LINUX KERNEL VS DISTRIBUTION
When discussing Linux Operating Systems, we mention Whole OS or the Linux Distribution, not just the Kernel. Technically Linux is that the Kernel of the OS. A kernel is a core part of any OS that handles Hardware. once we use Linux kernel and add other important things just like the shell, Various Libraries, GUI and other programs like Multimedia Apps etc. Then we refer those systems as a Linux Distribution, which are generally considered complete OS. there's there are dozens of Linux distributions available but few of them which are very fashionable and widely used round the world.
WHY LEARN LINUX?
Since Linux has many advantages and features to use it,
Some of them are as follows:
1. Free: Linux is License Free software.
2. Security (Virus Free with inbuilt Firewall protection): The security aspect of Linux is much stronger; Inbuilt Firewall protection is available hence Linux is not prone to viruses.
3. OpenSource: Linux is a opensource software hence source code is open & easily available on internet.
4. Customizable: It is Customized with different types of hardware and software
5. Flexibility: Linux is a flexible freeware operating system.
6. Cost: It is mostly free to obtain.
7. Linux is versatile: You can use Linux on virtually anything you develop
8. Linux is a community: You can work with other Linux developers to share knowledge and learnings
9. Linux is very stable: Linux systems rarely crash, and when they do, the whole system normally does not go down.
Importance of Linux in software ecosystem:
o GUI (Graphical User Interface)
o Multitasking: No of programs running at same time.
o Multiuser: Several users on the same machine at the same time
o Multiplatform: Number of processors at a time. runs on many different CPUs, not just Intel.
o Multiprocessor: Kernel supports multiple independently thread of a single process or multiple process.
o Multithreading: Has native kernel support for multiple independent threads of control within a single process memory space.
o Linux runs in a protected mode on 386 machines. It has memory Introduction protection between processes so that that one program can’t bring whole system down.
o It supports virtual memory using paging i.e., separate partition or file in file system created. o Dynamically linked shared libraries & static libraries.
o It is an open-source software hence all source code is available including the kernel and all drivers. o Multiple virtual consoles
o Linux has different filesystem depending upon file system like FAT32, VFAT, NTFS or NFS, ext3, ext4, swap (RAM)
o It supports Network connectivity
o It supports Network Servers like It supports TCP/IP Networking including FTP, Telnet, NFS, etc.
o It has Hardware Support
o Firewall Protection is inbuilt available so that no outsider introducer can attack on our System.
o Linux supports ‘Samba Server’ for windows & Linux file sharing connectivity.
o It Supports different Time Servers with send mail facility.
o It supports ftp & http services with an Apache web server.
web servers:
o Flexibility: Linux provides a flexible hosting environment with plenty of high-performance applications.
o High Up time: high up time decides how long a web server functions well. Linux servers have high up-time because of its robust performance and reliable.
o Stability and Performance: If hosting package includes Linux based server, then the performance is good of web servers. This operating system is the most stable and doesn’t slow down over time or freeze up. Linux web servers don’t experience memory leaks and the up times are often much better than other servers.
o Inexpensive Hosting: Linux is an open-source operating system, which means it’s free to use.
o Multitasking: Linux server can run multiple programs simultaneously and enables programs to run continuously in the background while user works with other programs. Hence Linux web servers to have multitasking capabilities.
Supercomputers:
- Customization: Linux open-source nature make source code available to modify code or make customization of code with supercomputer administration. Hence custom server implantation is possible.
- Less overhead, i.e., way faster: Linux does not require extra software to update or upgrade.
- No need for reboots.
- 10,000 times more stable: Linux with supercomputers is more stable.
- Easier to automate with scripts.
- Easier backup facility available of Linux servers with supercomputers
Mobile:
- Google’s Android developers modified the Linux kernel and created Android operating system which is based on Linux kernel (core of operating system).
- powered by the Linux kernel, which can be found on a wide range of devices.
- Android is an open-source operating system which allows developers to access unlocked hardware and develop new programs as they wish.
- Android manages processes and different Apps to keep minimum power consumption.
Servers:
Linux servers are very powerful of their outstanding characteristics like security, stability, and flexibility. These Linux servers has in built web servers and business applications which supports network administration and web and database management services. 10 Following are the Key features of Linux servers: Introduction
- High Level Security: Since security is main concern hence Linux servers provides high level of security with the help of firewall protection and powerful system administration and file access system to provide authorization.
- Ease of administration: Linux servers are easily administrated. They can be controlled and managed remotely. It reduces cost because no additional software setup for the administration is required.
- Supports multiple applications: Linux servers supports many software applications because of its inbuilt technical strength.
- Customization is easy.
- Reliable: These servers are very reliable as they offer consistent services without any failures.
