Linux is an operating system that resides in the middle of the hardware and the end-users who actually run the applications. It is just like any other operating systems like Microsoft has Windows, Mac has Apple or Sun has Solaris.
It acts like a middle man or bridge which receives instructions from the end-users and then interprets them to the hardware. Let us consider a computer, without the operating system installed in it is more like a dumb terminal.
We have to install the operating system to the computer with the help of a CD or DVD which contains the operating system image on it. We have to boot a computer. While booting it goes through the several installation processes
While going through the installation process, we have to answer a bunch of questions like the configuration of the operating system, the number of users to be installed, and so on. Once done we have to reboot our system.
Next, we shall be on the operating system welcome screen. We can now connect external devices like monitors, mouse, and so on. We can type a certain command with the mouse and send it to the operating system.
Some of the actions performed by operating systems on the applications are listed below:
Linux comprises of the below components:
The kernel is considered the heart of the Unix system and loaded at booting time. It is primarily responsible for controlling and allocating a machine's memory to individual processes. It takes care of scheduling the jobs carried out by the CPU.
The kernel handles data transfer from one part of the machine to another. It translates and executes the instructions from the shell and applies for permissions on file access.
Once we login into the Unix system we are within the shell program. In order to execute the commands, we have to be in the shell prompt displayed at the position of the cursor on the screen.
The shell acts as a command translator. It accepts the user commands and transfers it to the kernel to be worked upon. The results of the command execution are then displayed on the screen.
Unix has numerous utility programs, popularly called commands. The utilities perform several operations like sorting, printing, programming assistance, file maintenance, editing, obtaining online information, and so on.
Also, individual functions can be clubbed together to do complicated actions.
The popular Linux Distributions are listed below:
| Feature | Windows | Linux |
| Cost | It comes with a cost. | It does not come with a cost. |
| Ease | User-friendly | Not user-friendly |
| Reliability | Not reliable. Requires rebooting | Extremely reliable |
| Software | Have a wide range of software. | Mostly enterprise-related software |
| Multitasking | Requires additional resources for multi-tasking. | Good at multi-tasking. |
| Security | Not so secure | Good in security |
The Linux users include:
The keyboard keys used in Linux are pointed in blue in the below image.
If we do not have enough resources on our computer, or we want to test or execute certain commands on a Linux machine as a practice without using our own Linux machine, we can do that by opening a browser and use certain websites that allow starting Linux instance on their servers.
We shall be able to access them through our browsers.
Myself Debomita Bhattacharjee, an IT employee with 6+ years of experience in Software industry. My area of interest is Automation testing and Front End Development.