OS: Introduction to Linux

A beginner-friendly introduction to Linux covering its history, distributions, open-source philosophy, how it compares to Windows and macOS, and the real-world use cases where Linux excels.

What is Linux? (History, Distributions, Open Source philosophy)

History of Linux

Linux was created in 1991 by a Finnish student, Linus Torvalds. At the time, UNIX systems were powerful but expensive and limited to enterprises and universities. Linus wanted a free alternative that could run on personal computers. He began by writing the kernel—the central part of an operating system that manages hardware and provides core services.

On August 25, 1991, Linus announced his project on a public forum, describing it as “just a hobby.” What started as a small experiment quickly grew into one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, powering everything from smartphones to supercomputers.

Linux Distributions (Distros)

Although we often say “Linux” as if it is the entire system, technically Linux is just the kernel. To create a usable operating system, the kernel is combined with tools, libraries, and applications into what is called a Linux distribution (or distro).

Different distros are tailored for different purposes:

  • Ubuntu → Beginner-friendly, suitable for desktops and servers
  • Debian → Very stable, widely used in servers
  • Fedora → Cutting-edge technologies, popular among developers
  • Arch Linux → Minimal, customizable, aimed at advanced users
  • Kali Linux → Specialized in cybersecurity and penetration testing
  • Android → The world’s most popular mobile OS, built on the Linux kernel

Each distribution may look and feel different, but they all share the same Linux core.

The Open Source Philosophy

One of the most important aspects of Linux is that it is open source. This means the source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and share. Linux is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which ensures that improvements and modifications remain accessible to the community.

The open-source philosophy behind Linux is built on:

  • Freedom → Free to use, run, and distribute
  • Transparency → Nothing is hidden; the source code is open for inspection
  • Collaboration → Thousands of developers worldwide contribute
  • Community-driven development → No single company controls Linux; it evolves through collective effort

Why Linux Matters

Because of its stability, security, and flexibility, Linux has become the backbone of modern computing. It powers:

  • Over 90% of the world’s servers and supercomputers
  • Cloud platforms and DevOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes
  • Embedded systems and IoT devices such as routers, smart TVs, and automotive systems
  • Desktop computing, offering a free and open alternative to Windows and macOS

Linux is not just an operating system; it is a philosophy of openness, collaboration, and innovation that continues to shape the digital world.

Linux vs Windows vs macOS

Different Operating System Families

Although Linux, Windows, and macOS are all operating systems, they come from very different backgrounds and follow different philosophies. Understanding these differences will help you see where Linux fits in the broader computing landscape.

Linux

Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system. It is free to use, modify, and distribute, which has led to countless variations known as distributions. While it can be installed on desktops, it is especially dominant in servers, supercomputers, cloud infrastructure, and embedded devices. Linux is highly customizable, secure, and stable, making it a favorite for developers, system administrators, and cybersecurity professionals.

Key points about Linux:

  • Free and open-source (GPL license)
  • Highly customizable and available in many distributions
  • Stable and secure; ideal for servers and networking
  • Primarily command-line driven, but supports many desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, etc.)

Windows

Windows is a proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft. It is the most widely used OS for personal computers and business environments. Windows emphasizes ease of use with a graphical user interface (GUI) and is strongly supported by hardware manufacturers and software vendors, which makes it compatible with a wide range of applications and games.

Key points about Windows:

  • Proprietary, closed-source software
  • User-friendly interface, dominant in personal computing
  • Strong support for commercial software and gaming
  • Requires paid licenses for most versions
  • More prone to viruses and malware compared to Linux

macOS

macOS is a proprietary Unix-based operating system developed by Apple. It is known for its polished design, stability, and tight integration with Apple hardware. macOS is only officially available on Apple devices like MacBook, iMac, and Mac Pro. Like Linux, it is Unix-like, which means it shares some similarities in command-line tools and structure, but it is not open source.

Key points about macOS:

  • Proprietary, closed-source software
  • Based on Unix, offering good stability and security
  • Exclusive to Apple hardware
  • Highly polished user experience and seamless integration with iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products
  • Limited hardware options and generally higher cost

Comparing at a Glance

  • Cost → Linux is free; Windows and macOS require purchase or come with hardware.
  • Source Code → Linux is open source; Windows and macOS are closed source.
  • Customizability → Linux is highly customizable; Windows and macOS are restricted.
  • Software Availability → Windows has the widest software support; macOS focuses on creative tools; Linux shines in development, servers, and security.
  • Hardware → Linux runs on almost anything; Windows runs on most PCs; macOS is tied to Apple hardware.

The Bottom Line

  • Linux → Best for servers, developers, and power users who value freedom and security.
  • Windows → Best for general users, businesses, and gamers needing wide software compatibility.
  • macOS → Best for professionals in the Apple ecosystem who prioritize design, stability, and integration.

Together, these three systems dominate modern computing, each serving different needs and communities.

Linux Use Cases

Linux is one of the most versatile operating systems ever created. Thanks to its flexibility, security, and open-source nature, it is found in an enormous range of environments — from the tiniest devices to the largest supercomputers. Below are some of the most common areas where Linux is used.

Servers

Linux is the backbone of the internet. The majority of web servers run on Linux because it is secure, stable, and efficient. Popular server distributions such as Ubuntu Server, CentOS, Rocky Linux, and Debian provide a strong foundation for hosting websites, applications, and databases. With Linux, administrators can run services like:

  • Web servers (Apache, Nginx)
  • Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
  • Mail servers (Postfix, Dovecot)
  • Virtualization & container platforms (KVM, Docker, Kubernetes)

Linux’s reliability makes it the top choice for companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook.

Embedded Systems

Linux also thrives in embedded systems, where computing power is built into specialized devices. Because Linux can be trimmed down to a very small footprint, it runs on:

  • Routers and networking devices
  • Smart TVs and set-top boxes
  • Automotive systems (e.g., infotainment, ADAS)
  • Medical devices and industrial controllers

Distributions like Yocto, Buildroot, and OpenWrt allow developers to create tailored Linux systems for embedded hardware.

Desktop

Although less common than Windows or macOS on personal computers, Linux has become increasingly popular on desktops, especially for developers, students, and enthusiasts. Distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and Manjaro offer user-friendly interfaces and access to thousands of free applications.

Key benefits of Linux on desktop:

  • Completely free and open-source
  • Customizable look and feel with multiple desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, XFCE)
  • Ideal for programming, cybersecurity, and system administration
  • Lower hardware requirements compared to modern Windows/macOS versions

Cloud Computing

Linux dominates the cloud and DevOps ecosystem. Most cloud platforms, including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, run Linux at their core. Containers, virtualization, and orchestration tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenStack are built around Linux.

Cloud advantages with Linux:

  • Scalability for large infrastructures
  • Robust networking and security features
  • Easy automation through shell scripting and configuration tools (Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)

Internet of Things (IoT)

Linux powers a wide range of IoT devices, from home automation systems to industrial smart sensors. Its modularity allows it to scale down for small devices while still offering strong networking and security. Popular IoT-focused distributions include Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu Core, and OpenWrt.

Examples of Linux in IoT:

  • Smart homes (lights, thermostats, security cameras)
  • Wearables (smartwatches, fitness trackers)
  • Industrial IoT (sensors, predictive maintenance systems)
  • Robotics and drones

Summary

Linux is everywhere: in the data centers that power the internet, in the devices that connect our homes, in the desktops used by developers, and in the cloud platforms that run modern businesses. Its adaptability across servers, embedded systems, desktops, cloud computing, and IoT makes it a cornerstone of today’s technology landscape.