Linux is an operating system whose kernel is distributed free of charge. It consists of a kernel and a set of small programs which interact with that kernel. The kernel itself, without the software, is completely useless to work with, but you can build your own version of the operating system from it, a distribution. There are at least 9000 Linux distributions and new ones appear regularly.
The kernel began to be developed back in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, a student from Finland. He released the very first version, version 0.01, on September 17th, 1991. The Linux trademark was registered by the developer but the name itself was chosen through a user vote. The current operating system symbol, the penguin Taxis, was invented by Torvalds himself.
The Linux desktop
The kernel was built, but there were no programs for it yet. Instead of writing software from scratch, Torvalds bolted the then existing programs of the GNU project, developed by Richard Stallman for the free software movement, to the Linux kernel. Since then, Linux expanded and new distributions appeared. Even the Android operating system was built on the basis of this kernel, whose popularity is undeniable.
Who uses Linux operating system
If you own a device based on Android, then you are already Linux users. The operating system is different, of course, but it’s built on the same kernel. Most embedded systems in your home appliances are also based on this kernel, as are a number of portable gaming consoles. The Linux operating system is often put on laptops and computers as the very first one. Buying a computer with Linux pre-installed is a great way to get a “workhorse” and save money.
Specifically distributions of the Linux operating system are widely used today:
Professional web programmers.
Amateur programmers.
Any users whose computing needs are limited to sitting on the Internet and working with a number of basic programs.
Users who like to customize, configure and tweak their operating system.
Users who are tired of the problems with Windows, and want to use a simple system, protected from viruses.
In fact, today anyone can work with this operating system. The main thing is to choose the correct distribution and configure it well for all your needs. The system is not suitable for gamers who play powerful modern games developed for the PC platform. A wide variety of games are already available for Linux, but ultra-modern commercial games are only available for the latest versions of Windows.