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What is Linux?

From smartphones to cars, supercomputers and home appliances, the Linux operating system is
everywhere.
Linux. Its been around since the mid 90s, and has since reached a user-base that spans
industries and continents. For those in the know, you understand that Linux is actually
everywhere. Its in your phones, in your cars, in your refrigerators, your Roku devices. It runs
most of the Internet, the supercomputers making scientific breakthroughs, and the world\'s stock
exchanges. But before Linux became the platform to run desktops, servers, and embedded
systems across the globe, it was (and still is) one of the most reliable, secure, and worry-free
operating systems available.
For those not in the know, worry not here is all the information you need to get up to speed on
the Linux platform.

What is Linux?
Just like Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Mac OS X, Linux is an operating system. An
operating system is software that manages all of the hardware resources associated with your
desktop or laptop. To put it simply the operating system manages the communication between
your software and your hardware. Without the operating system (often referred to as the OS),
the software wouldnt function.
The OS is comprised of a number of pieces:

The Bootloader: The software that manages the boot process of your computer. For most
users, this will simply be a splash screen that pops up and eventually goes away to boot
into the operating system.

The kernel: This is the one piece of the whole that is actually called Linux. The kernel
is the core of the system and manages the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices. The
kernel is the lowest level of the OS.

Daemons: These are background services (printing, sound, scheduling, etc) that either
start up during boot, or after you log into the desktop.

The Shell: Youve probably heard mention of the Linux command line. This is the shell
a command process that allows you to control the computer via commands typed into a
text interface. This is what, at one time, scared people away from Linux the most
(assuming they had to learn a seemingly archaic command line structure to make Linux
work). This is no longer the case. With modern desktop Linux, there is no need to ever
touch the command line.

Graphical Server: This is the sub-system that displays the graphics on your monitor. It
is commonly referred to as the X server or just X.

Desktop Environment: This is the piece of the puzzle that the users actually interact
with. There are many desktop environments to choose from (Unity, GNOME, Cinnamon,
Enlightenment, KDE, XFCE, etc). Each desktop environment includes built-in
applications (such as file managers, configuration tools, web browsers, games, etc).

Applications: Desktop environments do not offer the full array of apps. Just like
Windows and Mac, Linux offers thousands upon thousands of high-quality software titles
that can be easily found and installed. Most modern Linux distributions (more on this in a
moment) include App Store-like tools that centralize and simplify application installation.
For example: Ubuntu Linux has the Ubuntu Software Center (Figure 1) which allows you
to quickly search among the thousands of apps and install them from one centralized
location.

The Ubuntu software center is a Linux app store that carries thousands of free and commerical
applications for Linux.

Why use Linux?


This is the one question that most people ask. Why bother learning a completely different
computing environment, when the operating system that ships with most desktops, laptops, and
servers works just fine? To answer that question, I would pose another question. Does that
operating system youre currently using really work just fine? Or are you constantly battling
viruses, malware, slow downs, crashes, costly repairs, and licensing fees?
If you struggle with the above, and want to free yourself from the constant fear of losing data or
having to take your computer in for the yearly clean up, Linux might be the perfect platform
for you. Linux has evolved into one of the most reliable computer ecosystems on the planet.
Combine that reliability with zero cost of entry and you have the perfect solution for a desktop
platform.
Thats right, zero cost of entry...as in free. You can install Linux on as many computers as you
like without paying a cent for software or server licensing (including costly Microsoft Client
Access License CALs).
Lets take a look at the cost of a Linux server, in comparison to Windows Server 2012. The price
of the Windows Server 2012 software alone can run up to $1,200.00 USD. That doesnt include
CALs, and licenses for other software you may need to run (such as a database, a web server,
mail server, etc). With the Linux server...its all free and easy to install. In fact, installing a full
blown web server (that includes a database server), is just a few clicks or commands away (take
a look at Easy LAMP Server Installation to get an idea how simple it can be).
If youre a system administrator, working with Linux is a dream come true. No more daily
babysitting servers. In fact, Linux is as close to set it and forget it as you will ever find. And,
on the off chance, one service on the server requires restarting, re-configuring, upgrading,
etc...most likely the rest of the server wont be affected.
Be it the desktop or a server, if zero cost isnt enough to win you over what about having an
operating system that will work, trouble free, for as long as you use it? Ive personally used
Linux for nearly twenty years (as a desktop and server platform) and have not once had an issue
with malware, viruses, or random computer slow-downs. Its that stable. And server reboots?
Only if the kernel is updated. It is not out of the ordinary for a Linux server to go years without
being rebooted. Thats stability and dependability.
Linux is also distributed under an open source license. Open source follows the following key
philosophies:

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.

The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you
wish.

The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.

The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.

The above are crucial to understanding the community that comes together to create the Linux
platform. It is, without a doubt, an operating system that is by the people, for the people. These
philosophies are also one of the main reasons a large percentage of people use Linux. Its about
freedom and freedom of choice.

What is a distribution?"
Linux has a number of different versions to suit nearly any type of user. From new users to hardcore users, youll find a flavor of Linux to match your needs. These versions are called
distributions (or, in the short form, distros.) Nearly every distribution of Linux can be
downloaded for free, burned onto disk (or USB thumb drive), and installed (on as many
machines as you like).

Ubuntu\'s Unity desktop.


The most popular Linux distributions are:

Ubuntu Linux

Linux Mint

Arch Linux

Deepin

Fedora

Debian

openSUSE.

Each distribution has a different take on the desktop. Some opt for very modern user interfaces
(such as Ubuntus Unity, above, and Deepins Deepin Desktop), whereas others stick with a more
traditional desktop environment (openSUSE uses KDE). For an easy guide to Linux desktops
check out How to Find the Best Linux Desktop for You.
You can check out the top 100 distributions on the Distrowatch site.
And dont think the server has been left behind. For this arena, you can turn to:

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Ubuntu Server

CentOS

SUSE Enterprise Linux.

Some of the above server distributions are free (such as Ubuntu Server and CentOS) and some
have an associated price (such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Enterprise Linux). Those
with an associated price also include support.

Which distribution is right for you?


Which distribution you use will depend upon the answer to three simple questions:

How skilled of a computer user are you?

Do you prefer a modern or a standard desktop interface?

Server or desktop?

If your computer skills are fairly basic, youll want to stick with a newbie-friendly distribution
such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu, or Deepin. If youre skill set extends into the above-average range,
you could go with a distribution like Debian or Fedora. If, however, youve pretty much
mastered the craft of computer and system administration, use a distribution like Gentoo.
If youre looking for a server-only distribution, you will also want to decide if you need a
desktop interface, or if you want to do this via command-line only. The Ubuntu Server does not
install a GUI interface. This means two things your server wont be bogged down loading
graphics and youll need to have a solid understanding of the Linux command line. However
(there is always an however with Linux), you can install a GUI package on top of the Ubuntu

Server with a single command like sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop. System administrators
will also want to view a distribution with regards to features. Do you want a server-specific
distribution that will offer you, out of the box, everything you need for your server? If so,
CentOS might be the best choice. Or, do you want to take a desktop distribution and add the
pieces as you need them? If so, Debian or Ubuntu Linux might serve you well.
For new users, check out The Best Linux Distribution for New Users, to make the selection a
much easier task.

Installing Linux
For most, the idea of installing an operating system might seem like a very daunting task.
Believe it or not, Linux offers one of the easiest installations of all operating systems. In fact,
most versions of Linux offer what is called a Live distribution which means you run the
operating system from either a CD/DVD or USB flash drive without making any changes to your
hard drive. You get the full functionality without having to commit to the installation. Once
youve tried it out, and decided you wanted to use it, you simply double-click the Install icon
and walk through the simple installation wizard.
Typically, the installation wizards walk you through the process with the following steps (Ill
illustrate the installation of Ubuntu Linux):

Preparation: Make sure your machine meets the requirements for installation. This also
may ask you if you want to install third-party software (such as plugins for MP3
playback, video codecs, and more).

Preparing for your Linux installation.

Wireless Setup (If necessary): If you are using a laptop (or machine with wireless), youll
need to connect to the network, in order to download third-party software and updates.

Hard drive allocation (Figure 4): This step allows you to select how you want the
operating system to be installed. Are you going to install Linux alongside another
operating system (called dual booting), use the entire hard drive, upgrade an existing
Linux installation, or install over an existing version of Linux.

Select your type of installation and click Install Now.

Location: Select your location from the map.

Keyboard layout: Select the keyboard layout for your system.

User setup: Set up your username and password.

Thats it. Once the system has completed the installation, reboot and youre ready to go. For a
more in-depth guide to installing Linux, take a look at How to Install and Try Linux the
Absolutely Easiest and Safest Way, or download the Linux Foundation\'s PDF guide for Linux
installation.

Installing software on Linux


Just as the operating system itself is easy to install, so too are applications. Most modern Linux
distributions include what most would consider an app store. This is a centralized location
where software can be searched and installed. Ubuntu Linux has the Ubuntu Software Center,

Deepin has the Deepin Software Center, some distributions rely on Synaptic, while others rely on
GNOME Software.
Regardless of the name, each of these tools do the same thing a central place to search for and
install Linux software. Of course, these pieces of software depend upon the presence of a GUI.
For GUI-less servers, you will have to depend upon the command line interface for installation.
Lets look at two different tools to illustrate how easy even the command line installation can be.
Our examples are for Debian-based distributions and Fedora-based distributions. The Debianbased distros will use the apt-get tool for installing software and Fedora-based distros will
require the use of the yum tool. Both work very similarly. Ill illustrate using the apt-get
command. Lets say you want to install the wget tool (which is a handy tool used to download
files from the command line). To install this using apt-get, the command would like like this:
sudo apt-get install wget
The sudo command is added because you need super user privileges in order to install software.
Similarly, to install the same software on a Fedora-based distribution, you would first su to the
super user (literally issue the command su and enter the root password), and issue this command:
yum install wget
Thats it...all there is to installing software on a Linux machine. Its not nearly as challenging as
you might think. Still in doubt? Recall the Easy Lamp Server Installation from earlier? With a
single command:
sudo tasksel
You can install a complete LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP) server on either a server or
desktop distribution. It really is that easy.

More Resources
If youre looking for one of the most reliable, secure, and dependable platforms for both the
desktop and the server, look no further than one of the many Linux distributions. With Linux you
can assure your desktops will be free of trouble, your servers up, and your support requests at a
minimum.
If youre looking for more resources to help guide you through your lifetime with Linux, check
out the following resources:

Linux.com: Everything you need to know about Linux (news, how-tos, answers, forums,
and more )

Linux.org: Everything about the Linux kernel (with plenty of beginner, intermediate, and
adavanced tutorials)

Howtoforge: Linux tutorials

Linux Documentation Project: Plenty of documentation (some may be out of date)

Linux Knowledge Base and Tutorial: Plenty of tutorials.

Linux

Linux can freely be qualified as an Internet phenomenon. Created as a UNIX-based operating


system under the GNU license two decades ago, Linux has set high standards in the release of
open-source technologies that master the Internet nowadays. Due to its ground-breaking concept
and support by a large community of developers, Linux underwent a truly explosive growth to
turn into one of the most widely adopted UNIX-like OSs in the world. The fact that it is used as
both a desktop operating system and a server platform makes it accessible to millions of users
online.
Content:

Linux, Unix and GNU

The Linux kernel

Linux advantages

Linux in the World Wide Web

Linux, Unix and GNU


By combining a lot of key characteristics such as fastness, stability, security and adaptability,
Linux has become the most preferred alternative to commercial Unix and Microsoft operating
systems. Its proven quality of performance has been given high credits by users and explains
why most of the World Wide Web today is built upon the Linux software platform.

Based on the Unix core, originally developed back in the 1960s, Linux retains its modular
concept, which makes it very stable and easily customizable. When GNU was initially started as
a project in 1985, it aimed to provide a complete Unix-compatible software system. However,
until the 1990s, work on the kernel and the drivers were in the initial stage. This motivated Linus
Torvalds to create his own kernel in 1991 using the libraries and utilities from the GNU project,
laying the foundations of the GNU/Linux project and creating the core of one of the most
powerful operating systems.

The Linux kernel


The power of Linux is stemming from the kernel the operating system code that is aimed at
managing the communication between computer hardware and software. Since the Linux kernel
is designed to be small and fast, it allows for very efficient management of the basic computer
resources such as memory, disk space and CPU power.
The kernel is the driving force of the Linux OS. It handles all processes and defines application
behavior. In Linux distributions, the graphic system does not run as a kernel process, which
allows for the graphic system to be restarted in the event of a crash, without the need to restart
the computer.

Linux advantages
One of the most valued advantages of Linux over the other platforms lies with the high security
levels it ensures. Every Linux user is happy to work in a virus-free environment and use the
regular virus-prevention time needed when working with other operating systems for other more
important tasks.
Thanks to its open-source distribution, Linux is being constantly developed and updated by the
constantly expanding community of programmers supporting it. Despite its dynamic nature, it is
totally complete in terms of functionality and interface. All those ongoing development efforts
are made with the sole purpose of keeping the platform flexible and ever adaptable to the
changeable 'climate' of the WWW.

Linux in the World Wide Web


Due to its innate stability, the Linux-based distributions are a top choice for Internet servers, with
a great part of the World Wide Web being powered by Linux. Linux is often used with Apache,
thus creating the stable Linux-Apache combination.
As a fundamental part of the web, Linux has deservedly found its place in the popular LAMP
open source web platform, which represents a combination between the most popular website
building technologies: Linux, Apache (web server), MySQL (database) and PHP/Perl/Python
(web application languages).

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