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The Linux kernel was originally written by Linus Torvalds, a Finn, out of personal interest while studying at the University of Helsinki.
Linux is a free and open-source Unix-like operating system based on POSIX and UNIX, which is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system that supports multi-threading and multi-CPU.
Linux can run major UNIX tools, software applications, and network protocols. It supports 32 and 64 hardware. Linux inherits the design philosophy of Unix with a focus on networking, and is a stable multi-user network operating system.
In simple terms, a Linux distribution is a package that combines the Linux kernel with application software.
Currently, some well-known distributions on the market include Ubuntu, RedHat, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, SuSE, OpenSUSE, Arch Linux, SolusOS, and so on.
Today, various Linux distributions are used in various settings, from embedded devices to supercomputers, and have established a position in the server field, usually using LAMP (Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP) or LNMP (Linux + Nginx+ MySQL + combined with PHP).
Currently, Linux is not only used in homes and enterprises but is also very popular in government.
The Brazilian federal government is world-famous for its support of Linux.
There have been news reports about the Russian army's self-made Linux distribution, which has achieved results as part of the G.H.ost project.
The Kerala state in India plans to promote the use of Linux in all high schools across the federal state.
The People's Republic of China uses Linux exclusively in Longxin processors to achieve technological independence.
Some regions in Spain have developed their own Linux distributions and are widely used in government and education sectors, such as gnuLinEx in the Extremadura region and Guadalinex in the Andalusia region.
Portugal also uses its own Linux distribution Caixa Mágica, for Magalhães laptops and e-escola government software.
France and Germany have also begun to gradually adopt Linux.
Currently, Linux in China is more often used on servers, while desktop operating systems are more commonly used with Windows. The main differences are as follows
| Comparison | Windows | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | The interface is unified, and the shell program fixes the menu of almost all Windows programs, with shortcuts also almost the same | The graphical interface style may vary from release to release and may not be compatible with each other. GNU/The Linux terminal is inherited from UNIX, and the basic commands and operation methods are almost the same. |
| Drivers | Rich drivers with frequent version updates. The default installation program generally includes the hardware drivers that were popular at the time of the version release, and the new hardware drivers that come out later depend on the hardware manufacturers. For some old hardware, it is difficult to support without the original drivers. In addition, it can also be a headache when hardware manufacturers do not provide the required version of drivers under Windows. | Developed by volunteers and released by the Linux core development group, many hardware manufacturers have not provided drivers due to copyright considerations. Although most of them do not need to be manually installed, the installation process is relatively complex, making new users face a blank in driver program issues (whether they exist and how to install them). However, in the open-source development model, many old hardware that is difficult to support under Windows can also find drivers. HP, Intel, AMD, and other hardware manufacturers are gradually supporting open-source drivers to varying degrees, and the problem is being alleviated. |
| Usage | It is relatively simple to use and easy to get started. Graphical interfaces are very beneficial for users without computer background knowledge. | Graphical user interface is simple to use and easy to get started. Textual interface requires learning to master. |
| Learning | The system construction is complex and changes frequently, and the replacement of knowledge and skills is fast, making in-depth learning difficult. | The system construction is simple and stable, and the transmission of knowledge and skills is good, making in-depth learning relatively easy. |
| Software | Each specific function may require the support of commercial software, and the corresponding authorization needs to be purchased. | Most software can be freely obtained, and there are fewer software options with the same functionality. |