More and more users and organizations are choosing the Linux operating system every day due to its flexibility and robust structure. So, what makes Linux so special? In this article, we will explore the basic features and advantages of Linux.
Linux is a Unix-like operating system based on open-source and free software philosophy. The architecture of Linux consists of the kernel, user space, and hardware components. The kernel acts as a bridge between hardware and software and manages system resources.
Linux's modular structure allows users to customize the kernel according to their needs. Additionally, thanks to its monolithic kernel architecture, Linux provides superior performance and security. Moreover, Linux's POSIX compliance enhances portability and ensures compatibility with other Unix-like systems.
Linux has a strong security infrastructure. With the user and group-based permission system, access to files and directories is limited to authorized users. Read, write, and execute permissions can be set separately for each file and directory.
Additional security modules such as SELinux and AppArmor further enhance Linux systems' security. These modules apply a more stringent security policy by enforcing access control. Additionally, regular security updates ensure the system is always protected against the latest threats.
Linux's file system has a hierarchical structure and is organized under the root (/) directory. This structure makes system management easier and allows for quick file searches. Key directories include /bin, /etc, /home, /var, and /usr.
The /bin directory contains essential user commands, while the /etc directory holds configuration files. The /home directory is where users store their personal files. The /var directory contains system logs and variable data files. This organized structure allows users and administrators to manage the system more effectively.
Linux has many distributions, each serving different purposes. Popular distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, CentOS, and Arch Linux. Each distribution is tailored to specific user needs and offers different desktop environments and package management systems.
The flexibility of Linux makes it suitable for various use cases. It stands out as an operating system for servers, desktop computers, embedded systems, and even supercomputers. Often preferred by software developers, system administrators, and security experts, Linux is constantly developed and supported by the community due to its open-source nature.
The Linux terminal is a powerful tool that allows users to interact with the system. The command line lets users manage files and directories, install software, and modify system settings. Various shells like Bash, Zsh, and Fish offer different features to enrich the user experience.
Basic Linux commands include ls (list), cd (change directory), cp (copy), mv (move), rm (remove), and chmod (change permissions). Learning the terminal helps users manage Linux systems more efficiently.
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