Overview
In this guide, I will walk you through the basics of Linux. If you are new to Linux and unsure about its origins and purpose, this blog will provide you with a comprehensive overview.
If you're not sure how to install Linux on your system, don't worry! There are multiple ways to use Linux even if you're currently using Windows as your operating system.
Be sure to check out my step-by-step guide on installing Linux within Windows. Here's the link for easy access: Blog Link
What Happens When you start your computer?
Now, you pressed the button to start your pc/Laptop,
First, it executes the software in BIOS(Basic Input Output System).
What is a BIOS?
It is a basic input-output system. OR
you can call it firmware(Firmware comes installed by default in a computer stored in a small chip(Small chip: ROM(Read Only Memory) in the motherboard).
Second, It loads the Bootloader(Initializes the Operating System). But it is not always the case, it can be different for some PCs.
What is an Operating System?
Operating System is Software to manage and operate a Computer Device.
It acts as a bridge between the computer hardware and the applications that run on the computer.
Now, software needs to pass these conditions to be considered an Operating System:
Kernel
File System
User Interface [ CLI(Command Line Interface), GUI(Graphic User Interface) ]
Should be able to manipulate data based on commands.
What is a File System?
A file system is a method or data structure used by the operating system to store, organize, and retrieve data on a storage device such as a hard drive or solid-state drive.
The file system defines how the data is organized and stored on the storage device and provides a set of rules for accessing and retrieving the data.
In today's time our computers are very fast, any file that we want to open. It does not take much time to find the file we are looking for.
Reason: The memories and rams are pretty advanced these days and are becoming more faster and optimised these days.
What is a Kernel?
A kernel is any core of any Operating System. It manages the communication between hardware and software components.
It has complete control over everything in the system. It can control the memory and the CPU time of any software that is out there.
Windows vs Linux, Why use Linux?
First going into the comparison, let's see the types of Operating Systems(Famous):
Windows
MacOS
Linux
MacOS and Linux are pretty similar as they both are UnIx Based.
Windows has some similarities with Unix but is a proprietary Operating System, it has some components that are Unix-based but majorly it is derived from other Operating Systems but it remains a distinct and separate operating system from Unix.
That is why developers prefer using either Linux or MacOS.
Why Use Linux?
Open Source
Linux is an Open Source Operating System, which means its source code is available to everyone.
This makes it a popular choice for developers as they can customize it according to their needs without being restricted by proprietary(relating to an owner or ownership) licenses or fees.
Terminal
Linux provides a powerful and versatile command-line interface, commonly referred to as the terminal.
This allows users to directly perform a wide range of tasks from the command line.
The terminal is also highly customizable/
Easier to get things done
Linux is known for its simplicity and efficiency, and many tasks that are difficult or time-consuming on other operating systems can be performed more easily and quickly on Linux.
For example, software installation and updates are typically handled through centralized package managers, making it easier to manage software on Linux systems.
The benefit of Linux being open-source means that there is a large community of users and developers who are constantly contributing to the development and improvement of the operating system.
History of Linux
In 1969, two developers namely one was Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie.
If you know C language already, then you must be familiar with Dennis Ritchie.
In the late 1960s, Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie developed Unix while working at Bell Labs. In the 1970s, the entire Operating System was rewritten in C language to make it more portable, and Unix soon became a widely used operating system.
This is how the first Unix-based operating system came into the picture.
In 1983, Richard Stallman started the GNU project to create a free and open-source operating system. Other operating systems like BSD, MINIX, etc. were also developed around this time.
However, all of these operating systems lacked a unified kernel.
In 1991, Linus Torvalds started working on the Linux kernel, which became the unified kernel for all distributions of Linux.
Linus Torvalds is now known as the "Father of Linux."
Linux Distributions (Which one to choose?)
All the Linux distributions that are there, use the Linux Kernel, which Linus Torvalds developed in 1991.
There are so many distributions of Linux, but in my opinion, Ubuntu is the best blend between a GUI(Graphic User Interface) and CLI(Command Line Interface). That is why I shifted from Windows to Linux Operating System.
You can find me on these platforms 🤝 :
After reading this blog, give your reviews and feedbacks for more improvements.