What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system like Windows and macOS.
Why Linux?
Linux is open source and it's free to use, unlike Windows and macOS where you have to pay for a license.
Linux is generally considered more secure than Windows, and even if a virus manages to infect a Linux system, it will have a harder time spreading throughout the system compared to Windows.
Linux users can take advantage of a simplified method for updating all software that is installed on their system.
Linux is portable to many different hardware platforms. Linux operating system is popular because it supports many hardware platforms and devices.
Linux is considered a lightweight operating system compared to others.
Linux is designed to be a multi-user operating system, allowing multiple users to work on the same system simultaneously.
Linux is known for its ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks at once, making it a popular choice for servers and high-performance computing.
Linux supports multiple flavors or distributions. Some of the major or popular distributions are Ubuntu, RedHat, CentOS, OpenSUSE, Kali, etc.
Linux Architecture
Hardware Layer
It is the core of Linux. It consists of all the peripheral devices (memory, CPU, and I/O devices).Kernel layer
The kernel is the foundation of the operating system and is essential for its proper functioning. It handles the system resources and communicates with the hardware, responsible for managing memory, input/output operations, and file systems.Shell Layer
The shell is a command-line interface that enables users to communicate with the Linux operating system.Application Layer
This layer contains all the software applications that users interact with on the system. These applications include web browsers, text editors, media players, and other software programs that users use to perform various tasks on their Linux system.
File System Hierarchy (FHS)
The File System Hierarchy Standard (FHS) defines the directory structure and naming conventions for Linux distributions. The FHS defines several directories that are used to store specific types of files.
/: The root directory of the file system.
/bin: Contains essential binaries used by the system and users.
/etc: Contains system-wide configuration files.
/home: Contains user home directories.
/lib: Contains libraries used by the system and programs.
/usr: Contains user programs, libraries, and data.
/var: Contains variable data files, such as logs, spool files, and temporary files.
Conclusion:
Linux is a powerful operating system that offers users a range of benefits. We've covered the basics of why Linux, architecture, and file system hierarchy, in this blog post. By choosing Linux, users can take advantage of increased security, stability, and customization options. If you're interested in learning more, we recommend checking out my recommended next-day 3 blog or exploring the many online communities dedicated to Linux users.