OS is not only owned by computer devices, but various other devices also have it, ranging from cell phones, game consoles, to web servers. OS for computers can be divided into 3 groups, namely Windows OS made by Microsoft, Unix, and MacOS.
An example of an OS from Microsoft is Windows 10 which is the newest OS, for those using a Unix system, for example, Linux, while a Mac or Macintosh is an output from Apple.
For now, the best-selling computer OS is Microsoft's Windows which dominates the market to more than 85 percent, followed by Apple's MacOS which is in second place with 11 percent, then Linux is in third place with 1.5 percent.
Meanwhile, for mobile devices, there is Android OS which controls more than 85 percent and Apple's iOS which is in the range of 12 percent. Find out more about the understanding of Linux and the history of Linux development below:
What is Linux and for What Purpose?
The name Linux may be less familiar when compared to Windows or Macintosh. This is of course reasonable because Linux users are very few, from the number of percentages mentioned above, we can understand for ourselves how few Linux users are only 1.5 percent when compared to Macintosh as much as 11 percent and Windows even more than 85 percent.
Linux is an OS that adheres to the UNIX system and uses a free software development and distribution model, or commonly known as open source. Like other open-source applications, Linux can also be developed and distributed for free, this is one of the attractions of this OS.
In addition, Linux is also known as a reliable and robust OS, although it does not cost money to use it. Linux is proven to be more stable and less prone to problems that are common in other OSes, namely slow processes, viruses or malware, and so on.
Linux has a number of different versions and can meet the needs of different users. Starting from new users to old users can get a Linux version that suits their needs. This version of Linux is better known as distributions, or commonly abbreviated as distro. Almost all versions of Linux can be downloaded for free and installed anywhere we want.
Popular Linux versions on desktop computers include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and openSUSE. Each version certainly has its own charm, some use a modern interface, some still use a traditional look.
Meanwhile for server computers there are Red Hat, Ubuntu Server, CentOS, and SUSE Enterprise. The Ubuntu and CentOS versions can be used for free, while Red Hat and SUSE have a certain price, this is due to the additional support provided by both.
The name Linux itself comes from the name of its creator, namely Linus Torvalds. For a more detailed explanation, we will discuss in the next section, namely the history and development of Linux.
What is Linux explain its history and features?
The Unix Operating System was implemented by researchers at AT&T's Bell Laboratories in 1969. It was then released for the first time in 1971 in assembly language, before being converted to C in 1973.
The use of high-level languages makes Unix usable on a variety of different computer platforms. Unix grew rapidly because AT&T gave the license free of charge. But in 1984 AT&T split from Bell Lab, since then Bell Lab started selling Unix as a paid product.
In 1983, Richard Stallman started the GNU Project which aimed to create a full version of the Unix system using entirely free software. In 1985 the Free Software Foundation was created and the general license for GNU was written in 1989.
In the early 1990s, some of the programs needed in the Operating System were successfully completed, although there were still some incomplete elements including the kernel. Linus Torvalds stated that if the GNU kernel was available that year he would not have made his own version.
Andrew S. Tanenbaum released MINIX in 1987 as a mini version of the Unix OS aimed at students who wanted to understand OS principles. This is what Linus Torvalds used as a reference, who was still a student at that time.
1. Making Process
In 1991, Linus Torvalds who was still studying at the University of Helsinki became curious about the OS and felt frustrated because of the MINIX license which at that time could only be used for educational purposes. Eventually he started making his own kernel which later became the Linux Kernel.
Linus started Linux Kernel development on MINIX until it became more mature. GNU applications replace all MINIX components to allow free use of the GNU Project's free code, because the GNU GPL license can be used in other computer programs as long as they are released under the same license.
Linus also changed the MINIX license to the GNU GPL license. The developers began to integrate the GNU components with the Linux Kernel and produced a fully functional free OS.
2. Naming
understanding linux and the history and development of linux Initially Linus Torvalds wanted to give the name Freax which came from a mixture of free, freak, and x from Unix.
At the start of his work, several files bore the name Freax for almost half a year. Linus actually also considered the name Linux, but did not use it because it was considered too selfish.
During development, the resulting files are uploaded to the FTP Server. One of Linus' colleagues who served as FTP Server admin thought the name Freax was not good enough, so he changed the project name to Linux without consulting Linus. But finally Linus also agreed with the name and used it until now.
3. Linux Development
The adoption of Linux in production environments was actually started by the supercomputer community, where organizations like NASA began replacing their expensive machines with computers running Linux. Commercial use followed when Dell, IBM and HP offered support for Linux to break away from Microsoft's monopoly on the desktop OS market.
Now Linux has been used in various computer devices, ranging from embedded systems to super computers, even Linux has been trusted to be the OS for server installation compared to other OS. The use for desktop computers is increasing and Linux distributions are increasingly popular in the market.
What is the Main Function of Linux?
As explained above, Linux functions the same as other operating systems. However, Linux is usually used more for device development. This is because Linux has one advantage, namely that it is open source so that its code can be used, developed and disseminated for free by everyone.
The Linux operating system is also widely used in creating internet network infrastructure, security, industrial machines, and IT.
Linux is very useful for developers in the industrial world. Without Linux, developers would not be able to develop devices, tools, or anything else in accordance with current developments.
How many Types of Linux are there?
Types of Linux are also called Linux Distros. Linux distros are various operating systems designed with the Linux Kernel. Following are several types of Linux Distros:
1. Redhat Linux
Redhat Linux is an operating system developed by Red Hat Inc. Redhat Linux provides its users with various benefits, such as an attractive appearance, easy installation, and fairly simple operation.
2. Debian Linux
The next type of Linux is Debian OS. Debian is known to have quite stable performance making it suitable for operating admin computers or servers. Debian can be run on almost all types of devices/computers. Apart from its stable performance, Debian Linux has very sophisticated APT-based maintenance.
3. Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu is actually a derivative operating system from Debian. One type of Linux was developed by the company Canonical Ltd from Africa.
Apart from being open source and free, Ubuntu does not require high device specifications for installation and operation. This OS also regularly updates every 6 months. Not surprisingly, Ubuntu dominates the use of Linux OS among developers.
4. CentOS Linux
CentOS can be said to be the most popular type of Linux operating system and has the largest number of users among developers. CentOS is suitable for beginner programmers and is very compatible with Redhat and RHEL. Apart from that, CentOs can also be developed for free.
CentOS has several advantages, one of which is a reliable and quality freeware OS for enterprises and is officially supported by cPanel.
5. SuSE Linux
SuSE Linux is a type of Linux operating system developed by the OpenSuSE Project. SuSE has the advantage of its user-friendly appearance and stable performance.
Apart from its attractive design, SuSE is also known to be quite easy to use, making it suitable for beginners. Plus, SuSE also has several language options, including Indonesian, which makes it easier for users.
6. Slackware Linux
Another type of Linux is Slackware. In fact, Slackware Linux is an earlier version of the operating system, but it is still used today.
Slackware was designed by Patrick Volkerding of Slackware Linux Inc. Some of the advantages it has are stability, ease of design, using a simple UNIX style approach and easy to customize.
7. Fedora Linux
Fedora is a Linux operating system based on RPM and yum. This operating system was developed by the Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat. Fedora is widely used in America because it has several advantages, such as an attractive desktop appearance, a reliable security system (SElinux), and many features.
8. Linux Mint
Mint is a Linux operating system based on Ubuntu and Debian. Because it is based on Debian, all applications that can operate on Debian can also be operated on Mint.
Linux Mint has several advantages, such as easy operation, equipped with favorite apps and search features and integrated with multimedia codecs and Java Runtime. Linux Mint consists of two types, namely CINNAMON and MATE.
9. Mandriva Linux
Mandriva Linux is an operating system designed in 1998 using the RPM Package Manager. Mandriva specializes in ease of GUI-based installation.
Suitable for clients who prioritize reliability and need software for offices. Apart from that, Mandriva is also supported by more than 68 languages.
10. Caldera Linux
Caldera Linux is a type of Linux that utilizes Auto-Detect Hardware, like plug and play on a Mac. Caldera Linux has several advantages, such as the GUI-based open administration system Caldera Open Administration System (COAS) which can work well in both Linux and Windows dual-boot setups.
Caldera Linux also has an attractive appearance that is not boring. In fact, Caldera provides game features so that users don't get bored during the installation process.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Linux OS?
1. Advantages of Linux
Here are some of the advantages of Linux that you need to know:
a. Open source
The advantage of Linux that makes this operating system widely used on servers or smartphone OS is that it is open source. This means, you can use Linux without having to buy a license at a hefty price, like buying Windows.
In other words, this Linux operating system is free. Anyone can use the Linux operating system according to their individual needs.
b. Malware immune
This computer system is also 'immune' to malware than other operating systems. Linux security against malware attacks can be guaranteed several levels above others. But, that doesn't mean Linux can't be attacked by malware at all.
However, the risk is much smaller than other operating systems. This is because Linux requires users to become administrators first if they want to run programs or execute certain code.
c. Has quite complete default applications
The next advantage of Linux is that it has relatively complete default applications when you install it for the first time. Even if a user wants an operating system for a special purpose, the required applications may already be built into it.
Other common applications, which are usually used for daily work, such as multimedia, archiving and office are definitely available in the Linux operating system.
d. Supported by reliable drivers
Problems with the driver installation process which are often problematic on other operating systems will not occur on Linux because it already has developed and widespread driver support.
So, you don't need to bother installing drivers or worry about the installed drivers not working and hindering your work.
2. Disadvantages of Linux
Having many advantages does not mean without disadvantages. The following are some of the disadvantages of Linux:
a. The interface is a little complicated
The Linux interface (surface display) requires users to quickly adapt and learn first about root, terminal, and other matters.
For those of you who have never used this operating system, it may be a little difficult at first to understand how the Linux working system works. What's more, Linux has several command codes to run a program or application.
b. Weak if used for gaming
Another disadvantage of Linux is the fact that this operating system does not support much gaming on laptops or computers. Therefore, Linux is not recommended for users who enjoy gaming and use computers to play games.
c. Some versions of Linux don't have enough built-in apps
Some types of Linux also have quite a few built-in applications compared to other operating systems. This is because developing applications on Linux takes quite a long time so users have to be patient waiting for updates to the Linux operating system.
Conclusion
In short, Linux is an operating system (like Windows, MacOS, and iOS) that is open source (free to use and develop) and free. The functions of Linux are the same as other operating systems, namely running web servers and data networks, creating internet network infrastructure, and even security systems.
As for its advantages, Linux is open source, immune to malware, and has quite complete built-in applications. Meanwhile, the drawback is that the display is complicated and not suitable for gaming.
Through this article, you definitely know more about what the Linux operating system is, right? That's a discussion about the understanding of Linux and its development history that you should know as a computer user.
Although inferior to the Windows Operating System in terms of popularity, Linux users are also quite a lot, especially for those who work in the network field. Hopefully this article can help you determine what operating system you will use.