What is Linux (Lovable Intellect Not Using XP)

The Linux Operating System is a type of operating system that is similar to Unix, that has become a cornerstone of the computing world, powering everything from personal computers to servers and mobile devices and it is built upon the Linux Kernel. So, Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system kernel that serves as the foundation for various Linux distributions (distros).

Unlike other operating systems, Linux has a rather minimalist user interface without all the features of more user experience-focused systems, like MacOS. Instead, Linux is designed to be very functional and allow users a large degree of control over their system and hardware. One of the biggest advantages of Linux is its open-source coding, which allows significant customization and control, and the large community which maintains the operating system. While most operating systems have one main version, called a distribution, that acts as the user interface, Linux has numerous distributions. 

To create a full and functional system, the Linux Kernel is combined with a collection of software packages and utilities, which are together called Linux distributions. These distributions make the Linux Operating System ready for users to run their applications and perform tasks on their computers securely and effectively. Linux distributions come in different flavors, each tailored to suit the specific needs and preferences of users. Unlike proprietary operating systems, Linux is developed collaboratively by a vast community of contributors. Its open nature allows developers to customise, modify, and distribute it freely, which has led to the creation of a multitude of Linux distros tailored for specific purposes.

While most operating systems run in self-contained architecture, this openness encourages people from all over the world to work together and make Linux better and better. Since its beginning, Linux has grown into a stable and safe system used in many different things, like computers, smartphones, big supercomputers , servers, mainframes, and embedded devices. It is supported on almost every major computer platform, including x86, ARM and SPARC, making it one of the most widely supported operating systems. It’s known for being efficient, meaning it can do a lot of tasks quickly, and it’s also cost-effective, which means it doesn’t cost a lot to use. Lots of people love Linux, and they’re part of a big community where they share ideas and help each other out.

• Originally, Linux was designed for personal computers that were Intel x86 architecture-based, but it has since been moved to more environments than other operating systems.
• Including Android, Linux has the biggest installed base of every general-purpose operating system because of the control of the Linux-based Android over smartphones as of May 2022.
• However, Linux is used by just around 2.6% of desktop computers as of November 2022.
• Also, Linux executes on many embedded systems, i.e., devices whose OS is typically designed into the firmware and is extremely customized to the system.
• It includes spacecraft (Perseverance rover, Dragon crew capsule, and Falcon 9 rocket), automobiles (Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Tesla), televisions (LG and Samsung Smart TVs), video game consoles, smart home devices, automation controls, and routers.
• Linux distributions have become famous in the netbook market, with several devices moving with installed customized Linux distributions and Google publishing their ChromeOS developed for netbooks.
• It is used to run huge global networks to control electronic projects like a Raspberry Pi.

Linux is one of the most outstanding examples of open-source and free software collaboration. The source code may be distributed, modified, and used non-commercially or commercially by everyone under the conditions of its respective licenses, like the GNU GPL (General Public License). For example, the Linux kernel is licensed upon the GPLv2.
Linux is a widely used open-source Unix-like operating system. This is what most of us know. However, Linux is not an operating system. At least not technically.
How? and why? let's break it down. But wait... before going any further, let's clear the idea of a kernel and an operating system!!!
So, in this blog, we will also discuss if we should call Linux aKERNEL or an OPERATING SYSTEM?

Now a question arises in your mind that “What is kernel?”

For now, you should know that - It is a core component of an OS. It is the primary connection between the hardware and the software components of a computer. The kernel provides low-level services, such as memory management, process management, and device management, to other parts of the operating system
Most people refer to the entire operating system as "Linux" because to most users an OS includes a bundle of programs, tools, and services (like a desktop, clock, an application menu, and so on). Some people, particularly members of the Free Software Foundation, refer to this collection as GNU/Linux, because many vital tools included are GNU components. However, not all Linux installations use GNU components as a part of the operating system:

Let’s understand simply with an example:

Imagine you're building a house. You start with a solid foundation and framework - the equivalent of your computer's operating system. This foundation allows you to build up walls, add doors, and install windows - just like how the operating system enables you to run applications, interact with hardware, and manage files.
Now, let's say you're planning a big dinner party at your house. You've got everything set up - decorations, tables, chairs, and a delicious meal prepared. But when you go to turn on the lights, nothing happens. You check the wiring and realise that someone has stolen the electrical panel!
The electrical panel in this analogy is like the kernel of your operating system. It's the core component that manages crucial tasks like allocating memory, handling network connections, communicating with devices, managing files, and overseeing processes.
Just as a house needs its electrical panel to function properly, your operating system relies on its kernel to operate effectively. Without the kernel, your computer wouldn't be able to perform essential tasks and run applications smoothly.
Moreover, just like how different houses can use the same type of electrical panel but have entirely different layouts and designs, different operating systems can utilise the same kernel while offering unique features and functionalities. For instance, imagine two houses in the same neighbourhood using identical electrical panels but having distinct interior designs and amenities.
This concept is evident in various Linux-based operating systems, known as distributions or distros. Each distro may use the same Linux kernel but can vary significantly in terms of user interface, included software, and system configurations. Just like how two houses with the same electrical panel can have different styles and atmospheres, Linux distros like Fedora and Ubuntu offer diverse user experiences despite sharing a common kernel foundation.

We will know about details of KERNEL in “Architecture of Linux“ blog.

Linux: Kernel or Operating System?

Technically, Linux is a monolithic kernel, not an operating system. The correct term is- Linux distribution or Distro, such as – Ubuntu, Fedora Linux, Deepin, etc.
The inventor of Linux, Linus Torvalds began this project to create a free operating system kernel. He first published the Linux kernel under its own license, but it had limitations on commercial use.
As we discussed earlier, the kernel is just a part of the operating system. OS is a complete software package, that contains a kernel and other components such as system libraries, device drivers, and utilities. Every OS has a kernel (Even Windows, and MAC OS), without the kernel the OS cannot work. However, the kernel alone cannot function either. To make it a working system, we need other components as well. That is why in 1992 it was relicensed under the GNU GPL (General Public License ), which included a binary of GNU’s bash shell. Torvalds also mentioned this in the “Notes for linux release 0.01“.
These GUIs revolutionized computing during the OS wars in the late 1970s by humanizing software—making it more visual. More real. But at some point, you might need to ask the computer to do something outside the prepackaged bucket of actions a GUI can perform. At that point, you need to open up the command line—the strips of code you see tech-savvy geniuses in TV and movies feverishly typing away at. But that Hollywood treatment makes the command line (a staple of open source OSs) seem like something impossible to master.
The truth is, the command line is the most straightforward use of a computer. These tools give the user a way to manage the resources provided by the kernel, install additional software, configure performance and security settings, and more. All of these tools bundled together make up the functional operating system. Because Linux is an open source OS, combinations of software can vary between Linux distributions. Typically, Linux is packaged as the Linux distribution, which contains the supporting libraries and system software and kernel, several of which are offered by the GNU Project. Several Linux distributions use the term "Linux" in the title, but the Free Software Foundation uses the "GNU/Linux" title to focus on the necessity of GNU software, causing a few controversies.
Later on, more developers contributed to the Linux kernel, which helped the kernel to integrate with the the GNU environment. It opened a doorway to create a wide spectrum of application types for Linux, and different Linux distributions were created.
So, that’s why we need to know that purists will always stand by their claim that Linux is actually just a kernel. Although that was definitely true in the beginning, today the term Linux refers to much more than just a kernel. However, that’s what Linus Torvalds not only created but works on to this day — the Linux kernel.

Conclusion:

Now you know what to answer when someone asks you if Linux is a kernel or an operating system. However, if someone says, “Linux is my favorite operating system.”, you don’t have to correct them by telling them this story. The GNU and Debian projects use the name “GNU/Linux”, but most people simply like to call it “Linux” to refer to the combination. So, there is nothing wrong with it, but if you want to be technically correct then use the term “Linux Distribution“.
So someone was to ask you hey what operating system are you running right now! It would be Kali Linux, Kali Linux using Linux Kernal. Actually, I want to point it out! The Kernal !!!!