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A Study on Linux Operating System. Ying Jiang ID: 123534. Overview. History Open Source Kernel/Distributions System Features Advantages Disadvantages Linux vs. NT. History. Linux is an UNIX-like operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds (Finland)
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A Study on Linux Operating System Ying Jiang ID: 123534
Overview • History • Open Source • Kernel/Distributions • System Features • Advantages • Disadvantages • Linux vs. NT
History • Linux is an UNIX-like operating system • originally created by Linus Torvalds (Finland) • Linus had an interest in Minix, and decided to develop a system that exceeded the Minix standards • He began his work in 1991 when he released version 0.02 and worked steadily until 1994 when version 1.0 of the Linux Kernel was released • Today Linux is the number one UNIX type operating system used in Germany and the number two UNIX type in the world
Open Source • What is open source? all of the code for the system can be downloaded and removed or modified by anyone who wishes, or is able to do so • advantages of open source a large number of software authors and beta testers no pressure to release Programs conform to ones needs rather than user to software
Kernel/Distributions • Kernel project is the centralized controlling agent • The kernel design is modular, so that the actual OS code is very small yet able to load whatever functionality it needs, and free the memory afterwards • Various people and firms have gotten together to produce these CD-ROM collections which are known as distributions • Commercial distributors: RedHat, SuSE, Caldera, MandrakeSoft
System Features • Preemptive multitasking • Multi-user • Fully protected mode(unlike Microsoft Windows) • Co-existence • File system • Networking protocols • NFS (network file sharing)
Advantages • Cost Linux is entirely free of cost and license free • Power and Customization Linux can be tailored to your specific hardware and software needs • Security Very few viruses have hit Linux systems • Stability Linux almost never freezes under normal use
Disadvantages • Technical nature Linux is not for everyone • Support There is no central body to which one can go for support and expect prompt results • Maintenance functions are not always well documented, and can be frustrating to a new administrator • Interface Windows and MacOS have a GUI , Linux have sported a CLI • Accountability Use of the Linux OS is strictly at-your-own-risk
Conclusion • Due to its reliability, ease of personal configuration, and general philosophy, Linux has moved to the forerunner in the market to challenge the giant Microsoft • As computing moves into the future, Linux will continue to gain ground as it continuously is improved and built upon • Soon Linux will not only be for the technically minded individuals, but usable and understandable by the moderately experienced computer user