3.4.1 Concept of Open Sources Operating System
Open-Source Operating
System is a sort of operating system that is free to use providing the original
code where the source code is available (under a copyright license) to the
public. It enables them to use, modify/ enhance the operating system, and
redistribute the modified (or unmodified) form of the operating system. The
advance user can modify the code of the operating system to make it work better
for them in starting the computer or a likely user interface. Some common
examples of open-source operating systems are Linux, Free BSD, Open BSD, Open
Solaris, and Free DOS etc.
Advantages
When a software program
is open-source operating system, it means the programs source code is freely
available to the public.
The programmers on the
Internet can read, redistribute and modify the source code forcing an expedient
evolution of the product.
The process of
eliminating bugs and improving the system happens at a much quicker rate than
the traditional development of commercial software.
Open-source operating
system can be a cost-effective way to run many types d programs on your
computer.
Disadvantages
Since open-source
software is free to use, there is typically no technical support included with
the software.
Some open-source
operating system software licenses are copy left licenses, which state that
anyone redistributing the software does so under the same license and also
includes the same source code.
Free Software
Free Software grants the
below four freedoms to the user:
The freedom to run the
program, for any purpose
The freedom to study how
the program works, and adapts it to one's needs.
The freedom to
redistribute copies to help others
The freedom to improve
the program and release one’s improvement to the public
3.4.2 Introduction to
UNIX, Linux
UNIX
UNIX was born at AT&T
Bell Laboratories in 1968 and Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson were its parents.
By operating system, we mean the suite of programs which make the computer
work.
UNIX is an operating
system designed for use on any kind of computer or computing device. The
current versions of UNIX are running on everything from supercomputers to
mobile phones. It is a stable, multi-user, multi-tasking system for servers,
desktops and laptops. Some UNIX systems have a graphical user interface (GUI)
or graphical desktop environment similar to Microsoft Windows or Mac OS. Many
UNIX systems are released under one or other of the 'free' software licenses.
Because of this, they provide a cheap way to get a powerful operating system.
There are many different
versions of UNIX, although they share common similarities. The most popular
varieties of UNIX are Sun Solaris, GNU/Linux and MacOS X.
The UNIX Operating System
The UNIX operating system
is made up of three parts: the kernel, the shell and the programs.
·
The kernel:
The kernel of UNIX is the hub of the operating system. It allocates time and
memory to programs and handles the file store and communications in response to
system calls.
·
The shell:
The shell acts as an interface between the user and the kernel. When a user logs
in, the login program checks the username and password, and then starts another
program called the shell. The shell is a command line interpreter (CLI).
·
The program:
Linux distributions typically come with several useful application programs as
standard.
Linux
Linux is a free
open-source operating system based on UNIX. Linux was originally created by
Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers from around the globe. Linux
is free to download, edit and distribute. Linux is a very powerful operating
system and i gradually becoming popular throughout the world.
Today, Linux is widely
used for both basic home and office uses. It is the main opera system used for
high performance business and in web servers. Linux has made a impact in this
world.
Advantages of Linux
Low cost:
There is no need to spend time and huge amount money to obtained license
Stability:
Linux has high stability compared to other operating systems. There is need to
reboot the Linux system to maintain performance levels.
Networking:
Linux provides a strong support for network functionality; client and server
systems can be easily set up on any computer running Linux. It can perform
tasks like network backup faster than other operating systems.
Flexibility:
Linux is very flexible. Linux can be used for high performance applications,
desktop applications, and embedded systems. We can also restrict the use of
specific computers.
Wider Choice:
There is a large number of Linux distributions which give you a wi choice. Each
organization develops and supports different distribution. Fast and easy
installation: Linux distributions come with user-friendly installation.
Better use of hard disk:
Linux uses its resources well and enough even when the hard disk is almost
full.
Multitasking:
Linux is a multitasking operating system. It can handle many things the same
time.
Security:
Linux is one of the most secure operating systems. File ownership permissions
make LINUX more secure.
Some LINUX commands:
mkdir - It is used to
make directories.
Syntax: mkdir directory
Example: mkdir ram
cd-cd command is used to
change directories
Syntax: cd directory
Example: cd hello
mv-To change the name of
a directory mv command is used. Syntax: my old_directory_name
new_directory_name
Example: mv testdir
newnamedir
rmdir - It removes an
existing directory.
Syntax: rmdir directory
Example: rmdir testdir
cp-To copy files from one
place to another cp command is used. Syntax: cp source destination Example: cp
myfile yourfile
cal month year - It
prints a calendar for the specified month of the specified year.
Example: cal 12 1987
cat files - It prints the
contents of the specified files. Syntax; cat file_name
Example: cat newyear
clear-It is used to clear
the terminal screen.
Syntax: clear
cmp file1 file2 - It
compares two files, reporting all discrepancies. Similar to the diff command,
though the output format differs.
free-free command
displays the amount of used and free system memory.
Assignment
1. Define open-source
operating system and free software.
2. Differentiate between
Linux and UNIX.
3.4.3 Linux Distributions
As we know Linux is a
free source operating system, there are many different Linux distributions out
there. One of the most confusing things for the newcomer to Linux is how many
distributions, or versions, of the operating system there are. Ubuntu is the
one most people have heard of, but there are hundreds of others as well, each
offering some variant on the basic Linux theme.
Some Linux distributions
are:
1. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Linux-based
operating system. It is built on the Linux kernel foundation. Ubuntu is also
known as the distribution of Linux. It is designed for computers, smart phones
and network servers. All the principles used to develop the Ubuntu software are
based on the principles of Open-Source software development. Most of the other open-source
operating systems built on the Linux kernel are available to download and use
for free. There are dedicated communities of developers who can support you
when you those operating systems.
It is also worth
understanding that Ubuntu is available in various remixes and spin-off distros
targeted at specific niches, such as Kubuntu, Xubuntu and Lubuntu. Most of the
differ primarily by offering a desktop environment other than Ubuntu's standard
GNOME.
Features of Ubuntu:
·
Unlike Mac OS or Windows, you need not pay
any fees in order to use it, so it is free.
·
Ubuntu is much more customizable as
compared to any other popular OS. Ubuntu has in-built email software called
Thunderbird, which gives the user account email such as Exchange, Gmail,
Hotmail, etc.
·
There are also applications to manage videos.
It also allows the users to share videos You can simply load it into a pen
drive and run it from there. This also means that you will be able to carry
your OS with you wherever you go.
·
The desktop version of Ubuntu supports all
the normal software on Windows such Firefox, Chrome, VLC, etc. You will not
have to install separate compilers or software on your OS in order to coding,
so, it is easy to use for development.
·
It is a secured operating system.
2. Fedora
Fedora is a powerful free
operating system based on the Linux kernel. It was released along with Red Hat
Enterprise Linux (RHEL), which was to be the next official Linux distribution
after Red Hat Linux was discontinued. The origin of the Fedora name 'fedora'
refers to the characteristic fedora hat used in Red Hat's "Shadowman"
logo. Fedora is said to be the second most commonly used Linux distribution,
after Ubuntu.
Just as all Linux
distributions, Fedora is focused on security. Fedora has a firewall present
right from the start and can be easily configured both using the terminal or
via graphical interface. This makes Fedora a very popular choice for web
servers. Fedoras the OS of choice for Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux
kernel, and is used a operating system for several NASA systems and
supercomputers, such as the Roadrun
Features of Fedora
·
It is easy to use.
·
It is always rolling out with the latest
software, driver updates, and Linux features Since, Fedora is a free open-source
operating system; you can take advantage out of operating system.
·
It can be used from desktop to
supercomputer.
·
Fedora is backed by the Red Hat community;
its users enjoy the advantages of getting support from the Red Hat community
which includes commercial support and constant security updates.
·
SELinux is a Linux kernel security module
that enables support for accessing security policies e.g. managing permission
rights. Fedora will work on PCs, with printers, scanners, cameras, etc. from
different vendors.
3. Debian
Debian is a free open
source operating system. The Debian project has been operating since 1993-over
25 years ago!
The feature that most
distinguishes Debian from other Linux distributions is its package management
system. These tools give the administrator of a Debian system complete control
over the packages installed on that system, including the ability to install a
single package or automatically update the entire operating system. Individual
packages can also be protected from being updated. To protect your system
against "Trojan horses" and other malevolent software, Debian's
servers verify that uploaded packages come from their registered Debian
maintainers.
Debian encompasses over
50,000 packages of free, open source applications and documentation.
Features of Debian:
·
It is easy to use.
·
It is a free open source operating system;
you can take the advantage of code of operating system. Debian combined with
our bug tracking system ensures that problems found are fixed quickly.
·
Debian's attention to detail allows us to
produce a high-quality, stable, and scalable distribution.
·
It was also the first Linux distribution
that could be upgraded without requiring reinstallation.
·
Canonical also provides commercial support
for Ubuntu deployments across the desktop, the server and the cloud.
·
With Debian's simple update options,
security fixes can be downloaded and installed automatically across the
Internet.
4. Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a free and
open source operating system distribution based on Ubuntu and Debian for use on
x-86 x-64 compatible machine. It is an ubuntu based distribution that was just launched in 2006. Linux Mint is the
third most popular home operating system, next to Microsoft's Windows and
Apple's Mac OS.
The operating system is
also provided in an alternate Linux Mint Debian Edition for those that are more
familiar with Linux. It also includes some proprietary multimedia codecs that
are often absent from larger distributions, thereby enhancing its hardware
compatibility. Mint doesn't have a fixed release schedule, but typically a new
version comes out shortly after each stable Ubuntu release.
Mint is compatible with
Ubuntu installer, which enables access to 30,000 existing pieces free, open
source software.
Features of Linux Mint:
·
It is easy to use.
·
The operating system is easier to install
than most Linux distributions.
·
Linux Mint's Software Manager is lighter
and quicker.
·
It provides the option to reset the
repositories to default.
·
Although the OS includes a firewall, Mint
claims to have no need of antimalware You do not need to install a new tool
just to change themes in Mint. It already covered it in Settings.
·
This support allows for the DVD and BluRay
playback, as well as Flash for stream media. Mint includes software required
for e-mail and online functionality as well as support for multimedia content,
whether online or from a user's own files and physical media
5. Gentoo Linux
Gentoo Linux is a free
source operating system based on Linux. It was built by using the portage
package management system that was initially released on 26th July 2000.
Portage is the official package manager and distribution system for Gentoo. The
amount of time it takes to be installed is the biggest hurdle. Still, it has a
lot of benefits, making it popular among web developers.
Its biggest advantage is
that it comes with comprehensive documentation that tells you exactly what you
need to know. You get to know which kernel modules you have to add. Throughout
the years, it has attract popularity by maintaining more packages and
supporting more platforms than even the respected Debian distribution.
Features of Gentoo Linux:
·
It makes development easy.
·
It is a completely free Linux distribution
geared towards the developers and network professionals.
·
Gentoo Linux is versatile and fast.
·
The Gentoo distribution is available for
much different architecture providing either Linux or FreeBSD (BSD is Berkeley
Software Distribution) as the operating system kernel. For this reason, they
have excellent support for various hardware.
·
In Portage, a lot of packages are
available by default, and even in the stable branch, versions are usually very
close to the latest. It uses colors everywhere. It starts at the command line
promptly, then proceeds with the file listings, the grep (global regular
expression print) expressions, the package manager output color is even enabled
in the text editor nano.
Assignment
1. List different Linux
distributions.
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