Linux is an open-source operating system [ OS ] based on the Linux Kernel.
It manages computer hardware and software resources, similar to windows and macOS.
It is free, secure, customizable, and widely used by developers and organizations.
It has a massive user base, and used in the world's top 500 most powerful supercomputers.
HISTORY
Linux was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds as a side project while he was a computer science student.
It was inspired by the UNIX operating system, which was created by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie.
In his first public announcement, Linus described Linux as "Just a hobby, won't be big and professional."
Because it was released as open-source software, more than 16000 developers worldwide have contributed to it since 2005 and this project is still growing with more than 1600 developers for each kernel release.
HOW DOES LINUX WORK ?
User → Application → Kernel → Hardware → Response
Ex: Terminal [ bash ]
Linux works by connecting the user, application, kernel, and hardware together.
The user gives a command in command prompt through an application.
The application sends this request to the Linux Kernel.
The kernel manages system resources and communicates with the hardware.
The hardware performs the task and sends the result back.
Finally, the user can see the required responce.
WHY IS LINUX MORE SECURE THAN WINDOWS ?
Linux is open-source software, it means Linux code is reviewed by thousands of developers.
Strong file permissions and user privileges.
Fewer malware attacks because of its architecture and smaller desktop market share.
Regular security updates from the community.
NOTE : It doesn't mean "It's impossible to hack." It's generally more secure, but any OS can have vulnerabilities.
WHERE IS LINUX USED ?
Servers – Most web servers and cloud systems run on Linux.
Cloud Platforms – Used by AWS, Google Cloud, and other providers.
Supercomputers – Powers many of the world's fastest computers.
Embedded Devices – Used in routers, smart TVs, and IoT devices.
Android – Android uses the Linux Kernel as its foundation.
POPULAR LINUX DISTRIBUTIONS
Ubuntu – Beginner-friendly and widely used for desktops and servers.
Debian – Known for stability and reliability.
Fedora – Provides the latest features and technologies.
Arch Linux – Lightweight and highly customizable.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) – Popular in enterprise and server environments.
Linux Mint – Simple and easy for new Linux users.
KERNEL :
The kernel is the core of an operating system. its acts as a bridge between applications and hardware.
IT MANAGES THINGS LIKE :
CPU
Memory
Processes
Disk
Network
Hardware Devices
EX :
ls
This above command eventually needs the kernel to access the filesystem and retrive information about the files.
FUN FACT ABOUT KERNEL :
Linux is the not whole OS. Linux is the kernel. The rest comes from tools, libraries, applications, and other components.
The kernel talks directly to hardware. Your CPU, RAM, disk, network card, and other devices depend on it.
The kernel is always working in the background. Even when you're doing nothing, it is managing memory, processes, devices, and other resources.
SHELL :
A Shell is a command interpreter. It allows us to communicate with the operating system using commands.
EX :
ls
cd /var/log
mkdir test
The shell reads these commands, interprets them, and asks the operating system to perform the required action.
Popular Linux shells include:
Bash
Zsh
Fish
Sh
FUN FACT ABOUT SHELL :
You can actually change your shell without changing the Linux kernel.
You can have multiple shells running at the same time on the same Linux machine.
Shells can do much more than run commands. They can automate entire tasks using scripts.
Bash shell became popular because it was a free, improved version of the older Bourne Shell (sh).
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