Linux Introduction

Linux is an operating system designed to be packaged in different ways, meant to be deployed in various systems, primarily computers but often used in other electronics, such as cameras, routers, phones, and appliances. As an operating system, it counterparts Mac and Windows, while it is known for being more secure, customizable, lightweight, and flexible. Linux can do what Mac and Windows can in ways that may impress or underwhelm you as a free, legitimate operating system.

When starting out with Linux, you begin selecting for a Linux distribution, a specific version of Linux that is package with certain software that you may or may not need, developed by a company, group or individual. Download its installer and burn it on a blank CD or put it on a flash drive and install it like other operating systems. Update the whole system, and download the addition software that you need from it repositories. The important part of starting out with Linux is getting information for your questions or problems, which can easily be answered by other users on the web with varied solutions.

Linux is maintained by developers from around the world and is updated constantly to handle new hardware and software, eliminate security risks, and become generally a better operating system. The updates for a Linux kernel, the critical part of Linux that makes it work, is more or less the same as other kinds Linux kernel updates. The distinguishable difference a Linux system will get depends on the Linux distribution it is based on.

There are hundreds of known Linux distributions, discounting the ones that are not yet released and the unique versions of Linux that can be built by programmers for their own reasons or requirements. These distributions can specialize in everyday ordinary computer use, gaming, software development, video editing, system administration, website servers, or even hacking. As years go by, Linux, as a whole, grows in user base, productivity, popularity, and in variety.