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Why Linux? A Linux OS Overviewby@kahiko
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Why Linux? A Linux OS Overview

by Kahiko August 2nd, 2022
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Linux is a free and open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. It was originally developed as early as 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is known for its ease of installation, its wide range of features, and its ability to be customized to the user's needs. It does have some drawbacks, but these are outweighed by the many advantages. If you are thinking about switching to Linux, I would encourage you to do so, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to use and how much it has to offer.
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Linux is a free and open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. It was originally developed as early as 1991 by Linus Torvalds.


Linux is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. It is used in many personal computers, servers, and embedded devices. Linux is known for its ease of installation, its wide range of features, and its ability to be customized to the user's needs. Linux, in most cases, is used in applications that require absolute stability, which most scientific experiments are, Linux is the obvious choice. Example: NASA and SpaceX ground stations use Linux. DNA-sequencing lab technicians also use Linux.


Linux is also known for its Stability and Reliability. Many users report that their Linux systems rarely crash or freeze. When problems do occur, they are often easy to fix and most solutions can be found in the Linux forum community.


Linux has a number of interesting attributes.

  • it is possible to install Linux on a computer without a hard drive. This is known as a "live" or "live CD" installation.

    Live installations are useful for testing Linux without making any changes to your computer's hard drive.

Linux has "virtualization" capabilities.


With virtualization, you can run multiple operating systems on the same computer. For example, you could install Linux on a computer that already has Windows installed. You could then use virtualization to run both Windows and Linux at the same time.

Advantages of Linux over other operating systems.

  • Linux is free and open-source. This means that anyone can view and modify the source code. This allows for a large number of developers to improve the operating system.
  • Linux is very stable and reliable. As previously mentioned, it is rare for a Linux system to crash or freeze. When problems do occur, they are often easy to fix.
  • Linux is very customizable. You can change the way it looks and feels to match your preferences. You can also install a wide variety of software applications.
  • Linux is available for a wide range of devices. You can install Linux on your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or even your smartphone.
  • Linux is secure. It is difficult for viruses and other malware to infect a Linux system.

Disadvantages to Using Linux.

  1. Linux can be difficult to install. While there are many distributions that come with an easy-to-use installer, others can be more difficult.
  2. Not all hardware is compatible with Linux. For example, some printers and scanners will not work with Linux.
  3. Some software applications are not available for Linux. This includes some games and productivity applications.



Overall, Linux is a great operating system. It is free, stable, reliable, customizable, and available for a wide range of devices. It does have some drawbacks, but these are outweighed by the many advantages. If you are thinking about switching to Linux, I would encourage you to do so.


I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to use and how much it has to offer. Personally, i use the Linux Mint distro and I’m always in awe of how much I accomplish with simplicity.