The program Linux is an operating system that that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. Linus Torvald's created Linux on September 1st, 2001.
Linux is freely available, and no one is required to register their copies with any central authority, so it is difficult to know how many people use Linux. Several businesses now survive solely on selling and supporting Linux.
Windows is a general applications OS, targeted largely at businesses. It has a very wide range of applications, many of which can be downloaded and run for free. It is notorious for the number of security holes it has, and has amazingly bad tech support.
MacOS is the operating system for Apple computers. It has a highly polished user interface, takes very little effort to use, and has decent tech support.
Linux is the most popular attempt to create a Unix-like operating system for personal computers. Until recently, Linux also had all of the limitations of Unix, with the sole benefit that you could run it on an Intel based PC.
Linux is less vulnerable to viruses and is easy to install and stable.
However many windows apps will not run through Linux and it's a learning curve for new people.
http://www.linux.com/learn/new-user-guides/376-linux-is-everywhere-an-overview-of-the-linux-operating-system
http://www.livinginternet.com/i/iw_unix_gnulinux.htm
http://www.renewablepcs.com/about-linux/advantages-of-using-Linux
There is a lot of details about Linus and his Linux operating system, which is very important to understanding both. But i fell there is a lack in the effects it has had on people in the beginning and years later of Linux becoming available to the public. Linux servers have been recorded to run for more than a year without needing to be re-booted or shutdown other than for maintenance.
ReplyDeleteI feel like Linux is happy to be a less popular operating system because of all of the other ways that it is used. I'm not sure if Linux just doesn't advertise themselves or if Mac and Windows just over marketed Linux but I feel like Linux is a completely underrated operating system that should be acknowledged more often.
ReplyDeleteI dont know if I would call Linux the most popular because until the assignment I had never heard of the kernel or Linus Torvalds. I think you got a lot of valuable information, pretty well written and I like that you actually included a picture of Linus
ReplyDeleteNice entry,but you didn't answer a few of Ms Doherty's questions:
ReplyDeleteWould you choose Linus Torvalds as the greatest programmer? If so, why?
If not, who would you choose? Why?
Looking back I realized I missed all the questions below the "who would you choose" question. *sigh*... I never get things right...Who am I to criticize when I messed up bigger?