Linux, Hot or Not?
What is Linux?
LINUX, an alternate of Windows operating system is a free or low cost, secure and reliable operating system. Efficiency and Stability are its main features. Linus Torvalds first got the idea to develop the Linux kernel in 1991, while studying in the University of Helsinki. Linus along with other team members completed it with the combination of the linux kernel and system component. This was the base of GNU project, so LINUX is also known as GNU/LINUX.
It has all the features that any complete operating system should have, like GUI (graphical user interface), many useful collection of tools, important applications etc. Linux Operating system is supported by almost all hardwares ranging from simple PCs to supercomputers. All file systems such as FAT, NTFS etc are supported.
One of the most important features of Linux that none of its competitors have, is that LINUX is an open source operating system. Open Source means, its source code is open to all. Every one can view and edit the code to enhance the functions by adding new contributions. These contributions like the Linux are also Open Source.
Why Use Linux ?
There are many reasons of using the Linux operating system, especially when you need it for business purposes. Let us discuss these points.
1) Cost Effective :- As already mentioned LINUX and most of its applications like php, mysql and many others , all are open source and free to use. No need of paying monthly or annually license fees for the operating system and applications. Also there is no need to get new hardware with new versions of software unlike Microsoft windows. So Linux is cost effective.
2) More Quality:- As all the tools, applications and development enviroments of Linux are free to use, the maintenance and administration is cheap. So the efficiency is improved.
3) Most Secure:- Linux operating system is the most secure operating system which is another benefit over other operating systems.
Let us take a more detailed review on advantages and disadvantages of using Linux operating system.
Advantages Of Linux Operating System :-
1) Stable And Reliable Coding:- Linux is an open source operating system. Its code can be viewed and edited by any one. So when professionals work together in smaller and bigger projects, code is reviewed by them. So a very large number of people view, edit, improve and find the bugs in the code. This makes the code of Linux more and more perfect and reliable. This feature cannot be found in any other operating system because their code is always hidden from public and only the company coders can improve the code.
2) Freedom to modify: - Linux code can be viewed and changed by any one. Any small or large organization can change the code to meet their specific requirements.
3) Low resource requirements: - A lot of people have used the Linux code to make new contributions, utilities and applications. So a Linux user may find almost every thing for free. And another great benefit is that all these contributions do not need the upgrade of hardware. This is not the case with the Microsoft windows where all new software’s require a new set of Hardware to work with. So windows users are always facing problem of compatiblity of new softwares with their current system hardware.
4) Most Secure Operating System:- The contributions in source code have made the LINUX a really stable and secure operating system. The code is designed in such a way that an end user can do what he is allowed but cannot do any thing that can break the system. Especially the security and intelligence personnels prefer to use the open source applications. Because they can easily review the code and modify it to their specific needs regarding security.
5) Highly Resistant Against Viruses:- The compact and reliable coding of LINUX has added a really high resistance against the viruses and trojans. So the LINUX operating system, usually, do not need any anti-virus tools installed. The file system of LINUX does not allow any virus to infect the system.
Disadvantages of using Linux Operating System: -
1) Fewer business applications: - Microsoft windows provide their users with highly specialized business applications. But this is not the case with LINUX. The main reason of this is that people may not want to waste their time and energy to make the “Free applications” using Linux. Professionals will, of course, get great income when they will develop the application for Microsoft windows because that can be sold.
2) Incompatible Distributions:- The applications developed in LINUX are not compatible with all the distributions. This is another reason why LINUX users are not growing as they should.
3) Highly Skilled Administrators Required:- In order to administer the systems with Microsoft Windows, very little effort and experience is required as things are easy to use and have very easy user interfaces. So a lot of people are available at affordable rates. While in the case of LINUX things are opposite. TO administer the system with LINUX high skills and experience is required and it is usually tough to learn it. So it is always a problem to find a right person to administer your Linux based systems. Also the cost of hiring is really high.
Other LINUX Issues :-
1) User Interface:- Another important issue is the lack of user friendly interface in the LINUX. It is really very hard for a user of Microsoft Windows to switch to LINUX because of this behavior. Using Microsoft windows is a fun and really easy, while for LINUX some technical skills are always required to do even the simple tasks. Let us take the example of installing Microsoft Windows. This process is very systematic and automatic. Any person with basic computer skills is capable of doing it. While in case of LINUX this is not an automatic task. In case of problems technical knowledge is a must. So this is another reason why the home users feel it difficult to switch to the LINUX. The shifting of technical person from Windows to LINUX is far more difficult. The concepts, interface, problems their solutions, all are different from the Windows environment. So it is also very hard for the technical persons too to jump to the LINUX environment.
2) Migration Issue:- Another main factor due to which the Windows based management systems cannot switch to LINUX easily is compatibility issue. The cost involved in this switch is very much high, so usually windows based management systems do not shift to LINUX even if they can see more benefits in using the LINUX. Actually all the data formats of both operating systems are quite different. For migrating towards LINUX will require all the data into a new format that should be compatible with LINUX. And this cannot be achieved easily. Important data may be lost during this migration. If the migration is done with success, then the users will need training to learn the new software’s and environment. And also the technical staff will require a tough training to learn new system and how to solve the technical issues that may arise.
I prefer linux over other as it is open source.