Introduction to Linux

Before we start learning Linux, let’s first understand-

What is an Operating System?
Every time you switch on your computer, you see a screen where you can perform different activities like writing something, browse the Internet or watch a video. But, have you ever thought- how does the computer know that you are asking it to run a mp4 file (video)?
The answer is: Operating System (or the kernel), which does this work. A kernel is a program at the heart of any operating system that takes care of fundamental stuff, like letting hardware communicate with software.
So, to work on your computer, you need an Operating System (OS). In fact, right now you are using one of the popular OS's like Windows, macOS, or Linux, as you read this blog on your computer. However, here we will learn what Linux is and what benefits it offers over other OS's available.

What is Linux?
Just like Windows and macOS, Linux is an operating system. In fact, one of the most popular platforms on the planet, Android, is powered by the Linux operating system. Some of the Linux distributions are Ubuntu, Kali Linux (Hacker's OS), Parrot, Fedora, Linux Mint, Debian, Red Hat, etc.

                                        Fig. Kali Linux -- Credit: Offensive Security
From smartphones to cars, supercomputers and home appliances, home desktops to enterprise servers, the Linux operating system is everywhere. It also runs most of the Internet, all of the world’s top 500 supercomputers, and the world’s stock exchanges. It is used by around 2.3 percent of desktop computers. In comparison, Microsoft Windows has a market share of around 87%, while macOS covers around 9.7%. November 2016 estimates (by W3Techs) says that 66.7% of web servers run Linux/Unix, and 33.4% run Microsoft Windows.
Who created Linux?
Linus Torvalds created Linux as a hobby in 1991, when he was a computer science student at the University of Helsinki and seeing an alternative, free and open-source version of Unix OS (a proprietary operating system).
Now, the question comes in mind why should we use Linux and how it is different from other operating systems?
How does Linux differ from other operating systems?
In many ways, Linux is similar to other operating systems like Windows, macOS, or iOS. Like other operating systems, Linux has a graphical interface, and types of software you are habitual to using on other operating systems, such as Microsoft Office, have Linux equivalents.
But Linux is different from other operating systems in many ways like–
  1. Linux is an open-source operating system (OS).
  2. Once you have Linux installed, you no longer need an antivirus!  Linux is one of the most reliable, secure and worry-free operating systems available.
  3. Linux is incredibly customizable.
  4. Companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google use Linux for their servers because a Linux based server could run non-stop without a reboot for years.
For more information to help guide you through your lifetime with Linux, check out the following resources:
Linux.com: Everything you need to know about Linux (news, tutorials and more)
Howtoforge: Linux tutorials
      Linux Documentation Project: How-tos, guides, and FAQs
      LWN.net: Linux kernel news and more
      LinuxJourney: Linux and Networking Tutorials
      Linux Basics for Hackers: Linux learning book (Affiliated link)
      Kali Linux Revealed: Kali Linux Book (Written by Kali Linux developers)

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