New to Linux at 20

Article by PaulW, he’s a person that did not know anything about our beloved OS; so in occasion of the 20 years i asked him to do a small research and write an article on what he has learnt about Linux

When something or someone reaches 20 years old, it should always be considered a great achievement. Linux is 20 years old this year and seem to be as strong as it ever has been. If like me, you are not familiar with Linux, there are many things you could learn from this article. What is Linux? Is it just a computer thing, or does it have many other uses?

 Linux Beginnings

Linus Torvalds was the creator of the kernel that is become the core of the GNU/Linux operative system. This is the software to which different GNU/Linux distributions are based upon. Linux is a free and open source. His derivates can be installed on a variety of computer hardware. Such devices as mobile phones, tablets computers, routers and video games. It’s worth pointing out that Linux very useful in desktop, mainframe and supercomputers. In fact, it runs the 10 fastest supercomputers in the world.

Open source software, the most prominent being Linux, is a collaborative form of programming. Anyone under the General Public License, can modify and redistribute it commercially or not. Normally it is packaged in the GNU/Linux distributions for desktop and servers. Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora and OpenSuse are the most popular mainstream versions. Familiar applications with Linux systems include Mozilla Firefox, GIMP image editor and the OpenOffice suite, now become Libreoffice.

Linux In Modern Businesses

Various Linux based distributions can be found fulfilling many different tasks these days, depending on that’s required. A common practise is for a Linux distribution company to offer a specialised business version, which adds support packages and tools to ease the installation or simplify office tasks. Another way is for commercial suppliers to charge for support, particularly with business users, So if the user needs help with the system they have to pay to get help.

In thinking of the future, more and more people are turning to open source, or what is seen as unintended collaboration. Linux is where people are turning to solve problems. Such as the navy needing real-time detection systems in place. The financial world also gained from this, with many using similar Linux programming in real-time trading in the stock exchange. It’s this that for me makes Linux an exciting thing to learn and read about, and makes me want to use some Linux related things to see what all the fuss is about.

Other areas like cloud computing, using big data are being driven by customer demand for Linux, thus leading to more business. As more and more people want the freedom to make computers do what they want, they are turning to open source like Linux. Linux for years was always in the limelight of the bigger companies, but the direction of that wind is changing with more and more companies turning to Linux. There are many places you may not have realised relied on customized Linux programming.

Linux, You May Not Have Realised

Another great use for Linux is in mobile phones. Due to the ease of customization and low cost, it has been used embedded systems. Systems such as Android. Android is actually based on a modified version of the Linux kernel. Android, as many people are aware, is in a large percent of the best selling smart phones on the market at the moment. Another well known piece of technology that works from customized Linux, is the popular TiVo digital video recorder, which in the U.K. Has recently been introduced as an upgraded box to Virgin Media customers. Cisco and Linksys are firewalls that have been created from customized Linux.

The wide selection of uses for Linux doesn’t stop there either. The music industry has a lot to owe to Linux. The Korg Kronos and Oasys both rely on Linux, as does many Yamaha models of modern, hi-tech, synthesisers. From a stage point of view, stage lighting systems like the WholeHogIII console is built from the Linux kernel.

Linux Not Tailing Behind Competition, Linux Becoming A Leader

As time goes on, we will likely see an increase in open source like Linux, as it can be limitless with possibilities. Android will continue to be one of the main operating systems for smart mobile phones. So, whereas Linux operating system for a desktop home computer is seen as inefficient. In mobile phones and other modern devices we will continue to rely on Linux for is great flexibility.

Whether we will be talking about the continued success in a further 20 years, remains to be seen. One things for sure, for the time being it has not run out of steam. It seems as though any time it slows down, something occurs in the technology field, a question arises and Linux provides the answer. See you in 20 years, either for a reminiscing or more likely a continued celebration.