What are the main features of Unix?

The main features of the Linux operating system are: Multiuser Capacity: Multiple users can share system resources such as RAM and hard drive. However, they must run on distinct terminals. Multitasking: Many functions may be done simultaneously by effectively dividing CPU time.

Table of contents

Introduction

What are the Features of Linux Operating Systems?

2.1.

1. Free and Open Source

2.2.

2. Multiuser Capacity

2.3.

3. Multitasking

2.4.

4. Security

2.5.

5. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

2.6.

6. File System

2.7.

7. Application Support

2.8.

8. Frequent New Updates

2.9.

9. Portability

2.10.

10. Performance

2.11.

11. Lightweight Infrastructure

2.12.

12. Live CD/USB

2.13.

13. Support's customized keyboard

2.14.

14. Compatible with cloud computing

2.15.

15. Interoperability

2.16.

16. Shell

Components of the Linux System

3.1.

1. Kernel

3.2.

2. System Library

3.3.

3. System Utility

3.4.

4. Bootloader

3.5.

5. Application Software

Why Use Linux?

Frequently Asked Questions

5.1.

What are the main features of Linux Operating System?

5.2.

What are the main components of Linux?

5.3.

Which distribution of Linux is frequently used?

5.4.

What is the function of the Linux operating system?

5.5.

What are the advantages of the Linux operating system?

Conclusion

Last Updated: Apr 11, 2024

Easy

Features of Linux Operating System

Author Mohammad Saalim

Introduction

Linux is a popular UNIX-based operating system. It is an open-source whose freely available code can be used freely. Numerous versions of Linux are already available on the internet for use. Since Linux is an open-source operating system, with enough knowledge one can customize it as per their needs rather easily.

In this article, we will be reading the features and the architecture of a linux operating system in complete detail.

What are the Features of Linux Operating Systems?

Here is the list of top features of the Linux Operating system:

Free and Open Source
Multiuser Capacity
Multitasking
Security
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
File System
Application Support
Frequent New Updates
Portability
Performance
Lightweight Infrastructure
Live CD/USB
Support's customized keyboard
Compatible with cloud computing
Interoperability
Shell

1. Free and Open Source

This Linux code is freely available to all, and it's a community-based development project which helps the user to modify the code or analyze the codes and redistribution of codes.

2. Multiuser Capacity

In Multiuser Capacity, Linux allows its users to share the system resources such as RAM, hard drive, and application program at same time. But they have to use it in different terminals.

3. Multitasking

Multitasking allows multiple applications to run simultaneously by effectively dividing the CPU time. Examples of multitasking are UNIX, IBM’s OS/390, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 7, 8, 9, and 10.

4. Security

It secures data in three ways:
Authentication: By using a password and login ID
Authorization: By using read, write and execute permissions
Encryption: It converts the files into an unreadable format.

5. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

It is a command line that can be converted into a Graphical User Interface by installing some packages. The most popular method for getting a GUI in a Linux system is logging into a Ubuntu server and installing its desktop environment.

6. File System

It provides a hierarchical system to arrange files and directories. The folders are classified into binary directories, configuration directories, data directories, and memory directories based on the type of files they contain.

7. Application Support

It consists of a software repository for users to download and install several applications, which gives the user a vast field of applications to download the application of their choice.

8. Frequent New Updates

Linux operating systems receive frequent updates, including security patches, bug fixes, and new features, ensuring ongoing improvements and staying up-to-date with evolving technology.

9. Portability

Here the term portability doesn't mean the smaller size. Here, it means that Linux supports different kinds of hardware, which means that the software can perform similarly on different types of hardware.

10. Performance

Linux operating systems are known for their performance, offering high stability, efficiency, and scalability, making them widely used in various applications.

11. Lightweight Infrastructure

Linux can be configured into a lightweight infrastructure by using minimal resources, streamlined services, and optimized kernel settings, ideal for resource-constrained environments or embedded systems.

12. Live CD/USB

Live CD/USB of a Linux operating system allows booting and running the OS from external media without installation, useful for testing, recovery, or portable computing.

13. Support's customized keyboard

Linux offers support for customized keyboard layouts, allowing users to define and use specific key mappings for various languages and preferences.

14. Compatible with cloud computing

Linux is highly compatible with cloud computing platforms, offering a wide range of distributions and tools for cloud deployment, scaling, and management. It's a popular choice for cloud servers and containers.

15. Interoperability

Linux demonstrates strong interoperability, allowing it to work seamlessly with various software, file formats, and systems, promoting open standards and collaboration across diverse environments.

16. Shell

The Shell command-line interpreter on Linux acts as a line between the user and the kernel, which runs the program known as commands. It is efficient and takes less time and space while executing the tasks.

Also read - File management in operating system

Components of the Linux System

Linux operating system has three primary components.

1. Kernel

The Kernel is the backbone of Linux. It is in control of the operating system's primary functions. It is made up of various modules that interact directly with the hardware. The Kernel provides the needed abstraction for system or application programs to mask low-level hardware specifics.

2. System Library

System libraries are unique functions or programs that allow application software or system utilities to use the functionality of the Kernel. These libraries implement most of the operating system's features without requiring kernel module code access.

3. System Utility

System Utility is a special type of program that is specialized to perform individual-level tasks.

4. Bootloader

Booting is the process through which computers startup. Your operating system controls this boot procedure, which depends on what program opens on the boot. When you switch on your computer, the bootloader for your operating system runs first.

5. Application Software

There are too many application requirements for the desktop environment which helps your Linux OS or that you choose to install to satisfy them all. Individual applications are so installed. Most Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, provide dedicated app stores where users may search for and install applications.

Also read - features of operating system

Why Use Linux?

Linux is much different from other operating systems in several ways.

It is an Open Source Operating System that allows programmers to create their own bespoke operating systems.
It provides various applications with various characteristics from which to pick based on your requirements.
A worldwide development community is looking at numerous methods to improve its security, which is very safe and resilient. You don't need to scan it routinely with an anti-virus program. Linux is used by companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook to defend their servers since it is very trustworthy and stable.
Above all, Linux is completely free, and you may install it on as many computers as you wish.
An entirely trouble-free operating system does not cause viruses, spyware, or computer slowdown.

You can also read about layered structure of operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main features of Linux Operating System?

The main features of the Linux operating system are:

Multiuser Capacity: Multiple users can share system resources such as RAM and hard drives. However, they must run on distinct terminals.
Multitasking: Many functions may be done simultaneously by effectively dividing CPU time.

What are the main components of Linux?

The Kernel, Hardware layer, System library, Shell, and System utility are the main components of the Linux Operating System's architecture. The Kernel is the most crucial operating system component since it is responsible for all of LINUX's essential functions.

Which distribution of Linux is frequently used?

Fedora, SuSE, and Mandrake are the most popular and most accessible. Linspire has grown in popularity as a pre-installed operating system for consumers who wish to buy a low-cost computer but don't have any technical knowledge. It's a matter of personal choice as to which distribution is best.

What is the function of the Linux operating system?

Linux operating system performs several functions such as multitasking, security, networking, file management, open-source development and many more. It serves as a powerful open-source operating system that
is secure for performing various computing tasks.

What are the advantages of the Linux operating system?

There are various advantages of using the Linux operating system. Some advantages include open source, security, free of cost, development, flexibility, security, and many more.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed on features of the Linux operating system. We have also explored and learned the components of the Linux operating system. In the end, we discussed why to use the Linux operating system.

Recommended Readings:

We hope that this blog has helped you in enhancing your knowledge. You can also consider our Operating System Course to give your career an edge over others.