Getting Started with Linux

What is Linux?

Few years ago, many young programmers came together to build a solution to distort Microsoft's leading OS Windows' monopoly, and they succeeded too. They came up with Linux, a free alternative as well as rival to the Windows. So today, let's take a closer look at the Linux miracle.

Basically Linux is an open source framework (someday we will discuss about open source👀) that allows the creation of operating systems, relatively complex ones. Using Linux one can create his/her own operating system suited to their needs. And since, Linux is open source anybody can access and edit its code and create a new version (which is called a Distribution).

The ability of Linux customization has led to production of so many distributions to suit the cater the needs of users. Many distributions are simple in nature and are similar to operating systems like windows whereas some are developed for more advanced operations and do not have the restrictions of a normal os.
Linux is an operating system's Kernel. It is a UNIX clone.

How do I get Linux in my system?

Since Linux is open source, you can do so by simply going to the distributions website and downloading a pre-compiled .iso file of Linux which consists of programs needed to install the os, drivers and installers. After this there are several methods of installation.

• You can burn the file to a usb or cd and install a portable version of Linux.
• Or you may create a separate partition in your hard drive and install it.
• Or you can also install it in a virtual machine (Oracle VM VirtualBox is the one to be used).

The info-graphic below will help you find an appropriate distribution according to your need (source).

What's in the Shell or Terminal?

Basically a shell is a program that receives commands from the user and gives it to the Operating System to process, and it shows the output. The shell is the heart of Linux. The distributions of Linux come in GUI Format (Graphical User Interface) whereas Linux in its original form is in a CLI format (Command Line Interface). In the next post we will talk more about the shell.

To open the shell type in lxterminal in Raspberry Pi (Remember we were talking about IoT?).

Conclusion

Linux is mainly used as servers (There are linux-based or windows-based servers). Linux servers base about 90% of the world's internet. The reason is that Linux is fast, secure and free. The reason why we use linux server is because windows server are way too costly. Viruses mostly run on Windows but not on Linux. Also you may be surprised to know that Android is based on Linux kernel.