What is Linux Operating System?

Linux is an open source OS that serves as an intermediary between

the hardware of a computer system and its users. Linux controls
hardware, memory, processes, files, applications, and other related
aspects through the Linux kernel.
Features of Linux
o An open-source and freely available OS
o A multiuser and multitasking OS
o Provides CLI and GUI support
o A very secure and stable OS
o Portable to many hardware platforms
The processes, memory, hardware, and file system of computer are
controlled via an OS through the kernel-based architecture.
Originally introduced in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, Linux today
stands as a powerful and flexible software used in servers, mobile
phones, cloud computing, and embedded systems.
Linux OS is known for supporting both CLI and GUI interfaces
making the system applicable for the use by individuals who have
varying degrees of technical knowledge. This makes the Linux
operating system applicable in the real world in the form of
Android, which runs on a variety of gadgets.
Mnemonic 1: “L-I-N-U-X” (Meaning of
Linux)
L = Linus Torvalds
I = Independent (open-source)
N = Network-friendly OS
U = Unix-like
X = eXtensible
History of Linux Operating System
The history of Linux gives insights into the growth and success of
this operating system. The history of Linux shows how it developed
from a simple program to a complex ecosystem.
Table: Evolution of Linux OS
The table illustrates major steps that contributed to the development
of this strong operating system.
Year Event
1991 Linus Torvalds began creating the Linux
kernel as a hobby project.
1992 Linux adopted the GNU General Public
License (GPL), making it free and open-
source.
1993 First Linux distributions released: Debian,
Slackware.
2000sLinux became dominant in servers,
supercomputers, and enterprise systems.
2020sLinux runs on Android, laptops, cloud
infrastructure, IoT, and embedded systems.
Types of Linux Operating Systems
Linux distributions (known as distros), which are different types or
versions of Linux meant for varying purposes including personal
use and cybersecurity among others, consist of the Linux kernel,
software programs, package managers, and desktop environments.

Type Examples Use Case

Desktop Ubuntu, For everyday
Linux Mint, use, best for
Zorin OS beginners
Server Debian, Hosting
 CentOS,
websites,
RHEL managing
databases
Security Kali Linux, Ethical hacking,
Parrot OS digital forensics
Lightweight Lubuntu, Reviving old
Puppy Linux PCs, minimal
resource use
Embedded/RTOSRTLinux, IoT devices,
Yocto robotics,
appliances
Live Distros Tails, Slax Runs directly
from USB/CD,
privacy tools

Features of Linux Operating System

There exist qualities that make Linux better than other operating
systems. Some of these include flexibility, efficiency, and security
making Linux highly relevant in various settings.
o Open source: Linux code is made freely available, allowing its
usage, copying, modification, and improvement and then
sharing among other individuals.
o Multiple users: It allows various users to access the system
simultaneously and without getting into each other's way.
o Multitasking capacity: Linux is able to multitask while still
maintaining high performance.
 o Highly Secure: The presence of permissions, encryptions, and
firewall services makes Linux highly secure from malwares.
o Customizable: Linux is highly customizable as per users’
choice by altering the kernel, interfaces, and utilities.
o Flexible: Linux can work in multiple environments such as
laptops, servers, smartphones, and IoT.
o Reliable: Linux almost never crashes and operates without
needing to reboot.
Why Is Linux Popular?
o Works well on low-spec machines
o Hardly ever crashes or becomes slow
o Ideal for servers and coding
o Developed by global community of developers.
o Architecture of Linux Operating System
o The architecture of Linux adopts a layering approach for
communication between software and hardware.
Linux Operating System Architecture
Linux architecture follows a layered structure for efficient
communication between software and hardware.
Layer Function
Hardware Layer CPU, RAM, storage devices
Kernel Layer Process and memory
management
System Libraries Interface between apps and
kernel
Shell Layer Command interpreter
Application User applications and tools
Layer
What are the Components of Linux Operating System?
The Linux operating system has many components coming together
to perform the necessary operations of hardware resource
management, application execution, and user interfacing. The
components bear together upon ensuring the interfacing of hardware
with users or software. This knowledge of the components will help
one throughout in understanding how Linux itself works, the
system, and the user.
Kernel
The core of a Linux operating system is the kernel. It interacts
directly with piece level hardware while managing CPU
scheduling, memory allocation, device control, and I/O operations.
Each command or system call is passed to the kernel to ensure that
right execution is enforced through resource handling.
System Libraries
System libraries consist of programs that have been pre-compiled to
enable applications to interact with the kernel through function
calls. Examples of libraries that have been commonly mentioned in
the Linux kernel context are the GNU C Library (glibc). This
library contains file operation functionality as well as process
management functionalities.
Shell
An abbreviation for command-line interface (CLI). The role of shell
in Linux is to translate the user commands into the ones understood
by the kernel, enabling the kernel to execute the desired action.
Bash, zsh, and ksh are some of the common shells used in Linux.
System Utilities
System utilities refer to the main programs or tools used in
managing certain things. Some examples of system utilities include
top, which monitors running processes; ls, which lists files in a
specified location; cp, which copies files from one place to another;
chmod, which changes the access privileges of files.
File System
In the Linux environment, the file system is used to arrange and
store data into the hierarchy that is well-defined and structured in
nature. There are various file systems in Linux -ext2, ext3, ext4,
XFS, and Btrfs, which have been designed specifically for varying
requirements of performance and security of information.
Information storage, retrieval, and protection are done by the file
system through the use of disk drives.

Linux Operating System Commands

The following commands are fundamental when performing certain
activities through the command line interface (CLI) in order to work
with the computer.
Basic Linux Commands
Command Function
ls List files and folders
cd Change directory
pwd Show current path
cp Copy files
mv Move or rename files
rm Delete files
chmod Change file permissions
top Monitor processes
df Check disk space
ssh Secure remote login
Linux File Permission Model
Linux permissions are divided into:
o User (u)Group (g)Others (o)
Permission values:Permission Value
Read 4
Write 2
Execute 1