Linux is a free, open-source operating system with hundreds of versions called distributions. It is less susceptible to malware, uses fewer resources, and offers freedom from restrictive user licenses. The steep learning curve may be a disadvantage, but users have access to thousands of programs from a repository. The versatility and freedom of the system lies in the fact that it is open source, allowing anyone with programming knowledge to legally view and modify the code.
One of the main advantages of the Linux® operating system is the possibility of obtaining it legally for free, even for commercial use. It is often chosen by people who prefer to use less popular software because it is rarely targeted by malicious programs or malware, such as viruses, worms, mail bombs, spyware, adware and Trojan horses. Other benefits generally considered important include the versatility, power, freedom, stability, and bundled software offered by Linux®. Linux® also tends to be less resource intensive than Microsoft Windows, often allowing it to be implemented on legacy hardware.
The Linux® operating system has literally hundreds of versions known as distributions, also called distros or flavors. This fact must be considered when selecting one of them for personal or business computing, because what is an advantage in one deployment may not be in another. For example, Tiny Core Linux® has a file size of only about 10 megabytes, making it one of the smallest distributions in the world. It has the advantage of running on a legacy Personal Computer (PC) even without a hard drive and offers total customization being an essential system. The steep learning curve for inexperienced users of the Linux® operating system, however, could be considered a disadvantage.
It is very important to understand that each of the many distributions of Linux® varies greatly and that this variation determines its advantages and disadvantages. All tend to be less susceptible to malware, use fewer resources, come with bundled software, offer freedom from restrictive user licenses, and are very stable, especially the server editions. For example, the Fedora Linux® operating system comes bundled with a variety of software programs. Powerful Microsoft Word® compatible software for word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentations and project management are just some of the programs that may be bundled. PC users should realize that within each distribution there are also releases that represent changes and improvements with each new release; for example, Fedora 6 differs from Fedora 10.
Software included in one version may not appear in another; however, Linux® users have the advantage of choosing from literally thousands of programs from a repository. Other popular distributions include Ubuntu, OpenSuse, Debian and Puppy. In addition to an office suite, they feature e-mail clients, software for burning a compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD), instant messaging (IM), VoIP (Voice over Internet) protocol, text editor and so on. The Linux® operating system is also known for the versatility and freedom that most distributions offer. It is an open source operating system that is usually based not only on the Linux® kernel but also on what is known as “GNU/Linux”.
The successful creation of most distributions usually involved using the Linux® kernel along with code from the GNU project. This is why many Linux® operating system distributions are said to be “based on GNU/Linux”. Both of these sets of code are free or open source software, which doesn’t necessarily mean free. Some distributions are 100% open source and can be legally downloaded for free and distributed on as many machines as the user wishes.
Other distributions of the Linux® operating system charge money because the freedom of open source software includes the freedom to charge for it. The versatility and freedom of this system lies in the fact that it is open source. This means that anyone with programming knowledge can legally view and modify the code, even up to the creation of another distribution that the programmer can offer for free or for a fee. The ability to view code has a major advantage over closed-source Microsoft Windows® because administrators don’t have to wait for proprietary software patches to be released to keep a system secure. Finally, the software can be installed and uninstalled without restarting the system.
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