Linux Operating System Overview

Linux Overview

• Linux is an open-source operating system (OS).
• An OS is software that manages hardware resources, such as the CPU, memory, and storage.
• The OS acts as an intermediary between applications and hardware.
• Linux's open-source nature allows users to contribute, modify, and enhance the source code.
• It is free to download and use.
• Linux is generally considered less vulnerable and more secure than Windows.
• Linux is used in embedded systems, like household appliances, automotive entertainment systems, and network appliances (routers, switches, etc.).

Linux Performance

• Linux is known for its quick and smooth performance.
• It often runs faster than Windows, potentially due to the way it handles tasks in the background.
• Linux updates are readily available and can be updated quickly.

Linux Security

• Linux is a popular choice for hackers due to its flexibility, open-source platform, portability, command-line interface, and compatibility with hacking tools.
• For Linux desktop users, firewalls and antivirus software are typically unnecessary.
• Linux is often used for servers due to its high stability and security.
• Linux operating systems are generally considered safe for online banking due to the lack of viruses, and ransomware.
• The possibility of being hacked is often lower if modern distributions are employed.

Linux Distributions

• A Linux distribution is a version of the Linux OS packaged with additional components like installation programs, tools, and additional software to be customized.
• Debian is a Linux-based OS for a range of devices (laptops, desktops, servers), and it provides default configurations, security updates throughout a package's lifecycle, and has extensive hardware support.
• Debian is often viewed as a stable environment.
• Ubuntu is another distribution, based on Debian and primarily made up of free and open-source software, and it comes in three versions: Desktop, Server, and Core.
• Ubuntu is considered beginner-friendly, robust, secure, fast for programming tasks, desktop-focused, and user-friendly.
• Kali Linux is a Debian-based distribution primarily focused on tasks related to information security, including penetration testing, security research, computer forensics, and reverse engineering.
• Kali Linux is a free operating system with tools for penetration testing and security analytics. The code is available on Git for customization. It supports multiple languages for user operation.
• Fedora is mainly for enterprise-level users, alongside Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and provides a user-friendly experience. Fedora is used for Web Servers, Database Servers, Proxies, and Virtual Machines (VMs).

Advantages of Linux

• Open source
• Security
• Software updates
• Customization
• A variety of distributions
• Large community support