Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Features of Linux
3.
Structure of Linux Operating Systems
3.1.
Kernel
3.2.
System Libraries 
3.3.
System Tools 
3.4.
Development Tools 
3.5.
End User Tools 
4.
What Are The Advantages Of Linux? 
4.1.
Open-Source Software And Free
4.2.
Better Security
4.3.
Lightweight And Stable
4.4.
Performance And Flexibility
4.5.
Graphical User Interface
4.6.
Privacy
4.7.
Networking
4.8.
Compatibility
4.9.
Multitasking
4.10.
Documented For Beginners
5.
Frequently Asked Questions 
5.1.
Who introduced Linux, and in which year?
5.2.
Why is Linux said to be more secure than other Operating Systems?
5.3.
How does Linux take care of Memory Management?
5.4.
Why is Linux Operating System less prone to Virus attacks?
5.5.
Mention the three ways in which Linux ensures security.
6.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Introduction to Linux

Author Geetika Dua
0 upvote
Career growth poll
Do you think IIT Guwahati certified course can help you in your career?

Introduction

Let us first understand what Linux is.

Linux is an open-source community like Unix operating systems. It is based on Linux Kernel. The initial release of Linux was on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds.

Introduction

Since its release, Linux has been used everywhere, whether on smartphones, watches, or supercomputers. It is quite a helpful tool for regular computer users or developers.

Features of Linux

Some important  features of linux operating system are : 

Linux
  • It allows multiple users to access the same system resources.
  • It provides multitasking. We can divide the time of the CPU and perform various tasks simultaneously. 
  • It ensures security in three ways: authentication, authorization, and encryption.
  • Linux is a command line-based Operating system. But, we can convert it into a Graphical User interface by installing some packages.

Also read - features of operating system

Structure of Linux Operating Systems

Structure


Every operating system is equipped with specific software that serves a particular purpose.

Let us look at the various components of the Linux operating system.

Kernel

The central part of the operating system is called the kernel. It is responsible for carrying out the communication between devices and software. The main functions of the Kernel are-

  • Device management:  Several devices are connected to a computer. A kernel has the job of storing all the data related to all the devices in a driver. This driver is called the device driver. Without the presence of this driver, the Kernel can not control the devices. The kernel has specific rules that are followed by every device.
  • Memory management- The kernel is also responsible for handling memory management. It keeps a vision of the memory, used and unused both. It ensures exclusivity by not allowing processes to manipulate data of each other.
  • Process management:  A system has various processes going on simultaneously. The kernel assigns time and priorities to the processes so that the CPU is not burdened. Hence it ensures security as well.
  • Handling system calls: By handling system calls, we mean that the user can execute queries on the kernel, and it will perform the task for us.

System Libraries 

The unique programs that help access kernel features are known as system libraries. To perform the tasks, the kernel needs to be triggered. Applications are responsible for starting the kernel.  For making the system calls, the user must be aware of the procedure for making them. To make this task easier,  programmers have curated a library to keep the guidelines for communications handy.

System Tools 

There are simple commands in Linux OS. They are also known as utility tools. It is software to which the GNU project has contributed. This is an open-source license. Therefore it is available to everyone. Using various commands, the user can access files, change data, edit it or manipulate directories and locations.

Development Tools 

Development Tools find their importance while updating. We require an additional tool and library called toolchain to produce working applications; The developers often use the toolchain to carry out their tasks.

End User Tools 

There are several end-user tools like graphic design tools, suites, browsers, players, etc. These end-user tools are of more importance to the user than the operating systems.

What Are The Advantages Of Linux? 

There are several advantages of Linux that set it apart from others. Let us look at them one by one.

Open-Source Software And Free

Since it is open source, all the documentation and the source code are available on the internet. Anyone can contribute and upgrade the code. Also, it is free. There is no need to buy a license to use it.

Better Security

Linux is said to be less vulnerable than other operating systems. Due to its security features, we consider Linux the most optimal operating system. For example, it does not allow the virus to take control of the system until and unless they are given permission. There is no need to install an Anti Virus in Linux Systems.

Lightweight And Stable

Linux is a lightweight OS. The conditions for working with Linux are much less than with other operating systems. We do not need to reboot the system in Linux to maintain performance levels. 

Performance And Flexibility

In Linux, we get the advantage of high performance. It can handle many users at one time. Also, the Linux Operating System is very flexible. We can also use it in desktop applications, server applications, and embedded systems.

Graphical User Interface

Although Linux is a command-line-based OS, it provides an interactive user interface like Windows. We can do it by installing some packages.

Privacy

While using Linux, Privacy is always ensured as it never demands private data from the user. This is not the case in other Operating Systems.

Networking

There is well-structured support for networking.

The client-server systems are set to a Linux system with great ease. Also, many command line tools, such as ssh, IP, mail, and telnet, are available to ensure connectivity with other systems and servers.

Compatibility

Linux supports all file formats. This is why it is called highly compatible.

Multitasking

Linux Operating System is highly lauded for its multitasking capabilities. It does not affect the system's speed, and it runs smoothly.

Documented For Beginners

Many command-line options with documentation and libraries are available for beginners' reference. They can quickly start working with Linux with the help of the resources and help available on the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who introduced Linux, and in which year?

The initial release of Linux was on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds.

Why is Linux said to be more secure than other Operating Systems?

Linux never demands private data from the user. This is not the case in different Operating Systems.

How does Linux take care of Memory Management?

It keeps a vision of the memory, used and unused both. It ensures exclusivity by not allowing processes to manipulate data of each other.

Why is Linux Operating System less prone to Virus attacks?

Viruses can not attack the system in the case of Linux unless they are given permission. Also, Anti Virus is not needed in a Linux OS.

Mention the three ways in which Linux ensures security.

It provides protection in three ways: authentication, authorization, and encryption.

Conclusion

This blog has introduced us to the Linux operating system. It has discussed the various components of the operating system. It has also discussed the multiple features of the operating system.

For more information on Linux, you may refer to the following articles-

Refer to our guided paths on Coding Ninjas Studio to learn more about DSA, Competitive Programming, JavaScript, System Design, etc. Enroll in our courses and refer to the mock test and problems available. Take a look at the interview experiences and interview bundle for placement preparations.

Happy Coding! 

Live masterclass