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Question of the Day
Question
Everyone in the tech world seems to be talking these days about Linux. What is it exactly? What are the differences between Linux and other operating systems? Why is it becoming more and more popular?
Answer
Every desktop computer uses an operating system. The most popular operating systems in use today are:
Operating systems are computer programs. An operating system is the first piece of software that the computer executes when you turn the machine on. The operating system loads itself into memory and begins managing the resources available on the computer. It then provides those resources to other applications that the user wants to execute. Typical services that an operating system provides include:
Linux is as much a phenomenon as it is an operating system. To understand why Linux has become so popular, it is helpful to know a little bit about its history. The first version of UNIX was originally developed several decades ago and was used primarily as a research operating system in universities. High-powered desktop workstations from companies like Sun proliferated in the 1980's, and they were all based on UNIX. A number of companies entered the workstation field to compete against Sun: HP, IBM, Silicon Graphics, Apollo, etc. Unfortunately, each one had its own version of UNIX and this made the sale of software difficult. Windows NT was Microsoft's answer to this marketplace. NT provides the same sort of features as UNIX operating systems - security, support for multiple CPUs, large-scale memory and disk management, etc. - but does it in a way that is compatible with most Windows applications.
The entry of Microsoft into the high-end workstation arena created a strange dynamic. The proprietary operating systems owned by separate companies and the lack of a central authority in the UNIX world weaken UNIX, but many people have personal problems with Microsoft. Linux stepped into this odd landscape and captured a lot of attention.
The Linux kernel, created by Linus Torvalds, was made available to the world for free. He then invited others to add to the kernel provided that they kept their contributions free. Thousands of programmers began working to enhance Linux and the operating system grew rapidly. Because it is free and runs on PC platforms, it gained a sizeable audience among hard-core developers very quickly. Linux has a dedicated following and appeals to several different kinds of people:
Here are several interesting links if you want to learn more:
Sponsored links for computer and Internet products:
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Linux is a version of the UNIX operating system that has become very popular over the last 3 years or so.
An operating system normally also provides the default user interface for the system. The standard "look" of Windows 98 includes the Start button, the task bar, etc. The Mac OS provides a completely different look and feel for Macintosh computers.
In general, Linux is harder to manage than something like Windows, but offers more flexibility and configuration options.
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