I.

Introduction to Linux:
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and
open source software development and distribution. The defining component of Linux is
the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released 5 October 1991 by Linus
Torvalds.
Linux was originally developed as a free operating system for Intel x86-based personal
computers. It has since been ported to more computer hardware platforms than any
other operating system. It is a leading operating system on servers and other big iron
systems such as mainframe computers and supercomputers more than 90% of today's
500 fastest supercomputers run some variant of Linux, including the 10 fastest. Linux
also runs on embedded systems (devices where the operating system is typically built
into the firmware and highly tailored to the system) such as mobile phones, tablet
computers, network routers, televisions and video game consoles; the Android system
in wide use on mobile devices is built on the Linux kernel.

Basic Features
Following are some of the important features of Linux
Operating System.
Portable - Portability means softwares can works on different types of hardwares in same way.
Linux kernel and application programs supports their installation on any kind of hardware platform. 

 Open Source - Linux source code is freely available and it is community based development
project. Multiple teams works in collaboration to enhance the capability of Linux operating system
and it is continuously evolving.


 Multi-User - Linux is a multiuser system means multiple users can access system resources like
memory/ ram/ application programs at same time.


 Multiprogramming - Linux is a multiprogramming system means multiple applications can run at
same time.


 Hierarchical File System - Linux provides a standard file structure in which system files/ user
files are arranged.

Shell - Linux provides a special interpreter program which can be used to execute commands of
the operating system. It can be used to do various types of operations, call application
programs etc.

 Security - Linux provides user security using authentication features like password protection/
controlled access to specific files/ encryption of data.

Linux Advantages
1.Low cost: You don’t need to spend time and money to obtain licenses since Linux and much
of its software come with the GNU General Public License. You can start to work immediately
without worrying that your software may stop working anytime because the free trial version
expires. Additionally, there are large repositories from which you can freely download high
quality software for almost any task you can think of.
2.Stability: Linux doesn’t need to be rebooted periodically to maintain performance levels.
Itdoesn’t freeze up or slow down over time due to memory leaks and such. Continuous up-
times of hundreds of days (up to a year or more) are not uncommon.
3.Performance: Linux provides persistent high performance on workstations and
onnetworks. It can handle unusually large numbers of users simultaneously, and can make
oldcomputers sufficiently responsive to be useful again.
4.Network friendliness: Linux was developed by a group of programmers over the
Internet and has therefore strong support for network functionality; client and server
systems can be easily set up on any computer running Linux. It can perform tasks such as
network backups faster and more reliably than alternative systems.
5.Flexibility: Linux can be used for high performance server applications, desktop
applications, and embedded systems. You can save disk space by only installing the
components needed for a particular use. You can restrict the use of specific computers by
installing for example only selected office applications instead of the whole suite.
6.Compatibility: It runs all common Unix software packages and can process all common file
formats.
7.Choice: The large number of Linux distributions gives you a choice. Each distribution is
developed and supported by a different organization. You can pick the one you like best; the
core functionalities are the same; most software runs on most distributions.
8.Fast and easy installation: Most Linux distributions come with user-friendly installation
and setup programs. Popular Linux distributions come with tools that make installation of
additional software very user friendly as well.
9.Full use of hard disk: Linux continues work well even when the hard disk is almost full.
10.Multitasking: Linux is designed to do many things at the same time; e.g., a large printing
job in the background won’t slow down your other work.
11.Security: Linux is one of the most secure operating systems. “Walls” and flexible file
access permission systems prevent access by unwanted visitors or viruses. Linux users have
to option to select and safely download software, free of charge, from online repositories
containing thousands of high quality packages. No purchase transactions requiring credit card
numbers or other sensitive personal information are necessary.
12.Open Source: If you develop software that requires knowledge or modification of the
operating system code, Linux’s source code is at your fingertips. Most Linux applications
are Open Source as well.

Difference between UNIX and LINUX