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Atik Bhakta

CISB 11

                                            

 

 

Linux

 

           Linux describes the Unix-like computer operating system that use something known as the “Linux kernel.” It was created in 1991 by a Finnish student by the name of Linus Torvalds. The Linux operating system can be used on a wide variety of computer hardware. Anything from everyday cell phones to even gaming consoles that are popular today.  The name Linux itself came from the man who made it, Linus. Over the years the Linux has grown substantially, going from a small number of C files to over 370 megabytes of information in an extremely short period of time, ranging from 1991 to 2009.

            A Linux distribution, which today is also known as a GNU/Linux distribution, is part of the Unix-like software distributions that is built on top of the Linux kernel. These distributions consist of a large collection of software applications, ranging from word processors such as the one used to type this report all the way to media players and database applications. Some types of these distributions would include Fedora and Mandriva Linux. Fedora is a partnership of free software community members from across the world. The Mandriva Linux is a French Linux distribution that allows both for a trial or a download of their distribution.

            Two ways to acquire Linux distributions are from Live CD’s or through downloads. The Live CD method allows for you to boot the operating system from a compact disk. The process of installing a Linux distributions involves downloading the distro from the internet and burning it onto a DVD or CD. The problem with this is that they usually go through updates every couple months.

            There are a variety of different suites and applications that Linux software has to offer. One of these would be Scribus. Scribus is a high quality open source that allows for desktop publishing. Another is known as the Linux Office Suite: OppenOffice. It is a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, and drawing program all in one whose databases can be easily integrated.

            Linux and Microsoft Windows are very different in a lot of ways and each has its pros and cons. For example, Linux is better in the fact that it is extremely cheap, or even free, while Microsoft can be generally, pretty expensive. On the other hand, Microsoft is better in the fact that unlike Linux you do not have to update it every 6 months or anything like that, which can turn out to be a serious hassle or pain in the neck.