You’ve probably seen the word “Linux” online or heard your local computer technician yapping about it at one point or another. But what exactly is Linux? What makes people think it’s so darn cool?
It all began with Unix, or rather the dissatisfaction with the way that Unix worked that pushed a young Finnish student Linus Torvalds to create his version inspired by Unix that he called “Linux” in 1991.
Other programmers around the world worked on the finished piece, and strengthened the final product, creating different versions – known as distributions – with added features and capabilities. Of all those variations, the three most popular are currently Mint, Manjaro, and Ubuntu.
Linux works on the principles of open source, which means that the source code – lines of code that make up the framework of any computer program – is freely available to anyone to modify or improve upon. So instead of there just being a room full of developers on software, there’s a worldwide network working to improve and maintain open source software like Linux.
It’s a little-known fact that Linux runs the majority of the largest servers in the world. Popular sites like Facebook, Amazon, and Google are all hosted on Linux servers. In fact, if you use an Android phone, you’re really using Linux, as Android is based on a Linux foundation.
Some people use Linux as their primary desktop operating system, rather than the standard Windows or MacOS. The main reason they’re using it would be that Linux offers a higher level of privacy and security. Most Linux users are also huge supporters of the open source community and by choosing this operating system they’re directly supporting the community.
While being slightly obscure, Linux is really the most widespread computer operating system being used in the world today.
Are you ready to give Linux a try? No Ware Computer Repair can get you all set up!