Everything about linux os

In 1991, Linus Torvalds developed the free and open-source Linux operating system kernel, which serves as the foundation for thousands of distributions that are used in desktops, servers, mobile devices, and embedded systems. It highlights its reliability and scalability by powering over 96% of the top web servers and all 500 of the quickest supercomputers. 

Background and Origins 

Linus Torvalds's hobby project at the University of Helsinki, which was modeled after Minix but intended to be a free Unix-like kernel, was the genesis of Linux. It was first released on September 17, 1991. 

Notable achievements include the first stable kernel version 1. 0 in 1994, early distributions like Red Hat, and ports to architectures like DEC Alpha. With the addition of GNU components, its growth accelerated, resulting in full GNU/Linux systems, and it was commercially adopted by IBM and Dell in the late 1990s. Kernel Structure 

The Linux kernel has a monolithic but modular architecture, managing process scheduling, memory management, virtual file systems (VFS), networking, and inter-process communication. 

Kernel Architecture

The Linux kernel uses a monolithic yet modular design, handling process scheduling, memory management, virtual file systems (VFS), networking, and inter-process communication.Loadable kernel modules for dynamic hardware support without rebooting, the process scheduler for multitasking, and the MMU for virtual memory are among the core subsystems. It guarantees stability by dividing kernel mode (system calls like read/write) from user mode (apps via glibc). 

Popular Distributions 

The kernel is bundled with utilities, libraries, and user interfaces in Linux distributions that are customized to meet specific requirements. 

Distribution Target Users Key Features Base 

Debian Ubuntu Users of all skill levels, desktops, and LTS support 

Fedora Autonomous Programmers 

Linus Torvalds uses cutting-edge tools. 

Fedora Independent DevelopersCutting-edge packages, used by Linus Torvalds

Arch Linux Independent Experienced users Rolling releases, great customization using pacman 

Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Beginners, Cinnamon DE, lightweight, Windows-like interface 

Debian, stability, autonomous servers The foundation of several distributions is rock-solid. 

With Ubuntu as the most popular distribution, Linux is used by more than 4% of desktop computers in 2024. 

Permissions and the File System 

From root (/), Linux organizes files in a hierarchical tree, with directories such /home for users, /etc for settings, and /var for logs. 

Read (r=4), write (w=2), and execute (x=1) permissions are used by rwxrwxrwx (owner/group/others); chmod can be used to modify permissions. For example, chmod 755 file allows the owner complete access, while others can only read/execute. Chown is used to manage ownership, which aligns with the everything-as-file approach for devices and processes. Ownership is managed by chown, supporting everything-as-file philosophy for devices and processes.

Commands that are Necessary 

Master these for direction, administration, and automation. 

ls: Displays the contents of a directory; use ls -la to see information about hidden files. 

Change/print the current working directory using cd/pwd. 

Make/delete directories using mkdir/rmdir. 

cp/mv/rm: Remove, move, or copy files; use rm -r for recursive deletion. 

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mkdir/rmdir: Create/remove directories.

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cp/mv/rm: Copy/move/delete files; rm -r for recursive.

grep/head/tail: Find patterns, see the beginning and end of a file. 

Package managers (Debian/RPM-based): apt/dnf. 

Advanced: data processing with awk/sort. 

Instructions for Installation 

Download an ISO (such as Ubuntu), make a bootable USB drive, boot from it, and then use the graphical installer. 

To dual-boot with Windows, reduce a partition using Disk Management, then pick it during the Linux installation; the GRUB bootloader manages OS selection upon restart. 

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Installation Guide

Download an ISO (e.g., Ubuntu), create a bootable USB, boot from it, and follow the graphical installer.For dual-boot with Windows, shrink a partition via Disk Management, then select it during Linux install; GRUB bootloader handles OS selection on reboot.After installation, update using sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. 

Desktop Settings 

Select according to resource usage and style. 

Default Distributions, Customization, Resource Use, and the Environment 

High (about 1. 3 GB) for GNOME 

moderately gesture-oriented 

Ubuntu, Fedora Plasma from KDE Medium Big themes/widgets Fedora, Ubuntu

KDE Plasma Medium Extensive themes/widgetsNeon, Kubuntu 

XFCE Low High, lightweight Xubuntu, Mint XFCE 

In contemporary configurations, Wayland substitutes X11 for increased security and performance. 

Security Measures 

In enforcing/permissive mode, Linux uses user/group permissions, firewalls (firewalld/ufw), and SELinux/AppArmor for mandatory access control. Package managers provide frequent updates that fix flaws; a default rootless configuration lowers dangers. Better than Windows in servers since it is subject to open-source analysis. 

Applications and Comparisons 

Linux is used in supercomputers, clouds (AWS/Azure), embedded devices (Android, routers, vehicles), and the majority of servers (96%+ web servers). 

Linux dominates servers (96%+ web servers), clouds (AWS/Azure), embedded (Android, routers, cars), and supercomputers.

Linux is the aspect. 

macOS, Windows 

Price Free Paid Paid 

Limited, Moderate, or Extreme Customization 

High security (open audits) 

High Medium 96% of the servers 

market Low Low market Low Low

The following is a list of all the main Linux operating systems, covering everything from basic. cybersecurity to servers and beginners. also Kali! 

A Comprehensive List of Linux Operating Systems (2026 well-liked ones) 

For Daily Use & Beginners 

Ubuntu - Sabse LTS 10, gaming-ready, and straightforward support throughout the year 

Linux Mint has a Windows-like interface and is quite stable. 

Zorin Mac/Windows layouts for the OS with a single click 

The NVIDIA gaming powerhouse is Pop! _OS. 

Mac - Elementary OS just as stunning 

Power users and developers 

Supported by Red Hat, the newest technology from Fedora 

 Arch Linux - Rolling updates, full control 

Arch - Manjaro The simplified version 

The YaST configuration wizard's wonders in openSUSE 

Enterprise & Servers 

Ubuntu, Debian - Rock solid the father 

Rocky Linux is a free replica of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). 

AlmaLinux - Stable for business 

Cloud king: Ubuntu Server 

Cybersecurity and Specific Intent 

Kali Linux - The king of pentesting (ideal for you! ) 

Parrot Security - Kali's little brother 

2500+ hacking tools in BlackArch 

Lightweight (outdated PCs) 

MX Linux - very quick, based on AntiX 

Ubuntu - Linux Lite like a 1GB RAM My will shall prevail. 

100 MB from a USB device running Puppy Linux! 

Privacy & Distinctive 

Tails - Anonymous browsing with the Tor browser 

Security by isolation (VMs in VMs) is provided by the Qubes OS.

Linux OS FAQ: Top Keywords Answered

How to Check OS Version in Linux?

Key commands: Open terminal and run these for distro/kernel info.​​

• **cat /etc/os-release**: Shows PRETTY_NAME like "Ubuntu 24.04 LTS".​
• **lsb_release -a**: Displays Distributor ID, Description (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04).​
• **uname -r**: Kernel version, e.g., 5.15.0-91-generic.​​
• **hostnamectl**: Full system details including OS: Ubuntu 24.04.​
  These work on most distros; install lsb-release if missing via apt.​

How to Check Linux OS Version (Terminal)?

Use **cat /etc/*release** for all release files, revealing NAME="Linux Mint 21.3" or similar.​ For quick kernel: **uname -a** outputs architecture, version, build.​ Pro tip: Pipe to grep, e.g., cat /etc/os-release | grep VERSION for exact version.​​

What is Linux OS?

Linux is an open-source Unix-like operating system built around the Linux kernel, which manages hardware like CPU, memory, and devices. Full OS (GNU/Linux) includes GNU tools, libraries, shell (Bash), making it complete for desktops/servers. Powers Android, servers (96% web), supercomputers.​

Is Linux Better Than Windows?

Linux excels in security, cost (free), customization, server stability; runs on old hardware efficiently. Windows wins in user-friendliness, software compatibility (e.g., Adobe), gaming. Choose Linux for servers/dev, Windows for mainstream apps.​

Which OS is Used in Linux?

Linux uses the Linux kernel as its core; no "OS inside" – it is the OS with distros like Ubuntu (Debian-based). Families: Debian (Ubuntu/Mint), Red Hat (Fedora/RHEL), SUSE (openSUSE).​

Is Linux Kernel or OS?

Linux kernel is the core (hardware interface); full Linux OS = kernel + GNU tools + distro packages. E.g., Ubuntu is a Linux OS using Linux kernel.​

Is Mac OS Based on Linux?

No, macOS uses Darwin kernel (BSD-based from NeXTSTEP/Mach), Unix-like but not Linux. Android uses Linux kernel; macOS does not.​

Which Linux OS is Best?

No single best – depends on use:

• Beginners: Ubuntu/Mint (easy, stable).​
• Devs: Fedora (latest software).​
• Servers: RHEL/Debian (enterprise).​
• Advanced: Arch (custom).​

How to Find/Check Which Linux OS Installed?

Run **cat /etc/os-release | grep '^NAME='**

 For

 NAME="Fedora Linux 40".​ Or **neofetch/hostnamectl** for pretty output.​

What is the Family of Linux OS?

Three main families: Debian (stable, APT; Ubuntu/Mint), Red Hat (RPM; Fedora/CentOS), SUSE (YaST; openSUSE). All share Linux kernel.​

Which of the Following OS is Not Based on Linux?

macOS, Windows – not Linux-based. Android/iOS derivatives use kernel but modified. E.g., ChromeOS (Gentoo-based) is Linux.​

Is Linux OS Free?

Yes, completely free (open-source GPL); download distros at no cost, unlike Windows/macOS licenses.​

How to Know/Check OS Version in Linux?

Alias above: **cat /proc/version** for kernel compile details. GUI: Settings > About.​

 Description

Learn how to check Linux OS version with easy terminal commands like cat /etc/os-release & uname -r. What is Linux OS? Is it better than Windows? Best distros guide for beginners. Free, secure Unix-like OS powering servers worldwide.