Linux : A newcomer’s guide.

 

Let’s Start:

If we are talking about computers then we are indirectly talking about Operating Systems (OS) so first we have to understand what is a OS. OS is a low level software which performs all the basic functions like file management, memory management, handling input and output, process management . All other program except firmware require a Operating System to work. So now we got basic understanding of OS now let’s come to our original topic…

What is Linux ?

Linux or GNU/Linux is a open source Operating System based on Unix . It was created by Linus Torvalds as a personal project when he was studying in University of Helsinki. In today’s world Linux is everywhere from the PC to Servers and almost every low powered devices like Phones, Pdf, Ovens and even Cars. Now I have a question for you, currently you are using Linux or not ? No !!!!!!!!! No my friend you are wrong. Even if you don’t know but you are using Linux in some forms indirectly or directly, for example your Android smartphone uses Linux kernel (you will know about kernel later), for another example if you are requesting a page from the Internet maximum chances are that you are requesting it from a server running Linux.

Why Linux is special ?

So why should we use Linux if we have other options ? Here is the answer :-

1.It’s Open Source:

Now you were probably thinking about “what the hell is open source ?”. Open Source software means you can grab it’s source code right from the Internet, study it, change it and if you want distribute it. So if you want you can get the source code of Linux, modify it and build a whole new OS right from the scratch.

2.Totally free of cost:

Did you get it ? You don’t have to spend even a single penny.

3.Countless number of options:

When you are out of Linux you have very few OS’s to try out but once you enter in the world of Linux you can’t even count how much options you have. Linux provides countless numbers of distributions (next section is dedicated to distributions). Every distribution (also called distro) is a complete OS created for a specific purpose you can choose whatever suits you.

4.Fits on your pocket/keyring:

To install a Linux distributions what you need ? A hard disk ? No you can keep it in a Pen drive or in a CD/DVD. Linux distros are designed for purpose of running as live OS, it means you don’t have to fully install it just burn it on desired device and start using it, they uses less storage space as compared to other OS (there are some distros which are small as approx 300 MB).

Linux Distributions:

As I told before in this section we are going to about Linux Distributions (also called Distros in short).

In other OS if you want to use them you have to choose one of their versions like Windows7,Windows8 or Windows10(older versions are not include because I think they are outdated now). So basically you got very few choices left. Similarly Linux OS has its own versions which are called distros, But instead of limiting you to some few distros it gives you a wide range of distros(approx 300). So that you can choose among 300 versions of
Linux. Every distro is designed to suit a specific kind of user. Some common distributions are :-

Ubuntu is a widely known Linux distribution with a large supporting community. It is famous because of it’s user friendliness that’s why it easily adopted by users who are new to Linux . It’s user interface is simple as Windows. I personally recommend it for you.

Linux Mint is a another Linux  distro which suits for beginners it comes with a office suits , media player, browser and many more apps preinstalled. It has much familiar user interface then Ubuntu. It’s a modern, elegant, comfortable and fast OS.

Arch Linux uses it’s own motto, the concept behind this distro is “KISS” ,the “Keep It Simple Stupid” philosophy. It offers a minimalist Linux framework, lets you turn your system into whatever you need without wasting your single bit with unnecessary things. Although it’s not suitable for beginners anyone with enough knowledge and patience can go with it.

Elementary OS, it’s developers calls it a “fast and open replacement for Windows and OS X”. Is is one of the best looking distributions around. While it’s not full of features like Windows and Mac-OS, it serves it’s purpose well.

Linux Kernel vs Linux OS:

Do you know what kernel is ? Kernel is the core part of an Operating System which provides basic services for all parts of OS. Simply it acts as a interface between applications and hardware. Until now we know that Linux is an operating system but when you dig deeper in this field some techie peoples explains that Linux is not a OS it’s a Kernel (and in my personal opinion yes it is). So what’s the truth ? The truth is, Linux was first created as a free kernel by Linus Torvalds, later when it was combined with the GNU softwares and utilities then the complete package was called Linux OS.

So that it. Now you have the basic knowledge of Linux, from here you can take yourself to the advance level. And one more thing “To know Linux you don’t have to just read about it instead use it “.