Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. It is widely used in various platforms, including cloud computing, embedded devices, mainframe computers, mobile devices, personal computers, servers, and supercomputers.
Key Characteristics
Open-source: Linux is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.
Community-driven: The Linux kernel is maintained by a large community of developers and contributors.
Monolithic kernel: Linux uses a monolithic kernel architecture.
Available in multiple languages: Linux is translated into many languages, making it accessible to a global user base.
Runs on various platforms: Linux can be installed on a wide range of hardware architectures, including Alpha, ARC, ARM, C-Sky, Hexagon, LoongArch, m68k, Microblaze, MIPS, Nios II, OpenRISC, PA-RISC, PowerPC, RISC-V, s390, SuperH, SPARC, x86, and Xtensa.
Famous Entities Using Linux
Stephen Fry: Actor and comedian who uses Linux.
Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook creator who uses Linux.
Mark Shuttleworth: Businessman and computer scientist who uses Linux.
Linus Torvalds: Creator of Linux, uses Linux.
Ken Thompson: Helped design the Unix operating system and uses Linux.
CERN: European nuclear research lab uses Linux (Scientific Linux, a customized version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, or CERN CentOS 7) for its desktops and servers.
Facebook: Uses Linux on its servers.
Amazon: Uses Linux on its servers.
Google: Uses Linux on its servers and is a major contributor to the Linux community.
IBM: Offers Linux certifications and uses Linux in its products and services.
Oracle: Uses Linux and offers Linux-based products and services.
SUSE: A major Linux distributor, providing enterprise-grade Linux solutions.
Red Hat: A leading Linux distributor, offering Red Hat Enterprise Linux and other Linux-based solutions.
NASA: Uses Linux on its servers and desktops.
The European Parliament: Uses Linux on its desktops.
The City of Munich: Uses Linux on its desktops.
Please note that this list might not be exhaustive, as the search results only provide a snapshot of information from various sources. Additionally, the use of Linux by these entities might have changed since the search results were compiled.
What is a Linux distribution also known as distro?
A Linux distribution (distro) is a customized version of the Linux operating system, compiled from various open-source components and designed to meet specific user needs and preferences. With hundreds of distributions available, there’s a Linux distro for every type of user, from beginners to experts.
What is the best Linux distribution?
There is no answer, the best Linux distro is the one that:
Works with your hardware.
You feel comfortable with.
Covers your needs.
Take the time to try different distros to find the one that is the best for you!
A performance‑focused, Arch‑based distro that aims to provide a fast, lightweight desktop out‑of‑the box.
Base: Arch Linux (rolling release), inherits Arch’s up‑to‑date packages.
Desktop: Typically ships with the Xfce or KDE Plasma editions, both heavily tweaked for speed.
Performance tweaks: Uses the Cachy kernel (custom‑compiled with low‑latency options), pre‑enabled CPU governor settings, and aggressive memory management.
Package manager: pacman with the cachy AUR helper for easy access to community software.
Target audience: Users who want Arch’s flexibility but prefer a ready‑made, performance‑optimized environment.
🛈 CachyOS is an excellent choice for gaming and content creation.
Overview of Linux distribution families and what they are based on.
🛈 Some distributions may overlap between families or have complex relationships (e.g., Ubuntu is based on Debian, but also has its own package manager and community). This overview aims to provide a general understanding of the major Linux distribution families and their characteristics.
Arch family
Arch Linux (bleeding-edge, community-supported)
Manjaro (community-supported, user-friendly)
SteamOS (gaming-focused, based on Arch Linux)
CachyOS
EndeavourOS
Debian family
Debian (stable, testing, unstable)
Ubuntu (commercially supported, popular desktop distribution)
Linux Mint (community-supported, popular desktop distribution)
Kali Linux (security-focused, based on Debian)
Tails (anonymous, live-distro based on Debian)
Fedora family
Fedora (community-supported, bleeding-edge)
Rocky Linux (community-owned, compatible with RHEL)
Aquamarine
Bazzite
Gentoo family
Gentoo Linux (highly customizable, compiled locally)
Google’s ChromeOS (based on Gentoo, used in Chromebooks)
Red Hat family
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
CentOS (community-supported, compatible with RHEL)
AlmaLinux (community-owned, compatible with RHEL)
Oracle Linux (commercially supported, compatible with RHEL)
The table compares some popular Linux distributions, highlighting their base distribution, default user interface, typical usage scenarios, and key advantages. Each distribution is evaluated based on its suitability for various tasks, including desktop use, development, gaming, and server management.
Ease of use, user-friendly interface, Windows-like experience
Key Points
Arch Linux and Derivatives: Distributions like Arch Linux, Cachyos, Bazzite, EndeavourOS, Garuda, Manjaro, and Ultramarine are known for their rolling release model, up-to-date packages, and high degree of customization. They are popular among users who prefer a hands-on approach to system management and often cater to gamers and developers.
Debian and Derivatives: Debian itself is renowned for its stability and wide range of software. Derivatives like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, PikaOS, Tuxedo OS, and Zorin OS build on Debian's foundation, offering user-friendly interfaces and additional features tailored for specific use cases, such as gaming (Pop!_OS, Tuxedo OS) or ease of use (Linux Mint, Zorin OS).
Red Hat and Derivatives: Fedora is known for its cutting-edge features and strong focus on security, making it a popular choice for developers and early adopters. CentOS, on the other hand, is valued for its stability and compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, making it a preferred choice for server environments.
openSUSE: openSUSE Tumbleweed offers a rolling release model with up-to-date packages, while openSUSE Leap provides a more stable, fixed-release model. Both are known for their robust system management tools and strong community support.
Gaming: Several distributions, including Pop!_OS, Garuda, Bazzite, Ultramarine, Tuxedo OS, and Linux Mint, are optimized for gaming, offering pre-configured settings and hardware support to enhance gaming performance.
Development: Many distributions, such as Fedora, Arch Linux, and its derivatives, are popular among developers due to their up-to-date packages, customization options, and support for the latest technologies.
Ease of Use: Distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS are designed with ease of use in mind, making them accessible to users transitioning from other operating systems or those who prefer a more straightforward computing experience.
HOW TO TRY LINUX
Are you curious about Linux and want to give it a try? Here are 5 ways to experience Linux without committing to a full installation:
LiveCD/LiveUSB: Boot from a Linux LiveCD or LiveUSB and run Linux directly from the CD or USB drive. This way, you can try Linux without modifying your current operating system.
Virtual Machine: Install a virtual machine software like VirtualBox or VMware and create a virtual machine running Linux. This allows you to run Linux alongside your current operating system.
Dual Boot: Install Linux alongside your current operating system and dual-boot between the two. This way, you can try Linux without replacing your current operating system.
Old Laptop: Take an old laptop and install Linux on it. This is a great way to try Linux without worrying about affecting your main computer.
DistroSea: Try Linux in your browser using DistroSea, a website that allows you to run Linux distributions in your browser without installing them.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Start with a beginner-friendly distribution like Linux Mint.
Take an old laptop or use a virtual machine to minimize the risk of data loss or system corruption.
Be prepared to learn new commands and interfaces, as Linux can be different from what you’re used to.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or search online for solutions to any issues you encounter.
Trying Linux is a great way to experience the operating system and see if it’s right for you.
🛈 TRY LINUX!
The Live mode is good way to try a Linux distribution on a machine without make any change to it. It is highly recommended to try a Linux distribution [1][2] in its Live mode before you install on your hard drive, to check if it works with your hardware (GPU, Webcam, Audio, Internet, Wi-Fi, Etc.)
The Linux file system is a fundamental component of the operating system, providing a flexible and scalable way to organize and manage files and directories. Understanding the different file system types, their features, and limitations is essential for effective system administration and configuration. By choosing the right file system for your use case, you can ensure optimal performance, reliability, and data integrity.
The Linux file system is a hierarchical structure that organizes files and directories on a storage device. It is designed to be flexible, scalable, and efficient. Here are some key aspects:
File System Types
ext2/3/4: The most widely used file systems, known for their stability and backward compatibility.
XFS: Optimized for large files and high-performance environments, commonly used in media servers and databases.
Btrfs: A modern file system with advanced features like snapshotting, deduplication, and online defragmentation.
ZFS: A file system and volume manager developed by Sun Microsystems, known for its robust data management capabilities.
File System Structure
Root Directory (/): The topmost directory, containing all other directories and files.
Mount Points: Directories where file systems are mounted, allowing access to external storage devices or network shares.
Directories: Hierarchical organization of files, with each directory containing subdirectories and files.
Files: Individual data storage units, including regular files, directories, and special files (e.g., devices, sockets).
Key Concepts
Permissions: Controls access to files and directories, defined by user IDs, group IDs, and permissions bits.
Inodes: Data structures containing metadata about files, such as ownership, permissions, and location.
Block Devices: Storage devices, like hard drives or SSDs, divided into blocks for efficient data storage.
Mounting: The process of attaching a file system to a mount point, making its contents accessible.
Practical Tips
Format a partition: Use mkfs (e.g., mkfs.ext4) to create a file system on a partition.
Mount a file system: Use mount (e.g., mount /dev/sda1 /mnt) to attach a file system to a mount point.
Unmount a file system: Use umount (e.g., umount /mnt) to safely detach a file system before removing a storage device.
Check disk usage: Use df (e.g., df -h) to display disk space usage and available free space.
A desktop environment (DE) in Linux is a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides an intuitive and interactive way to interact with the operating system. Here's an overview of what you might expect from a typical desktop environment:
Components:
Window Manager: This component handles window management, such as creating, resizing, moving, and closing windows.
Desktop Background: The background image or color that appears when no other windows are open.
Taskbar (or Panel): A bar at the bottom of the screen where you can find icons for frequently used applications, notifications, and system tray icons.
Start Menu (or Application Launcher): A menu that provides access to installed applications, settings, and features.
Desktop Icons: Small images or text labels representing files, folders, or devices on your computer.
Features:
Icon-based interface: Most DEs use a visual representation of icons for menus, windows, and other UI elements.
Drag-and-drop functionality: You can easily move files between windows and directories by dragging them with the mouse.
Context-sensitive menu options: Right-clicking on an item often provides context-specific options for that particular item.
Notification system: The DE may display notifications for events, such as new emails or updates available.
Popular Desktop Environments:
GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment): A modern and feature-rich DE with a focus on user-friendly design and seamless integration with the Linux operating system.
KDE Plasma: A highly customizable DE that offers advanced features, such as window management options and extensive configuration capabilities.
Xfce: A lightweight and efficient DE suitable for older hardware or those who prefer a more minimalist interface.
Cinnamon: A desktop environment based on the GNOME infrastructure but offering a unique look and feel with traditional-style menus, applets, and effects. Cinnamon is particularly popular among users looking for a modern take on classic desktop experiences.
Pop!_OS Cosmic (formerly Pop OS): A highly customized DE developed by System76 specifically for their own hardware offerings. It provides an intuitive interface that's easy to use while still offering advanced features, such as multi-monitor support and GPU acceleration.
Some common interactions:
Clicking on an icon to launch an application.
Right-clicking (or secondary clicking) to access context menus.
Dragging files between windows, folders, or devices.
Using the start menu to search for and launch applications.
PACKAGE MANAGER
A package manager in Linux is a set of software or tools that allows the user to manage packages effectively. The user can install, upgrade, remove, and configure packages using the supported package manager on the Linux operating system.
POPULAR PACKAGE MANAGERS
APT (ADVANCED PACKAGE TOOL): APT is one of the most popular Linux package managers, as it comes with Debian-based distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, etc.
DPKG (DEBAIN-BASED PACKAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM): The package manager uses the .deb extension. Unlike APT, it cannot automatically install packages and their dependencies.
DNF (DANDIFIED YUM): Successor of YUM. DNF utilizes the RPM package as its underlying package management. Used by Fedora.
RPM (RED HAT PACKAGE MANAGER): Used by Red Hat-based Linux operating systems, CentOS, Fedora.
PACMAN: Pacman is the package manager for Arch-based Linux operating systems, such as Arch, Manjaro, Garuda. It uses the .tar.xz file format.
ZYPPER: Zypper is the package manager for openSUSE. It is a CLI tool that handles packages in the openSUSE Linux distro. It uses a .rpm package file format, similar to YUM and DNF.
PACKAGES
A package is at the core of the Linux operating system. Technically, it is an archive file containing an executable binary file, a related configuration file, and information about the dependencies required to run it properly.
DEPENDENCIES
Linux operating system is complex. It consists of multiple software that depend on each other. For any software to work, it would require some other software or package.
REPOSITORIES
Repositories or repos are virtual online places that list all the packages. These repos are accessible through the internet and help the Linux user to gain access to the packages required during software installation.
PACKAGE MANAGEMENT BENEFITS
INSTALL PACKAGES: Automate package installation without any intervention.
REMOVE OLD PACKAGES: Get rid of old packages that you don't need.
RINSTALL PACKAGES: Reinstall packages to fix broken configurations without manual work.
UPDATE PACKAGES: Update packages automatically to receive new features and bug fixes.
Linux OS⟶Package Manager⟶Repository⟷Package Metadata⟷Packages⟵Package Dependencies
SHORT SUMMARY OF THE FUNCTIONS OF PACKAGE MANAGERS
Ensure that the packages are authentic. Also, ensure the integrity of the package is maintained by doing proper checksum and digital certificate authentication.
Automate package combining for ease of use.
Make sure to install any dependencies to avoid “dependency hell.”
Manage packages, including downloading, searching, and installing new or existing software.
Linux has evolved a lot over the past few years, it is now easier to play video games on a modern Linux operating system using certain tools. Linux is a viable gaming platform!
The goal of ProtonDB is to gather reports from other gamers as they test games with Proton on Linux and provide aggregate scores of how well games perform.
Steam is a video game digital distribution service and storefront developed by Valve Corporation. It is the ultimate destination for playing, discussing, and creating games.
Proton is a tool released by Valve Software that has been integrated with Steam Play to make playing Windows games on Linux as simple as hitting the Play button within Steam.
Wine (originally an acronym for "Wine Is Not an Emulator" is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows applications on several POSIX-compliant operating systems, such as Linux, macOS, & BSD.
HARDWARE
These companies offer hardware, desktops and laptops compatible or optimized for Linux.