Introduction to Linux Operating System

Linux operating system

introduction

Linux is a popular open source operating system. Its flexibility, stability and free features make it have many fans around the world. This article will introduce in detail the development history of Linux, basic concepts, commonly used distributions, and how to start using Linux, etc., to help you better understand this powerful operating system.

1. The development history of Linux

The origin of Linux can be traced back to the early 1990s. In 1991, Finnish computer scientist Linus Torvalds developed a simple Unix-like operating system based on the then Minix operating system. He named this system "Linux" and released the source code on the Internet. Since then, Linux has attracted thousands of developers around the world to participate in its development and improvement, and quickly became one of the most popular open source operating systems in the world.

2. Basic concepts of Linux

2.1 Kernel

The Linux kernel is an open source, modular operating system kernel, which is the core component of the Linux operating system. The following is a detailed introduction to the Linux kernel:

Introduction: The Linux kernel was originally developed by Finnish computer scientist Linus Torvalds in 1991 and has received extensive contributions and support worldwide. It is based on the design philosophy and principles of the UNIX operating system, and is developed and maintained in an open source manner.

Function: The main function of the Linux kernel is to manage the hardware resources of the computer system, including the processor (CPU), memory, disk, network interface, etc. It provides a low-level interface for interacting with hardware and provides system services for applications running on it, such as process management, file system, device drivers, etc.

Architecture: The Linux kernel adopts a modular design to organize different functional modules in an independent manner. These modules can be dynamically loaded and unloaded, allowing the system to add or remove specific functionality as needed. The modular design makes the Linux kernel highly configurable and flexible, and can adapt to various hardware platforms and application requirements.

Features: The Linux kernel has many powerful features, including multi-task scheduling, memory management, file system support, network protocol stacks, device drivers, and more. It supports symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) architecture, which can effectively utilize multiple processor cores to improve system performance. In addition, the Linux kernel also supports functional extensions in terms of virtualization technology, security enhancements, and real-time performance.

Development and maintenance: The development and maintenance of the Linux kernel is a global collaborative process. Many developers and organizations contribute code, fix bugs, and improve features, collaborating through mailing lists, version control systems, and more. New versions of the kernel are released periodically, and each version contains a series of improvements and new features.

2.2 Distribution

The Linux distribution is a complete operating system based on the Linux kernel, including a series of pre-configured software, tools and documents. Due to the open source nature of Linux, anyone is free to create their own distribution. Therefore, there are many different Linux distributions on the market, such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch Linux, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages.

2.3 Shell

Shell is the command line interpreter of Linux system, which provides an interface for interacting with the operating system. Users can input commands through the shell, and the shell interprets and executes these commands, and outputs the results to the user. Common shells in Linux include Bash (Bourne Again Shell), Zsh (Z Shell), Fish (Friendly Interactive Shell), etc., which have their own characteristics and advantages. The following is a detailed introduction to them:

1. Bash（Bourne Again Shell）：

   • Bash is the most commonly used shell in Linux and is part of the GNU project.
   • It has wide compatibility and can run shell scripts on most UNIX systems.
   • Bash provides a wealth of features such as command line editing functions, command history, and auto-completion, making users more efficient and convenient in the command line interface.

2. Zsh（Z Shell）：

   • Zsh is a powerful shell with advanced features such as autocompletion, spell correction, and command aliases.
   • It provides rich configuration options and a plug-in system that enable users to highly customize the shell's appearance and behavior.
   • Zsh has advantages in user experience and extensibility, and is widely used by many power users and developers.

3. Fish（Friendly Interactive Shell）：

   • Fish is a user-friendly shell that focuses on user experience and ease of use.
   • It has features such as intelligent command completion, syntax highlighting, and intuitive prompt information, making it easier for users to interact with the shell.
   • Fish has been improved in terms of usability and interactivity, making it suitable for novices and casual users alike.

These Shells have their own advantages and characteristics, and users can choose the Shell that suits them according to their needs and preferences. They not only provide command-line operation capabilities, but also support script programming and automation tasks, enabling users to complete complex operations and automation tasks by writing Shell scripts.

3. Commonly used Linux distributions

3.1 Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a Debian-based open source Linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface and extensive software repository. The following is a detailed introduction to Ubuntu:

1. Based on Debian: Ubuntu is a derivative version based on the Debian distribution, which inherits the stability and reliability of Debian, and adds some new features and improvements on this basis.

2. User-friendly interface: Ubuntu provides an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface, making it easy for users to get started. It uses the GNOME desktop environment by default, and also provides other desktop environment options, such as KDE, XFCE, etc., to meet the needs and preferences of different users.

3. Software repository: Ubuntu has an extensive software repository (Software Repository), which contains a large number of applications, tools and drivers. Users can easily install, update and manage software packages through the software center or command-line tools such as apt.

4. Updates and support: Ubuntu releases new versions regularly, with a long-term support (LTS) release every two years and other releases annually. The LTS version provides longer support and updates, suitable for enterprise and long-term use environments.

5. Community support and contributions: Ubuntu has a large community of users and developers who provide support, communicate and contribute code. The community has made important contributions to the development and improvement of Ubuntu, allowing it to evolve and grow.

6. Scope of application: Ubuntu is suitable for various scenarios, including desktops, notebooks, workstations and servers. It provides extensive hardware support and has good stability and security.

7. Open source spirit: As an open source project, Ubuntu upholds the concept of openness and freedom. Users are free to use, modify, and distribute Ubuntu, which makes it one of the go-to distributions for Linux newbies and developers.

Overall, Ubuntu has become the Linux distribution chosen by the majority of users with its friendly user interface, rich software resource library, and stable and reliable features. It provides an excellent operating system platform for various application scenarios, and has received continuous community support and development.

3.2 Fedora

Fedora is an open source Linux distribution based on Red Hat, which has attracted attention for its innovation and advanced technology. The following is a detailed introduction to Fedora:

1. Based on Red Hat: Fedora is a community project sponsored and supported by Red Hat Corporation, which is developed and improved on the basis of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Therefore, Fedora shares some core technologies and features with RHEL.

2. Innovation and advanced technology: Fedora is committed to introducing the latest open source software and technologies, including operating system components, development tools, desktop environments, and more. It is considered a technology pioneer among Linux distributions and often serves as a testing ground for new technologies.

3. Fast update cycle: Fedora uses a short release cycle, releasing a new version every 6 months. This means users get faster access to the latest software and feature updates, as well as support for new hardware.

4. Community-driven: Fedora is a community-driven distribution with a large community of users and developers. Community members actively participate in testing, contributing code, providing support and communication, and jointly promote the development and improvement of Fedora.

5. Wide range of usage scenarios: Fedora is suitable for a variety of scenarios, including desktops, notebooks, workstations, and servers. It provides multiple desktop environment options, such as GNOME, KDE, Xfce, etc., to meet the needs of different users.

6. Security and Stability: While Fedora focuses on bringing in the latest technologies, it also places great emphasis on security and stability. The Fedora team actively monitors and fixes security vulnerabilities, and provides stability testing and quality assurance to ensure system reliability.

7. Impact of the Fedora Project: As an experimental and innovative distribution, the Fedora Project's achievements and technical improvements are often reflected in commercial distributions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Therefore, Fedora has a certain influence in the open source community.

Overall, Fedora, as an open source distribution, has attracted attention for its innovation, advanced technology and fast update cycle. It is suitable for a wide range of usage scenarios and is especially suitable for users interested in the latest technologies. Fedora's community involvement and support allow it to continue to grow and influence the entire Linux ecosystem.

3.3 Debian

Debian is a long-established and stable open source Linux distribution, known for its large software repository and strict quality control. The following is a detailed introduction to Debian:

1. Old and stable: Created in 1993, Debian was one of the first Linux distributions. It pays attention to the stability and reliability of the system, and undergoes rigorous testing and verification when releasing new versions to ensure the stable operation of the system.

2. Community Driven: Debian is a distribution driven by a worldwide developer community. Community members contribute code, test software packages, provide support and maintenance, etc., to jointly promote the development and improvement of Debian.

3. Software repository: Debian has a huge software repository containing tens of thousands of software packages. These software packages cover various application areas, including desktop applications, server software, programming tools, etc., and users can easily install and manage them through package managers (such as apt).

4. Quality control: Debian has a strict control and audit mechanism for the quality of software packages. It ensures the stability, security, and legality of software packages through strict software package management and review processes. This makes Debian a reliable and safe choice.

5. Multi-architecture support: Debian supports multiple architectures, including x86, ARM, PowerPC, etc. This allows Debian to run on different hardware platforms to meet the needs of different users.

6. Available versions: Debian has three main versions: Stable, Testing and Unstable. The stable version is suitable for environments with high stability requirements, the test version provides newer packages, and the unstable version contains the latest packages but may not be stable enough.

7. Security and Updates: Debian is committed to providing a secure operating system and timely releases security patches to address potential vulnerabilities. It also offers Long Term Support (LTS) releases, providing enterprise and long-term users with longer support and updates.

In general, Debian, as an ancient and stable Linux distribution, is favored by users for its huge software resource library, strict quality control and security. It is especially suitable for server environments and users who require high stability, and is also popular with developers and technology enthusiasts. Debian's community-driven and long-term support allows it to continue to develop and become a popular choice for other Linux distributions.

3.4 Arch Linux

Arch Linux is a rolling release (Rolling Release) Linux distribution that has attracted attention for its simplicity, flexibility and up-to-date software packages. The following is a detailed introduction to Arch Linux:

1. Rolling release: Arch Linux adopts a rolling release model, which means that the system will be continuously updated and provide the latest software packages. Unlike traditional periodic releases, rolling releases allow users to always use the latest software version without waiting for the next release.

2. Simplicity and flexibility: Arch Linux is known for its simplicity and flexibility. It provides a basic, minimal system installation and allows users to highly customize it according to their needs and preferences. Users can choose to install the desired software packages and desktop environments, creating a lean and efficient system.

3. Latest packages: Arch Linux provides the latest packages, enabling users to experience and use the latest features and improvements as early as possible. The Arch User Repository (AUR) is a community-driven software repository where users can find more packages and extensions.

4. Documentation and Community Support: Arch Linux provides detailed documentation and strong community support. The official documentation (Arch Wiki) is a very thorough resource covering installation, configuration and frequently asked questions. Community forums and IRC channels are also important platforms for users to communicate and get support.

5. Installation and maintenance challenges: Compared to other distributions, the installation and maintenance of Arch Linux can be somewhat challenging for novice users. It encourages users to have a deep understanding of the system and command line tools, and requires some technical knowledge to configure and tune the system.

6. The choice of advanced users and enthusiasts: Due to its flexibility and highly customizable features, Arch Linux is more suitable for advanced users and technical enthusiasts with certain Linux experience and technical background. It provides a platform to fully control the system, allowing users to build a system that meets their needs from scratch.

Overall, Arch Linux is a clean, flexible and up-to-date rolling release Linux distribution. It is suitable for users who have high requirements for customization and latest software packages, especially for advanced users and technology enthusiasts with Linux experience and technical background. With Arch Linux, users can create a highly personalized and efficient system and enjoy the latest open source software and features.

4. Conclusion

Linux is a powerful, flexible and free operating system, whether you are a personal user or a business user, you can benefit from it. This article introduces the distribution version of Linux in detail. I hope this article can help you better understand Linux and start to try to use this excellent operating system.