Linux Operating System: History and Overview

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What is the main purpose of the GPL license in Linux?

To ensure freedom to share, modify, and distribute software

Ubuntu was founded in 2000 by Mark Shuttleworth.

False

What is the meaning of the phrase 'Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu'?

a person is a person through people

Linux is a multi-user, ___________________ operating system.

multitasking

What is a characteristic of Linux multitasking?

It uses pre-emptive multitasking

Linux allows only one user to access the system at a time.

False

Match the following Ubuntu variations with their descriptions:

Gobuntu = Tailored for specific use cases Edubuntu = For education Xubuntu = Uses XFCE desktop environment Kubuntu = Uses KDE desktop environment

What is one of the benefits of Linux multi-user functionality?

Sharing of expensive equipment among users

What is the main function of the Linux kernel?

Manages resources and communicates directly with hardware

Linux is a single-user operating system.

False

What is the purpose of X Windows in Linux?

To create the Linux Graphical User Interface

Linux is a multitasking operating system, which means it can handle multiple _______________ simultaneously.

programs

What is a feature of Linux that allows it to run programs requiring more memory than installed RAM?

Demand-paged virtual memory system

Match the following Linux components with their functions:

Kernel = Communicates directly with hardware Shell = Provides interface between user and kernel Utilities and Applications = Executes specific tasks for users

Linux has built-in security features.

True

What is the name of the Linux shell that is commonly used?

Bash

What is Unix?

A time-sharing operating system kernel controlling computer resources

Linux was created by Tanenbaum in the 1980s.

False

What is the name of the logo created by Torvalds for Linux?

Tux (in the shape of a penguin)

Linux distributions were developed from the _____ kernel.

Linux

Match the following Linux concepts with their descriptions:

Unix-like OS = Derived from original Unix OS, shares features and principles GNU Project = Promotes free software development Linux Distribution = Various distributions developed from Linux kernel

What is a characteristic of Unix-based operating systems?

They offer benefits of Unix alongside modern features

The first real version of Linux was released in 1991.

False

What is the name of the educational Unix version developed by Tanenbaum in the 1980s?

Minix

Study Notes

The History of Linux

  • Unix is a time-sharing operating system kernel controlling computer resources, rewritten in C in the 1970s for portability.
  • Unix-based OSs are derived from the original Unix Operating System, offering benefits of Unix alongside modern features like GUIs and support for multimedia applications.
  • Unix-like operating systems mimic Unix behavior, including improvements available in open-source software, but do not share its proprietary code or specific implementations.
  • Unix evolved at UC Berkeley in the mid-1970s, further developed by staff and students, leading to the creation of Minix and Linux.
  • Linux was created by Torvalds in 1991 as a hobby, providing a Unix-like OS for personal computers, with a logo in the shape of a penguin named Tux.
  • Linux development began with the first real version released in 1994, which was lightweight and fast, running on various hardware beyond Intel-based PCs.
  • Linux distributions include Mint, Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, and openSUSE, developed from the Linux kernel.
  • The GNU Project and GPL promote free software development, ensuring freedom to share, modify, and distribute software, integral to Linux development.

Ubuntu Linux

  • Ubuntu was founded in 2004 by Mark Shuttleworth, aiming to create a new Linux-based desktop operating system built on a strong Debian foundation and the GNOME desktop environment.
  • The first release was in October 2004 as Ubuntu version 4.10, known as Warty Warthog, following a naming convention with alliterative names.
  • The name Ubuntu is derived from the African phrase "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu," meaning "a person is a person through others," aiming to bring humanity towards others to the software world.
  • Variations include Gobuntu, Edubuntu, Xubuntu, and Kubuntu, each tailored for specific use cases or user preferences.

What is Linux

  • Linux is a multi-user, multitasking operating system capable of managing resources, controlling input and output, managing storage space, detecting equipment failure, and maintaining system security.
  • Multitasking in Linux involves handling multiple programs simultaneously, leading to more productive resource usage, with pre-emptive multitasking where the operating system controls task allocation and clock cycles.
  • Multi-user functionality allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously, sharing computer resources, enabling collaboration and resource sharing.
  • Linux features include interactive command entry, demand-paged virtual memory system, security, full 32- or 64-bit memory access, compatibility, and extensive hardware compatibility.

Linux Usage

  • Linux can be used as a personal workstation, standalone or networked, compatible with Windows for file sharing.
  • Linux can act as a file/print server with powerful multitasking abilities, used by ISPs for internet services.

The Linux Graphical User Interface

  • The Linux GUI is created using a system called X Windows, not to be confused with Microsoft Windows.

This quiz covers the history of Linux, its evolution from Unix, and an introduction to the Linux Graphical User Interface. Learn about the basics of Linux and its operating system.

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