Welcome to the world of Linux! If you’re embarking on your Linux journey, understanding the system’s background, distribution options, and structure is your essential first step.
A Brief History of Linux
Linux traces its roots back to 1969, when Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs developed UNIX, an operating system soon rewritten in C for portability and wide adoption. In the following decade, Richard Stallman started the GNU project, resulting in critical contributions like the GNU General Public License (GPL), yet lacking a unifying kernel.
That landscape changed in 1991, when Linus Torvalds began work on what would become the Linux kernel. This core component enables the hardware to communicate with the system and orchestrates everything that happens within a Linux machine.
Understanding Linux Distributions
The term “Linux” typically refers to the kernel, but most people use it to mean the various complete operating systems, or distributions, which feature the Linux kernel. A typical Linux system has three main parts:
- Hardware – your computer’s physical components
- Linux kernel – the core controller connecting hardware and software
- User Space – where users interact and applications run
Selecting your first Linux distribution is important. Here’s an introduction to some of the most popular ones:
Debian
- Stable, Testing, and Unstable branches let you pick between rock-solid reliability or rolling updates.
- Uses Debian’s package management tools.
- Preferred for both general and advanced users seeking a dependable core OS.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
- Designed for enterprise with professional support and long-term stability.
- Uses RPM package management (YUM/DNF).
- Suited for servers and mission-critical environments. Certifications like RHCSA and RHCE are available for career advancement.
Ubuntu
- One of the most popular personal Linux distributions, with its own Unity desktop by default.
- Built on the Debian base, it uses familiar package management.
- Excellent for beginners, balancing usability and community support across desktops, laptops, and servers.
Fedora
- Community-driven and backed by Red Hat, Fedora acts as the upstream project for RHEL.
- Uses Red Hat’s package tools.
- User-friendly and ideal for desktops and laptops looking for newer features.
Linux Mint
- Based on Ubuntu, uses the same software repositories.
- Known for its user-friendly interface and minimal bloat.
- Favored by new users for desktops and laptops.
Gentoo
- Built for flexibility, intended for users comfortable customizing deeply.
- Uses the modular Portage management system.
- Consider for a challenge and total system control.
Arch Linux
- Lightweight, rolling release, community-driven.
- Uses Pacman for package management.
- Ideal for advanced users seeking deep understanding of system internals.
openSUSE
- Community-driven with a rich history and an easy graphical installer.
- Uses RPM package manager.
- Suitable for newcomers with comprehensive tools and a versatile system, whether for desktop or laptop.
Conclusion
Your Linux experience begins with choosing a distribution that fits your comfort level and goals. Whether you take the straightforward route with Ubuntu or Mint, or dive into the challenging territory of Gentoo or Arch, Linux offers flexibility, education, and a passionate community. Enjoy your journey into open source computing!
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