratch
• Chrome OS
• Android
• Slackware
• OpenWrt 10 Tizen
• OS for supercomputers

Debianand systems based on it - a set of distributions that use the Deb package management system. It was created for Debian and is now used quite often by popular distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu, LinuxMint, AstraLinux, Elementary and others. They are based on the original Linux kernel with several fixes that only remove errors. Debian Benefits Considered article.

The second most popular system based on the Linux kernel isred hat. Red Hat has created its own package manager, Rpm. Therefore, all traditional Linux distributions have split into two sides - those that use deb and fans of rpm. It cannot be said that any system is better or worse, because each of them has advantages and disadvantages. The RPM package management system is used by CentOS, Fedora, Red Hat, OpenSUSE and other less popular but still in demand OS distributions.

The next system in the review that does not use the Deb and Rpm packages. This is a distributionArchLinux. It is based on its own pacman package manager, which has similar functions as deb, but in addition a simple rolling release system is implemented. This ensures always new software. Arch is quite popular and other distributions are developed on its basis - Manjaro, Antergos, Cinnarch.

System Gentoodesigned for users who need the ability to compile their own system. This allows you to choose software, as well as get optimization for your hardware. The Gentoo distribution is based on the Linux kernel, using the emerge package manager. The user of the system receives rolling releases, as well as the ability to easily compile the operating system on his PC. The emerge package manager already comes with built-in build scripts, so you don't need to add anything.

LINUX FROM SCRATCH -special is a set of tools that allow you to build your own distribution based on the Linux kernel. You are provided with a kernel and need the source code for the required programs. You create your distribution from the init system and shell to the desktop environment.

Google has released its specialized operating system for netbooks on the Linux kernel.Chrome OSbased on Gentoo, although these operating systems are fundamentally different, so you should not combine them into one item. Google has implemented the idea of ​​a cloud-based Linux operating system. At the same time, your workspace is a browser where you can edit documents, work with videos and a Linux terminal in the browser. All files are stored in the cloud.

ANDROIDthe most popular mobile phone OS also uses the Linux kernel. True, only the kernel remains from Linux here. Everything else Google has replaced with various frameworks. Linux features are limited, but in the terminal you can work with Linux commands, and in a chroot environment you can run a Linux distribution. Therefore, ANDROID is also considered a Linux distribution.

SLACKWAREis a very old Linux distribution. Once upon a time, several distributions were based on it - Blacktrack, Slax, VectorLinux, etc. But over time, it became unpopular. The system uses its own package manager, which is weaker than deb and rpm. Among the shortcomings of the system, users highlight the fact that dependency resolution is not supported. The commands for removing and installing packages are in different utilities, which is quite inconvenient.

openwrt- a specialized OS that is designed for routers and routers based on Linux. The system comes with a stripped-down version of the C library, standard Linux utilities, and BusyBox. It is designed specifically for routers, so it takes up little space. Settings are made using the command line.

System TIZENdesigned for various TVs, smart watches and other gadgets. Based on the Linux kernel. The OS was developed by Samsung. It is installed on many popular gadgets.

OS for supercomputers. According to research in 2017, Linux-based operating systems are most often used on supercomputers, since each company creates its own solution based on the kernel, and this solution is ideally optimized for its goals and objectives. So out of 500 powerful supercomputers, 498 run on Linux and two more on UNIX like the IBM AIX system. As you can see, Linux is a very popular operating system for solving various kinds of problems.

On our You can test most of the popular Linux distributions. You will definitely come in handy, which every user needs to know. Contact us and we will be happy to find the best option for you!

Differences between Windows and Linux operating systems in the following.

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The history of this operating system began in 1983, then Linux did not yet have its modern name, Richard Stallman began to work on it. Approximately eight years later, he had almost completed the development of all the system programs included in its composition.

In the 90s, a young hacker and programmer joined the work on the system Linus Torvalds, he developed the kernel for the operating system. And as can be seen from the name of this person, that the system got its name from him. By the way, the penguin, which became the emblem of the system, was before that a personal symbol of Linus, but to make this penguin a symbol of the operating system was invented by the programmer's wife, Tove.

In September 1991, Torvalds posted the source code on the Internet for the first time, anyone could download it. This immediately attracted the attention of hundreds of programmers who, having downloaded the source code, began working on it, adding their programs. From that moment, its free and free distribution began. In the first years, only individual programmers were engaged in this, but later entire companies joined the development. An interesting fact is that if now the development of such a system was taken up on a commercial basis, then about 11 billion dollars would be needed to work on it. Over 70,000 people have worked on it over the years to bring Linux to its current state. It was Linux that came out in 2012 in first place in terms of use in smartphones, which is used in them, which was created based on the Linux kernel, specifically for mobile devices.

Benefits of Linux

Nowadays, Linux itself, as such, no longer exists, but there are other operating systems developed on its kernel. If you write in Cyrillic, then these are Fedora, Ubuntu and Android, these are the most popular and widespread systems at the moment. Linux Fedora desktop example

First of all, of course, I would like to note one of its main advantages, that it is distributed for free. Therefore, if you install Linux on computers at the enterprise, then you can not be afraid of any checks. No one will accuse you of using pirated software. Every program you need to run on Linux is already available for both work and play. To whom and why to distribute free programs, we will not discuss.

Its second advantage is that Linux is open source. To many this does not mean anything, I will try to explain simply. Let's take Windows, after writing the kernel of this system, the code closes and it is impossible to open it, so nothing can be redone in Windows. Of course, we can change the design to some extent, but getting inside Windows will not work. With Linux, the situation is different, its code is open, so if you have the knowledge for programming, you can set up your own experiments, modifying and improving the system.

A couple more advantages and small disadvantages

And here are some more advantages and disadvantages of Linux. First, security, what it is, is that

that viruses that constantly surf the Internet in search of an unprotected computer have no effect on this system.

For example, if a virus enters a Windows computer, all folders on all drives will soon be infected. The system, and in most cases, only full formatting of the entire disk can save. With Linux it is a little different, it does not spread through folders, and therefore cannot harm the system.

Secondly, this is the availability of software for Windows, the further, the harder it is to find a good working free program. Licensed, very expensive, and free, no good. With Linux, the opposite is true, new programs appear, absolutely free, and in quality and functionality, often superior to their counterparts developed for Windows. And the installation of programs is simplified, by going to the distribution site, you select several programs, type the desired line on the command line, and the installation starts.

I would also like to note the speed of Linux, the design in it is simplified, so the system works much faster than Windows. Of course, if a person likes luxurious design more, or if he has the opportunity to buy a supercomputer, then he may not like Linux. This system behaves well on budget models and computers, it is not demanding and therefore nimble.

Only one thing can be attributed to the disadvantages of this system, this is some delay in the release of drivers for the equipment. Time moves forward, everything is updated, first of all, professional programmers make drivers for Windows 7, and then for Linux. This is mainly due to commerce, in the first option you can make good money, and the second option is free. But, in the near future, this state of affairs will be corrected. Other disadvantages of this system are mentioned, but for the most part they are far-fetched, and in the end, each user decides for himself what to choose.

If you stop 10 people on the street and ask them what they know about Linux, most will describe some kind of complex operating system for hackers that does not have a familiar graphical interface and is extremely unfriendly to an inexperienced user. What exactly is Linux? Let's take a look at the material below.

In contact with

To begin with, it should be clear that Linux is not an operating system, but rather a project that brings together a huge number of people and companies around the world. They all work to improve distributions, adding and removing tens of thousands of lines of code from ready-made Linux solutions every day. To understand this phenomenon, one should look at the history of two other interesting projects - GNU and Minix.

Who Invented Linux?

GNU GPL

At the end of the 70s, quite numerous communities of geeks had already formed in the USA, who preached the free distribution of ideas, programs, and source codes. One of the prominent people of that time is called Richard Stallman, who in 1983 announced the development of the GNU project (abbr. "GNU is Not Unix").

The purpose of the venture was to develop and distribute software for free, which in terms of its functionality would not be inferior to the capabilities of the Unix OS from AT & T (the license to use the source code thereof cost about 40 thousand dollars).

At the same time, Stallman formulated the GNU GPL (GNU GeneralPublic License) manifesto, in which he indicated 4 freedoms that underlie Linux to this day:

Freedom 0. Everyone has the right to run the program for any purpose;
Freedom 1. Everyone can study the program and modify it to suit their own needs;
Freedom 2. Everyone has the right to distribute the software to help others;
Freedom 3. Everyone can improve and publish software for the benefit of the community.

Essentially, Stallman gave everyone the right to freely sell their own products based on GNU software, but those products must also be accompanied by a GPL license.

That is, when distributing a program, a person or company is obliged to provide source codes to everyone and allow them to freely modify, as well as use any code fragments for their own purposes.

Minix

Another person who needs to be mentioned in the context of the history of Linux is Andrew Tanenbaum, a teacher from the Netherlands, who developed a tutorial in 1987 in the form of the Minix operating system.

Its advantage was compatibility with the then popular Intel 80286 processor, while most commercial versions of UNIX did not support Intel chips. Tanenbaum not only released Minix on floppy disks, but also published all 12,000 lines of code in his book, which was an excellent guide for young programmers, one of whom was Finnish student Linus Torvalds.

linux

Torvalds began developing Linux in 1991, but, having received a working kernel, was forced to replace Minix components in favor of analogues under the GNU GPL, since Tanenbaum legally limited the use of his system to educational purposes only. After posting his OS release on the comp.os.minix newsgroup and switching to GNU components, Linus received hundreds of feedback and suggestions for further development of the system, beginning the most massive software project in history.

Already in February 1992, Torvalds began to receive letters from companies that wanted to sell Linux, but did not have such an opportunity - in the very first version of the kernel there was a license agreement file in which Linus indicated a clause prohibiting the commercial implementation of Linux-based systems. However, one of the main components of the entire project was the GCC compiler, protected by the four Stallman freedoms described above. Therefore, starting from version 0.12, the Linux kernel has also been distributed under the GPL license. By the way, today many companies use the Linux kernel without GNU components, a vivid example of such a product is the Android operating system.

Who uses Linux

Today, the Linux kernel is used almost everywhere. One way or another, software created by a geographically disparate community of many thousands without a headquarters or central office controls the vast majority of existing electronic devices, from washing machines to appliances on the ISS. Distributions for private, commercial or other use are improved and refined daily, technology corporations invest a lot of money in Linux projects, and all the results of millions of man-hours can be available to everyone absolutely free of charge.

Linux distributions

Based on the foregoing, it is not difficult to conclude that there are a great many Linux distributions, and the most popular of them have much in common with each other. So, the most common version of Linux Ubuntu (as well as Kubuntu, Xubuntu and Edubuntu) from Canonical is based on another popular distribution - Debian. In turn, Ubuntu underlies another popular version of Linux Mint, and so on.

In addition, there are specialized categories of distributions. For example, advanced users prefer build-it-yourself versions of Linux that require you to build modules yourself. The most popular in this category is Linux Knoppix. There are also distributions with a regional bias. So, Rosa, ALT Linux, NauLinux, Calculate Linux, Runtu and others are relatively popular in Russia.