Linux
From Knowledge76
Contents |
What is Linux?
Linux is a open source computer operating system suitable for laptops, desktops, servers, and many appliances. Linux possesses legendary stability and thousands of applications. Linux and the applications it runs are, many times, superior to their Windows counter parts. They are also free. Because of the method in which Linux and its applications are developed, they advanced much faster than proprietary software. This rapid advancement has taken Linux from niche to main stream in 10 years. Previous drawbacks, such as usability, have melted away in the past two years. Linux, like Windows, is a productivity tool for everyone. It is not limited to programmers or computer geeks. The primary difference is that it is free to the public.
What is Open Source?
Open Source Software includes applications that are developed and licensed with the source code publicly available. This means that anyone has access to and can improve the code that makes up the software. As a result Open Source applications and the Linux operating system are improved rapidly and security is higher due to the increased scrutiny of the Open Source Community.
Why would people spend their time working on free programs?
There is two part answer to this question. First, there are many companies that employ programmers to work on Open Source Software. They find it in their interest to actively participate in the softwares' direction and quality. These companies provide revenue generating services and hardware based around Open Source. For example, System 76 provides Ubuntu Linux preloaded on its computers. As we grow and learn from our customers we will work to improve Ubuntu thus creating an even better operating system for our customers and the community as a whole.
Second, programmers would like to do things that may not be available yet so they simply start writing an application. Then other people want to do the same thing and join in. For example, maybe you'd like a great photo sharing application. You start writing it and post it online. Someone else comes along and says "hey, that's a great idea", and starts adding to the application. Next thing you know, there's a great free open source photo sharing application for everyone.
