Linux is a community of free, open-source Unix-esque operating systems based around the Linux kernel, a modular operating system originally developed by Linus Torvalds in the 1990s. Linux is usually packaged as a distribution with software such as OpenBSD, Fedora, Mandriva, and SuSe. Linux can also be installed as a live CD. However, to use Linux, you must download and install it from a website that provides such services.
Linux was designed to be used as a generic replacement for Windows. It follows the Unix platform and is compatible with most Windows operating systems. Linux was originally developed as an alternative to Windows because of its compatibility with the Windows kernel and because of licensing issues between Microsoft and the Linux community. Consequently, the Linux community developed and released a number of different variants of the Linux operating system.
As an open source operating system, Linux may be freely redistributed under certain conditions. In order to release a Linux package, Linux developers usually maintain and develop the code of the original release with added enhancements or bug fixes. This code is called “open source” code. In contrast to a closed source operating system, Linux distributors may require certain licenses in order to distribute the Linux operating system. Some of the more popular distributions of Linux are Fedora, Red Hat, and SUSE.
To install Linux, you need to obtain a Linux CD. These CDs can be obtained from websites such as eBay or you can join a community in your area to purchase a Linux CD. If you are familiar with Linux, you can probably install Linux with ease on your own computer. To learn how to install Linux, you should read How To Install Linux in detail. You will need to have the proper programs installed such as the typing software, audio software, and a web browser.
Linux also has its own distribution that is referred to as Red Hat. The Linux system itself is developed by the Linux Foundation, while Red Hat is developed by a group of software engineers based in Europe. Both Linux and Red Hat have their own websites where users can learn more about the different versions of each. Linux is generally faster than its competitor, while Red Hat has the capability to provide better security.
There are similarities between Linux and Unix. Both operating systems utilize a shell, which is a command-line interface, similar to that of DOS. Linux makes use of a user name or a domain name to log into the system while the Unix operating system works with a fixed physical address and does not have a login name. The major difference between Linux and Unix is that Linux does not use a programming language whereas the former uses a programming language, specifically Perl, in order to allow for easy configuration of programs. Linux also offers better security, more disk space, and a graphical user interface. It’s open source software that is free to use while the same cannot be said about Unix.
