Linux is a free and open-source Operating System whose source code is available for everyone to modify for both commercial and non-commercial uses, under the General Public License (GNU). Initially, the Linux operating system was designed for personal computers, but it has now expanded to include supercomputers, mainframe computers, servers, and other devices.
In the previous two decades, Linux has gained a lot of popularity and efficiency and now it also empowers the majority of commercial servers. Even regular users adopt Linux as their primary operating system, and various companies include Linux as a pre-installed OS on their devices because it is completely free. In this blog, we will discover the top 10 Linux features to know more about its potential in the market. But before that, let’s brush up with the basics.
To better understand one of the popular Linux distributions, you might want to explore What is SUSE Linux? and how it stands out in the world of enterprise solutions.
Components of the Linux System
A typical Linux system contains the following components:
- Hardware layer: This layer is composed of all the peripheral devices such as (RAM/ HDD/ CPU etc.).
- Kernel: It is Linux's main component and is also in charge of many of the LINUX operating system's functions. It communicates with hardware directly and delivers low-level operations to upper-layer elements.
- Shell/GCC: It is a user-to-kernel interface that hides the complexities of the kernel's operations from users. Shell processes the user's command and performs the kernel functions.
- Application Software: The desktop environment that comes with your Linux OS are typically not able to meet all the application requirements; there are far too many. Therefore, individual applications are installed. Most Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, come with dedicated app stores for ease in finding and installing such applications.
- Bootloader: Computers go through a startup process known as booting. This boot process requires instruction, and your operating system is in charge of it. The bootloader for your operating system precedes the process when you turn on your computer.
- Background services: Also known as "daemons," these small systems serve as workers in the background, assuring that critical tasks such as scheduling, publishing, and multimedia work properly. They begin to run once the user logs in into the computer or right after the system gets booted.
Top 10 Features of Linux Operating System
Portable Environment
Linux software operates flawlessly on a variety of hardware platforms. Without the worry of incompatibility, individuals can operate Linux operating system on any device. It operates the same way on both high-end and low-end hardware.
Free and Open-Source
Its source code is available for anybody to use and alter as they want. Many developers collaborate in organisations to improve and strengthen Linux and lots of developers work constantly on updating the Linux system. This eventually makes Linux a better option when compared to other inflexible operating systems.
Additionally, if you're looking to monitor system performance on Linux, the top command is an invaluable tool. It provides a real-time view of system resource usage. To learn more about how to use this command effectively, check out our detailed guide on the Linux top command.
Shell/ Command-line Interface
The Linux system includes essential programs that users can execute for issuing commands to the operating system and running the system flawlessly. You may also direct it to carry out various forms of commands for effectively operating the applications.
End-to-end encryption
Authentication can help you keep your data protected. Before you may access some important files, the Linux Operating System requires you to enter a password. Furthermore, the Linux environment allows users to encrypt their data.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Linux Operating System comes with Graphical User Interface (GUI) abilities in the same way offered by Windows. Similarly, users can install the programs and the computer graphics will begin to work in the same way that Windows does.
Configure Keyboards in Different Languages
Because Linux is available in a variety of languages, it is simple to use it across the world. As a result, you can change the language on your keyboard as per your preference.
Frequent New Updates
Software updates are controlled by the users in Linux. Individuals have the option to pick and choose which updates are required and there are a plethora of Linux system updates accessible. These upgrades happen considerably more quickly when compared to other operating systems. Therefore, system upgrades can be deployed without difficulty.
Lightweight Infrastructure
Linux is an extremely lightweight operating system. Linux has far fewer prerequisites than any other operating system and has a smaller memory footprint and consumes lesser storage space. Typically, you'll find a Linux Distro with only 128MB of RAM and around the same amount of disc space.
Extremely Flexible
Linux is extremely flexible and a variety of desktop applications, embedded systems, and server applications can benefit from the same. It also offers a number of computer-specific limitation settings for admins to allow only essential applications or software to get installed.
Best For Developers
Linux supports nearly every popular programming language, including C/C++, Java, Python, Ruby, and others. Furthermore, it provides a wide range of development-related applications.
A majority of developers all around the world prefer the Linux terminal over the Windows command line. On a Linux system, the package manager aids programmers in understanding how things are performed. It also comes with features like bash scripting and also supports SSH that aids in the speedy management of servers.
To learn more about the fundamentals of Linux, including its history and key components, check out our detailed guide on What is Linux?.
Latest Astonishing Linux Trends
Linux-based Hardware
After hardware tools like Chromebooks and Rasberry Pi drew the attention of a wider audience, the Linux platform has been in the spotlight. These Linux-based components are breaking new ground as the days pass because of their ability to perform routine tasks with ease. Recently, Linux saw a number of advanced adaptations in hardware and one of them is Purism Librem 5.
It is an innovative take on mobile phones that focused solely on privacy. Looking at the new expectations of customers, Linux is likely to bring a slew of new hardware devices to market in upcoming years.
Entrance Into Supercomputing
Sierra is expected to be the second-fastest supercomputer with 125 petaflops of processing power and it runs on Linux. This generates a lot of interest in supercomputing technology with Linux being an integral part of the same.
The development and deployment of Linux-powered supercomputers is a trend that shows no signs of abating in the coming year. Given the flexibility and capability of the Linux system, the trend of Linux being adopted as the operating system for supercomputers is likely to continue.
Comeback of Ubuntu
Ubuntu has opted to make a strong comeback after experiencing slight dips in popularity over the last ten years. It is modern and offers a safe working environment for users.
Ubuntu has improved on previous versions in a variety of ways, making it one of the most important Linux trends. Faster Snap applications, easy connection with Android devices, proportional screen resizing, multitasking changes, and a new installer for streamlining the Ubuntu operating system inside machines are just a few of the anticipated features. Furthermore, future releases of Ubuntu is expected to undergo various graphical changes in order to make it more appealing and productive.
For those who are looking to customize their system further, learning how to rename files in Linux can be an essential skill. You can find a comprehensive guide on renaming files in Linux in our article How to Rename a File in Linux.
Linux in Cloud-based Computing
Despite the fact that Linux is already well-known for programming and development, it is also expected to grow in popularity in the cloud. According to Gartner, 80% of internally produced apps use cloud computing or are cloud-native. And Linux is the most widely used operating system in the cloud-based computing space.
Because cloud-based technologies and the Linux system are so intertwined, the Linux system is expected to grow in lockstep with the popularity of cloud-based options. Because cloud computing is almost certain to remain the centre of growth, Linux is growing increasingly popular as a platform as well.
Conclusion
Linux, like any other operating system, has its ups and downs; yet, as time passes, Linux continues to evolve and improve. With each subsequent upgrade, the reasons for not using Linux become less compelling.
To take full advantage of Linux's capabilities, especially for businesses, consider using a Linux Dedicated Server, which offers unmatched performance and control for your applications and services.
With moderate or basic technical skills, the majority of difficulties in Linux can be solved. The aforementioned Linux features must’ve helped you to know the importance of learning Linux and get started with the same. You can also buy linux server to practice it on a routine basis.
To dive deeper into one of the most popular Linux distributions, you can explore the Rocky Linux features and requirements, which offers a solid foundation for users transitioning from CentOS or looking for a reliable enterprise-grade operating system.
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