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What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system, which means it is a software that manages computer hardware and provides a platform for running applications. Unlike proprietary operating systems like MacOS and Windows, Linux is free and open-source, which means it's freely available and can be modified by anyone.
History of Linux
Linux is a Unix-like operating system, which means it is a descendant of the original Unix operating system. Unix was developed in the 1970s by AT&T's Bell Labs, and it is considered one of the pioneering operating systems.
Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991. He was inspired by Unix, and aimed to create a free and open-source alternative. He successfully built upon Unix concepts, design, and philosophy. This is why Linux is often referred to as a "Unix clone" or a "Unix-like" operating system.
However, although Linux shares some similarities with Unix, It has also evolved and diverged from Unix in several ways, with its own unique features, software packages, and community-driven development.
Benefits of Using Linux
Free and Open-Source: Linux is completely free to download and use, and its source code is openly available for modification and distribution.
Security: Linux is a security-focused operating system, making it a popular choice for servers and sensitive applications.
Stability and Reliability: Linux is known for its stability, reliability, and efficiency, making it a popular choice for critical systems.
Customization: Linux can be customized to meet the specific needs of various hardware platforms, from small embedded devices to massive servers.
Speed: Linux is highly optimized for performance, making it a great choice for older hardware or resource-constrained devices.
Large and Supportive Community: Linux has an extensive community of developers and supporters, ensuring continuous improvement and support.
Low Maintenance: Linux requires minimal maintenance, with automatic updates and a strong security model.
Popular Linux Distributions
Ubuntu: A user-friendly distribution ideal for beginners.
CentOS: A free, enterprise-class distribution based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Debian: A stable and reliable Linux distribution known for its vast software repository.
Fedora: A cutting-edge distribution that showcases the latest in Linux technology.
openSUSE: A feature-rich, customizable, and beginner-friendly distribution of Linux.
Kali Linux: A security-focused distribution of Linux based on Debian.
Basic Linux Concepts
Kernel: This is the core of the Linux operating system. It manages hardware resources and provides services to applications. In other words, it acts as a bridge between hardware and software.
Shell: This is a command-line interface that allows users to interact with the operating system. Examples include Bash(default), Zsh, Fish, and more.
Terminal: This provides access to the shell and command-line interface.
Getting Started with Linux
To get started with Linux, you'll need to install it on your computer. In this tutorial, we'll use VirtualBox, a popular virtualization software, to create a virtual machine (VM) and install Linux on it.
Installation
In this section, I will guide you on installing Linux on your computer using a hypervisor; in this case, VirtualBox. A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), is a software that creates and manages virtual machines (VMs).
A virtual machine is a software program that emulates a physical computer or hardware platform, enabling multiple virtualized operating systems to run on a single physical machine. Enough talk; below are the steps to follow to install Linux on your computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox
Go to the VirtualBox website and download the latest version of VirtualBox for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Follow the installation instructions to install VirtualBox on your computer.
Step 2: Download the Linux ISO File
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization.
- Go to the website of the Linux distribution you want to install (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.) and download the ISO file. In this tutorial, we'll download Ubuntu ISO File.
- Make sure to select the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for your computer.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
- Open VirtualBox and click on "New" to create a new virtual machine.
- Specify your username and password. Regarding the domain name, you can change it to anything you want; e.g., "myname.vitualbox.org". Click "Next".
- Give your virtual machine a name, then select the ISO file you downloaded, and click "Next".
- Allocate RAM and CPU resources to your virtual machine (at least 2GB RAM and 2 CPU cores). Click "Next".
- Create a new virtual hard disk. You can leave it at the default value (25.00GB) or increase it. Click "Next".
- Check the information you put in to see if there are any errors. If everything looks good, click the "Finish" button. VirtualBox will automatically begin to install Ubuntu on your machine. You'll have to be patient as this might take a while. During the installation, you will be required to provide your username and password. Use the password you provided earlier when you specified your username and password.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Linux Virtual Machine!
You now have a fully functional Linux virtual machine running on VirtualBox!
Remember to take snapshots of your virtual machine regularly to save your progress and easily revert to previous states if needed.
Conclusion
In this article, I introduced you to Linux, and discussed its history, benefits, popular distributions, and basic Linux concepts. I also showed you how to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox. Whether you're a seasoned developer, a curious student, or simply a tech enthusiast, Linux has something to offer. So why not give it a try? Join the millions of users worldwide who have already discovered the freedom and flexibility of Linux. Welcome to the world of Linux – where the possibilities are endless!"
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