Linux, an open-source Unix-like operating system, is built upon the Linux kernel. It was first introduced on September 17, 1991, by Linus To...
Linux, an open-source Unix-like operating system, is built upon the Linux kernel. It was first introduced on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. Typically, Linux is packaged as a Linux distribution, which includes the kernel, supporting libraries, and system software.
The GNU Project contributes several components to various Linux distributions. Although some distributions use the term "Linux" in their title, the Free Software Foundation advocates for the term "GNU/Linux" to emphasize the importance of GNU software, resulting in occasional controversies.
Notable Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora Linux, and Debian, which comprises various modifications and distributions like Xubuntu and Lubuntu. Commercial distributions such as SUSE Linux Enterprise and Red Hat Enterprise Linux exist. Linux desktop distributions utilize windowing systems like Wayland or X11, along with desktop environments like KDE Plasma and GNOME.
Initially designed for Intel x86 architecture-based personal computers, Linux has expanded its presence to diverse environments, surpassing other operating systems. With Android included, Linux boasts the largest installed base among general-purpose operating systems, primarily due to its dominance in the smartphone market as of May 2022. However, Linux adoption on desktop computers remains around 2.6% as of November 2022.
Linux finds extensive application in embedded systems, including spacecraft (Perseverance rover, Dragon crew capsule, and Falcon 9 rocket), automobiles (Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Tesla), televisions (LG and Samsung Smart TVs), video game consoles, smart home devices, automation controls, and routers.
Its success exemplifies the collaborative nature of open-source and free software, allowing distribution, modification, and non-commercial or commercial use under specific licenses like the GNU GPL (General Public License). For instance, the Linux kernel is licensed under GPLv2.
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History of Linux OS:
Precursors:
The Unix-based operating system originated in 1969 at AT&T's Bell Labs in the United States. It was conceived and implemented by Joe Ossanna, Douglas Mcllroy, Dennis Ritchie, and Ken Thompson. Initially published in 1971, Unix was entirely written in assembly language, which was the prevailing practice at the time. In 1973, Dennis Ritchie made a significant breakthrough by re-implementing Unix in the C language.
This transition to a high-level language facilitated the portability of Unix across different computer platforms.
Creation:
During his time at the University of Helsinki in the fall of the 1990s, Linus Torvalds enrolled in a Unix course. The course utilized a MicroVAX minicomputer running Ultrix, and one of the required textbooks was "Operating Systems: Design and Implementation" by Andrews S. Tanenbaum. Tanenbaum's book included a copy of his MINIX operating system.
It was through this course that Torvalds became acquainted with Unix. In 1991, frustrated with the licensing restrictions of MINIX, which limited its usage to educational purposes, Torvalds embarked on developing his own operating system kernel, eventually becoming the Linux Kernel.
Torvalds initially started the development of the Linux kernel on MINIX and incorporated software written for MINIX into Linux. As Linux matured, development of the Linux kernel took place on Linux systems.
GNU applications gradually replaced all MINIX components, leveraging the benefits of free code from the GNU Project. The use of GNU GPL-licensed code enabled its application in other computer functions as long as they were also released under compatible or the same licenses.
Torvalds later transitioned Linux's license, which initially prohibited commercial distribution, to the GNU GPL. Developers worked on integrating GNU components with the Linux Kernel, resulting in a free and fully functional operating system.
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Current Development:
Greg Kroah-Hartman serves as the lead maintainer of the Linux Kernel, overseeing its development. The Free Software Foundation, with its executive director William John Sullivan, supports the GNU components. Non-GNU third-party components are now developed by corporations and individuals.
These components encompass a wide range of work, including user libraries, applications, and kernel modules. The Linux community and vendors distribute and combine the kernel, non-GNU components, and GNU components with additional package management software, giving rise to various Linux distributions.
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Popular and Commercial Uptake:
Linux adoption began to gain traction in the mid-1990s, primarily within the supercomputing community. Organizations like NASA gradually replaced expensive machines with cost-effective computer clusters running Linux. Commercial use of Linux gained momentum when IBM and Dell, followed by Hewlett-Packard, started providing Linux support, challenging Microsoft's monopoly in the desktop OS market.
Today, Linux is extensively utilized across various computing domains, from embedded systems to supercomputers, and has found a prominent place in server installations like the popular LAMP application stack.
The use of Linux distributions on enterprise and home desktops continues to grow. Linux distributions have also gained popularity in the netbook market, with several devices shipping with customized Linux distributions. Google's ChromeOS, developed for netbooks, is another notable example.
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