You would never know it, but Linux is everywhere.
Linux is a relatively unknown operating system (OS) because for home operating systems, the public is much more familiar with Windows and MacOS, which account for 98% of the global desktop and laptop market.
However, away from the desktop sector, Linux is by far the most widely used operating system in the world. Over the years, Linux OS has evolved and grown tremendously in usage. While Linux is used by only 2.3% of desktops, Linux is the leading operating system on servers and other big iron systems such as mainstream computers. Since 2017, Linux has been the only OS used on Top500 supercomputers, having gradually eliminated all competitors.
The Chromebook, which runs the Linux kernel-based Chrome OS, dominates the U.S. K-12 education market and represents nearly 20% of notebook sales in the U.S. under $300.
Embedded systems also use Linux. This includes:
- Routers
- Automation controls
- Video game consoles
- Smartwatches
- Televisions
- Smartphones and tablet computers
Linux is distributed under an open source license. Its functionality list is quite like UNIX – not a coincidence since that’s where its creator Linus Torvalds used to work. Story goes, when Torvalds was a computer science student he used to work on the UNIX OS (proprietary software) and thought that it needed improvements.However, when his suggestions were rejected by the designers of UNIX, he went on to launch an OS receptive to changes as in modifications suggested by its users.
As time passed by, he collaborated with other programmers in places like MIT and applications for Linux started to appear. So around 1991, a working Linux operating system with some applications was officially launched, and this was the start of one of the most open-source OS option available today.
One main advantage of open-source technologies such as Linux is the wide range of options available to users and the increased security. With Linux being open-source, several distributions are available to the end-user. Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu and Mint are just a few of the distributions available to end users, and these distributions are completely free to download.
Security is another main advantage. White hat hackers have contributed to the overall security of Linux, and by making the source available to anyone, security experts can help identify any main security flaws in the operating system. In other words, unlike operating systems such as Windows, security flaws are caught before they become an issue for the public.
Want to know more about Linux OS? Tonex offers Linux Fundamentals Bootcamp, a 3-day course that explores the various tools and techniques commonly used by Linux system administrators and end users to achieve their day-to-day work in a Linux environment. It is designed for experienced computer users who have limited or no previous exposure to Linux, whether they are working in an individual or enterprise environment.
Tonex also offers several other courses in Cloud Computing Training. For more information, questions, comments, contact us.