Linux – A simple explanation of Linux and Linux-based operating systems

Linux is a general term to describe operating systems based on the Linux kernel. Linux is best known for its use in servers (most often web servers) and integrated devices, especially network equipment such as routers, managed switches and such.

However, Linux has, quite recently, gained a significant boost as a desktop operating system. This increase in popularity of Linux on the desktop can be said to be partly due to the rise of the Ubuntu Linux distribution. In addition, the increase in the use of low power personal computers, such as netbooks, has also prompted an increase in the use of Linux systems. Some netbooks are now being shipped with stripped down, simplified Linux operating systems, to enable faster boot times and reduced power consumption, resulting in lower battery consumption over time on these smaller computing devices.

Another advantage of Linux systems is their relatively low vulnerability to malicious software such as viruses and spyware, when comparing to Microsoft Windows based systems. This is one of the major reasons, amongst others, that Linux is used on many servers and the advantage is becoming more and more evident as desktop adoption of Linux becomes more prevalent.

One of the major incentives of Linux on the desktop is true customisability. Since, as a general rule, all the code used in the majority of Linux desktop environment is open-source, it can essentially be modified precisely to the end-user’s liking. Of course, for most users, reprogramming their desktop environment entirely is not an option, and thus most desktop environments and their provide many options customisable via configuration files or more commonly a graphical configuration utility of some kind.

This is a very broad introduction of what Linux is, and due to that aim, it contains very little in the way of details or specifics. I have written more articles and several tutorials regarding Linux systems in the Ubuntu / Linux section of my website, which you are free to read.

More general information about Linux is available from the Linux Wikipedia article or if interested in specific Linux distributions, visit the DistroWatch website. My personally recommended and regularly used Linux distribution is Ubuntu, which is generally considered fine for new users and experts alike.

If you want to request an article about any Linux or open-source software topic, feel free to make your request in the comments section below. Also, any constructive criticism or general on-topic discussion is entirely welcome.

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