Bryan Lozano

                                                                                      Ch.5 Assignment: Linux Operating System

                                                                                                                                        CRN 10256

                                                                                                                                             7/6/2010

 

 

            Linux began in 1991, with the start of a personal project by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish student, to form a new operating system kernel.  It was originally leadoff as a terminal emulator, which Torvalds used for admittance to the large UNIX servers of his university.  Still the main choice for compiling Linux today, buildup was done on MINX using the GNU C compiler.  The program was written specifically for an independent operating system and the hardware he was using because he wished to use the tasks of his new PC with a special processor.  Linux has grown from a small number of C files under a license which prohibited commercial distribution, to its 2009 conditions of over 370 megabytes of source, since its first release of its source code in 1991.  Linux has been widely recognized with public growth since then and throughout its history, and is assured by many to continue in its ventures.

            Linux Distributions, built on top of the Linux kernel, are members of the family of Unix-like software distributions.  The operating system will contain graphics support from the X Windows system, Linux kernel and often a set of utilities and libraries.  The distributions will consist of a considerable collection of database applications, media players, spreadsheets, word processors and other software.  Kuki Linux is a Linux distribution, created with the target of being fast and light weight, to be optimal for netbooks.  A South African Linux distribution was Impi Linux, which focused on the government sector and enterprise, but was ceased after it was incorporated and purchased.

            One way to get Linux distributions is simply to go to Linux.org and click on the distributions tab in the menu on the left side of the page.  There will be a simple form to fill out which will return a list of results that you may be interested in.  When you find the distribution you want, click on it and it will have a link to a list of locations from where it may be downloaded.  I have read that each distribution targets its own audience and all of them have their own maintenance and installation utilities that simplify system administration and its installation.  It is highly recommended to read about each distribution and talk to knowledgeable and experienced users to determine which the best is for you, because any distribution will execute the task of getting you started and keeping you running.  This can be done through Linux users groups and mailing lists.  It has been deemed very important to choose what is right for you because constantly switching distributor’s means reinstalling from scratch.

            One popular use application would be TextMaker.  Created by the Nuremberg, Germany software based company, SoftMaker.  TextMaker is a word processor available as part of the SoftMaker office suite.  The application targets maximum compatibility with Microsoft Word, but at a much lower price and with greater comfort of use.  A second popular application for Linux would be Pretty Good Privay.  PGP is a data decryption and encryption computer application that offers verification for communication and cryptographic privacy.  Composed in 1991, Pretty Good Privacy is mainly used for decrypting, encrypting and signing e-mails to amplify the security of e-mail communication.

            I belive that one adavantage of Linux over Microsoft would be the freedom of choice and control of nearly all aspects of the operating system.  By way of numerous window managers, the user has the power to alter the look and feel of the desktop completely as he or she desires, unlike Microsoft.  However, in regards to that same kind of control, a disadvantage of Linux to Microsoft would be the understanding of how to use the operating system.  It is said to take much time and patience, as well as almost an already strong natural ability of comprehending computer programming. You must have the self-determination to read and learn things on your own with Linux, opposite of Microsoft, where everything has already been done for you.

 

 

 

 

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