The Linux operating system and its features

What the Linux operating system is

Linux is a free Unix-like open source system that has become widespread among computer users all over the world.

Linux is an independent implementation of POSIX and supports multitasking. Its capabilities include virtual memory, shared libraries, memory management, networking over TCP/IP and other functions typical of full-featured operating systems.

One of the features of Linux is the availability of its source code. Unlike proprietary software, the Linux code is distributed under the terms of the free GNU General Public License (GNU GPL).

This license is meant to protect the freedom of software users. It lets you study, modify and distribute programs in accordance with the stated terms.

Proprietary licenses, on the contrary, usually restrict the possibility of modifying and distributing software.

History of the creation of Linux

In 1991 Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland, became interested in a small operating system for personal computers called MINIX.

MINIX was used for educational purposes and helped study the internal structure of Unix-like operating systems.

However, Torvalds decided to develop a system with wider functionality.

In 1991 he released version 0.02 and then continued work on the project. In 1994 version 1.0 of the Linux kernel appeared.

Programmers from different countries joined the further development of Linux. Their joint work aimed at creating a POSIX-compatible Unix-like system available to users under free software terms.

Copyright in Linux belongs to Linus Torvalds and other contributors to the development.

Linux development continues: the source code is updated and new versions become available for use.

Main advantages of Linux

The advantages of Linux include the following features:

• Open source. Unlike proprietary systems such as Windows and macOS, the Linux source code is available for study and modification under the terms of the license.
• Different areas of application. Linux is used not only on personal computers but also on servers and in embedded systems.
• A variety of distributions. Users can choose between different variants of the system, and its modular structure lets you pick the components you need.
• Support for different devices. Linux is used in cars, household appliances, smartphones, servers and other devices.

Thanks to these features, Linux is used for a wide range of technical tasks.

Key features of the Linux operating system

Portability

Linux can run on various types of hardware. The system kernel supports many hardware platforms.

Open source

The Linux source code is freely available.

This lets developers study it, make changes and work together on extending the system’s capabilities.

Multi-user mode

Linux supports several users working at the same time.

They can access system resources, including RAM, data storage and application programs, subject to the access rights set.

Multitasking

Linux lets you run several applications at once.

Thanks to this, the user can work with different programs without closing each of them before launching the next.

Hierarchical file system

Linux uses a hierarchical file system structure.

System and user files are placed in it, organized in certain directories.

Command shell

Linux provides command interpreter programs with which you can interact with the operating system.

The command shell lets you run applications, perform various operations and manage system functions.

Security

Linux provides mechanisms for protecting users and data.

They include authentication, password protection, access control for files and information encryption capabilities.

These tools let you configure access to system resources and protect user data.