Linux

Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution.

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Linux is my primary computer environment

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For twelve years now I’ve used Linux as my primary desktop operating system. I can’t imagine using any other operating system on my computer. Here’s why:

  • It’s totally free with easy updates via apt-get. Distribution upgrades sometimes requires a bit of tweaking of files but are relatively easy to use. No fancy installers that block what you are doing or lots of windows to click through.
  • Software all comes through the apt-get mechanism, you don’t have to go to risky websites to download software.
  • Standard Unix programs and functions are easy to script in bash and pipe their output between processes.
  • Most things nowadays are done on the web and the Linux web browsers are in most ways the same as the commercial platforms.
  • OpenOffice is a fully functional and stable office platform for all my office software needs.
  • QGIS as somebody who enjoys mapping and exploring land has become a killer geographic information system, especially in recent years. It takes full advantage of the GRASS platform and various Unix based GIS software.
  • Great professional web development tools that are running in their native environment
  • I am not a fan of overly glossy things, so I use the fast and simple XCFE desktop environment which is great because it never changes. Even Linux itself pretty much stays the same, although little things evolve over the years.

What is the Linux kernel?

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What is the Linux kernel?

The kernel is so named because—like a seed inside a hard shell—it exists within the OS and controls all the major functions of the hardware, whether it’s a phone, laptop, server, or any other kind of computer.