“What is even Linux? A hardware? The guy’s name? “, (the last one is quite close btw).
This is the most frequently asked questions when I talk about Linux and perhaps, the most important one. Before we talk about Linux, we need to know what Linux is in the first place. I suppose the available definition is not simple enough.
In this post, I will explain to you what Linux is in the most simple way possible, including who the inventors, history, and some examples. Enjoy!
The Definition of Linux
“Linux is a family of operating systems that run on Linux kernel.”
Do you get it? If you don’t, let me explain it in simpler term.
An operating system (OS) is a software that lets you manage your computer for example, Windows 11. Inside an OS is a core called, kernel. Linux was originally a kernel (core) of an operating system. This kernel was adopted by various operating system projects thus, creating Linux OS family. An individual Linux OS is called Linux distribution, a distro, or simply Linux.
Imagine a car. Inside a car, there is an engine. If an operating system is a car then, kernel is the engine. Linux is an “engine” that is used in many cars. These “cars” made up the Linux family.
Linux Family Members
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution known for being user friendly and perhaps, the most popular among beginners. You can easily use Ubuntu because it came with an intuitive desktop and a dedicated software center (like an app store). Its new version is released every April and October.
I use Ubuntu btw
Debian
This is Ubuntu’s predecessor, as well as many other Linux. This distro is known for being stable thus, it is often used as a server OS. Despite being popular with technical user, Debian is relatively easy to use which makes it a popular choice for desktop too, although not as much as Ubuntu.
Kali Linux
Have you seen Mr. Robot? If yes, you should know this OS.
Just like Ubuntu, Kali Linux is also based on Debian. This OS is tailored for cybersecurity professionals, containing thousands of tools for various purpose, from information gathering, exploit, even reporting that most beginners overlook. Use it lawfully!
Arch Linux
“Btw I use Arch”, is a very common phrase you hear in Linux world. I used to say that unironically.
Arch Linux is a DIY Linux where you have to build things from ground up. When you boot into Arch, you will be greeted with a terminal but don’t worry, there is Arch Wiki. If you like challenge, this OS is the right choice for you; build your own OS.
Slackware
The oldest surviving Linux. Since 1993, Slackware is committed for stability which makes it a solid choice for servers like Debian. Unlike Debian however, Slackware is known to be difficult, some argued it’s harder than Arch Linux.
The Men Behind Linux
Linux was a personal project of a Helsinki University of Technology computer science student, Linus Torvalds. Back in 1991, he was trying to build a kernel for a UNIX clone -a popular OS family at the time- and decided to share the kernel to public in. This kernel gained popularity and was made into a kernel of many OS.
In 1992, Linus released the kernel under GNU GPL, making Linux a Free Software; a software that ensures users freedom to use, to learn, to modify, and distribute which coined by Richard Stallman.
So Linux is not merely free as in free of charge, not merely open source but, also Free as in Freedom. This attribute gives Linux a unique trait among other OS.
Naming
Linus Torvalds had already considered the name “Linux”, but initially dismissed it as too egotistical. He named the project as Freax instead.
Ari Lemmke (fellow Helsinki University Technology student) who administered the server didn’t like the name. He named the project “Linux” on the server without consulting Linus, which he later permitted the change.
Penguin
Linus announced a Linux mascot back in 1996, a penguin. Larry Ewing drew the mascot based on Linus’ description. Meanwhile, James Hughes suggested the name Tux, which stands for “Torvald’s UniX” and penguin’s tuxedo-like body.
Recap
- Linux is a family of Free operating systems that runs on Linux kernel.
- You can imagine an OS as a car and kernel as its engine.
- Linus Torvalds created Linux back in 1991 and he named Linux based on his friend’s idea.
- Linux mascot is called Tux (the penguin you saw earlier).
See also
Linux, a family of operating systems
Distro Watch – The Wikipedia for Linux