Chapter 1 Overview of Linux

Chapter 1 Linux Overview

1. Why use Linux

The Linux kernel was originally written as a hobby by Finnish Linus Torvalds while he was a student at the University of Helsinki.

Linux is a free-to-use and freely disseminated Unix-like operating system. It is a multi-user, multi-task, multi-thread and multi-CPU operating system based on POSIX and UNIX. Linux can run major UNIX tool software, applications and network protocols. It supports 32-bit and 64-bit hardware. Linux inherits the network-centric design philosophy of Unix and is a multi-user network operating system with stable performance.

The more well-known distributions currently on the market include: Ubuntu, RedHat, CentOS, Debain, Fedora, SuSE, and OpenSUSE.

The advantages of Linux are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

①Powerful performance, safe and stable

Linux is an operating system originally developed based on the concept of Unix. Of course, it also inherits the stable and efficient characteristics of Unix. It is very common for hosts using Linux systems to work continuously for more than one year without crashing or restarting. Therefore, many tasks such as special effects production in movies and animations that require powerful computing power run on Linux systems.

②Can be customized

If you know enough about Linux, you can use the Linux kernel and the required components to form a customized system. You can even modify the Linux source code for in-depth customization.

③Free or small fee

Learning Linux allows you to use various Linux distributions for free. For commercial use, you often only need to pay a small fee.

④Low hardware configuration requirements

The Linux kernel is only a few KB in size. Running the kernel alone requires very little system overhead, as does operating Linux from the command line. Running Linux with a graphical interface also requires fewer resources than Windows.

⑤Embedded into mobile devices

Since Linux only requires very few resources to drive all hardware devices to work, it is very suitable for embedding into mobile devices such as mobile phones. For example, the Android system we use now is based on Linux.

2. The father of Linux

Linus Torvalds was only 21 years old when he first launched the Linux system kernel. At this time, he already had 10 years of programming experience. His famous saying is: "Talk is cheap, show me the code!".

3. Linux distribution

The work of Linus and his virtual team is only to develop the Linux kernel and some accompanying tools, but it is not yet a complete operating system that can be handed over to end users. In order to facilitate users, many commercial companies or non-profit groups integrate the Linux kernel (including tools) with runnable software, plus system installation tools. This completely installable whole of "kernel + software + tools" is called Linux distribution. This is the distribution version of Linux. In Hong Kong and Taiwan, it is called a distribution kit. This is a significant difference between open systems like Linux and closed systems such as Windows and Mac.

Beginners usually choose CentOS when learning Linux. This is actually a free community version released by RedHat after removing the paid features.
Insert image description here