Linux - what is it? Linux OS: review, instructions, reviews. How to start using Linux

The most popular at this time is the Windows operating system. This is due to the successful beginning, and the initial focus on working with it inexperienced users. But practically everyone who has had several years of using this OS, the question arises that they can offer analogs. Here one of these will be considered within the framework of the article.

Linux operating system : what is it and what does it consist of?

This is not an easy question. To fully understand the capabilities of this development, you need to read more than one book and spend a lot of time at the computer. The operating system itself is a set of programs that allow you to interact with computers and start other programs. There are several important applications at the very bottom, which can be divided into the following groups:

1. Allowing you to receive instructions from users and communicate with them.
2. Making it possible to read and write data to the hard disk, and also to play them back with the printer.
3. Allows you to monitor the use of memory and start other programs.

The most important part of the operating system is the kernel (which is called Linux). What does the device give you in practice? The currently popular templates as another part of the operating system use various programs that were written for this project. By the way, the full name of this OS is GNU / Linux. Next, you will find out why she has such a name.

Creature

GNU / Linux modeled on the Unix OS. From the very beginning, this operating system was developed as a multi-user and multitasking. That's enough to highlight it. But there are much more differences in it. The most important thing is that it is free of charge (a significant part of the development was created by volunteers at no charge) and lack of ownership. For the first time, the Free Software Foundation took up the creation of something like this in 1984. Then they developed a Unix-like operating system called GNU. A lot of basic functions were created, with the help of which it was possible to solve problems of a wide spectrum (if to compare with what existed at that time). In addition to the fund, many working groups and individuals contributed to their contribution, which does not detract from their work. But nevertheless there are some features. Thus, the foundation created most of the tools used, the philosophy and community of enthusiastic users and independent programmers. Their strengths and appeared a well-established version of GNU / Linux. But this is so far only the history of the first part. The kernel of Linux OS was created by the Finnish student Linus Torvalds in 1991 (the first stable version dates back to 1994). Then it was announced as a replacement for Minix. The creator has not since retired and continues to head a group of several hundred programmers who are improving the operating system.

What does the operating system provide to users?

Today, there is great freedom in choosing the necessary software. So, there are a dozen shells of the command line, as well as several graphical desktops. And this means not a visual design, but a change in the functional part. Also, due to the adaptation of the operating system to the execution of several programs, it is less susceptible to various failures and better protected. Since its inception Linux OS has been slowly but surely winning its audience. So, most servers are already working on it. The way in the corporate segment and at home is just beginning. Each distribution is different in its functionality, appearance and size. So, there are options that provide the greatest opportunities. There are some that can fit on a small flash drive or work on older computers. Also, right after installing the operating system, it is possible to quickly install software packages to work in certain directions (which is valuable if an office computer is created).

Terminal

This is an important part of working with the Linux operating system. What is a terminal? It is a powerful tool with great potential. With its help, it is possible to facilitate, or even completely transfer to the machine all the routine work. Using the terminal you can:

1. Install and run programs;
2. Configure the distribution or configuration files;
3. Add new program stores;
4. And many other things about which this Linux-review will tell.

Basic use of the terminal, as well as installation of programs

Run it. To start the program just enter its name. Thus, you can activate everything from simple timer programs to complex utilities. To do this, you do not need to enter the full path (which is a strong difference from Windows). Let's take as an example the launch of the Firefox browser and immediately - the opening of the site. The latter must be placed in the arguments. Their types depend on the programs that are called. So, the desired command will look like this: firefox "the address of the site we want to go to". Another important feature of the terminal is that there are a number of teams that are only designed to work with it. That is, they do not have a graphical interface. And now it's time to talk about installing programs. Of course, there are also graphical applications that can help with this task. So, start the terminal and enter the following: sudo apt-get install package_name. It's easy, right? The word sudo is used here to obtain administrator rights to install the program. Using apt-get, the desired parameters for the application are read. And install installs the program directly. And the feature is that you can work with several applications at the same time - for this you only need to separate them with a space.

The name and purpose of the installation packages can be easily guessed without the use of various tools. But if this is not possible - click on Tab. When changing distributions, you do not have to do everything first - it's enough just to export the names of the used packages to a text file, in order to later import its contents. Here is such a simple Linux-instruction is necessary for initial work.

Working with files and directories

Here there is a nuance that will help to understand the operating system's features more quickly. So, the work always happens in the current directory. To do something in another place, you must first specify it. There is such a command - nano. Used to open a text editor. If you enter nano "document name", the file with the specified name will be created in the current directory. And what if I need to do this in another folder? We register the command in this way: nano / home / rabota / documents / "Document name". If the specified directive does not have a file with the required name and extension, then a new one will be created and opened. And if you need to move from one folder to another? To do this, use the cd command. It can be specified by itself - with /, ~ or with a directive. The first three commands will be moved to the root directory. To display the list of files in the current directory, use ls. To create a new directory, use mkdir "Name or path". To delete files, use the rm command. After it, you must specify the name of the document or the directive for its placement.

To copy files, you must use the command "Document name" - "Path". Note that you need to apply it in the directory where the portable object is located. Mv works in the same way, but it is already moving the file. So, it is necessary to specify as follows: mv "Directory where the document is located" - "Path where the object moves". From the outside it may look a bit complicated, but a bit of practice will convince you that it only seems. Now you can basically configure Linux to satisfy requests.

Working with the system

Use Tab. This is a very useful key. So, it can help with autocomplete. This works for packages, files, and folders. If there are several options, the system will prompt you to choose one of them. Also remember that the care of Linux will be on your shoulders. Although you can use and provided assemblies, if there is no desire for a brick to collect its (although this is one of the features of the system). But just in case, know that this is a simple matter, and in most cases, the implementation of this action will not be difficult. Also, you can use any of the graphical interfaces to work, which is freely available (although the easiest way to manage it is by using the command line).

Installing Linux

What if I want to use this operating system? Then you need to know how to install and how to start Linux. Initially, choose the distribution that you will have. Popularly used are Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS and many others. We pay attention to the presented operating systems, although the final choice is yours. To do this, you will need to acquire the .ISO image and write it to disk. It is desirable to download the file from the official assembly site. Then you need to select the number of bits of the system. The 32 version has fewer compatibility issues and works better with drivers. But its analog at 62 has more performance. True, they will bring and the troubles with which you will have to understand. Before you start, get a backup of all the important data. Do not think that the system can spoil something for you. Simply in most cases, users themselves ignorantly or in a panic remove important information. So, you have a disk with the system image. Before performing the reinstallation, configure the basic input / output system to work with the optical drive. Now you can reboot.

As an example, the installation of Ubuntu will be considered. This is a popular operating system, and it is not difficult to find recommendations for working with it. So, initially the screen will appear where you will have to choose "Install Ubuntu". Initially, you will need to select the Linux language. Determine your time zone. Then adjust the keyboard operation. In the next step, you will need to prepare the disk space. At this stage, the solution to this issue can be shifted to the operating system, or to determine everything manually. The latter option is suitable for experienced users who know what the data sector is and how the computer works at all. And the level of awareness must be very high.

After the disk space issues have been exhausted, you will be asked to name this computer, and create an administrator. It will be necessary to remember what was indicated here, otherwise the operation of the machine in the future without reinstalling or resetting will be almost impossible. By the way, the password and user name will be needed not only to log into the system. After that, you will see a wizard window for migrating settings from other operating systems. If there are none, the step will be skipped. In the opposite case, the operating system will offer to transfer the files, as well as the settings that were in the user accounts. And in the end there should be a window in which the choice of the user will be displayed. Check if everything is as you want. If there are no complaints, then click on the "Install" button, and the process will be started. Depending on the configuration of the computer on which all these actions are performed, the speed of replacement of operating systems varies. When all the necessary actions are performed, you will be offered to press the "Enter" button.

Running Linux

At the first start you will meet the bootloader. In this case, the launch of Linux will depend on the presence of extraneous OS. If it is one, then Linux itself will boot. If this is not the case, then there are three options before you:

1. If you select the first after ten seconds, the operating system will boot.
2. The second option is analogous to the safe mode of Windows.
3. Testing the RAM.

Also, depending on the number of installed OS will be added the options for launching them, and not just the Linux system boot. After the activation of "Linux" you can start customizing its design, start using additional applications - in general, do everything to make the operating system maximally adjusted to you. Programs for Linux exist in a huge variety, and you can choose what you like. Some problems can arise only when using games and computational applications (AutoCAD and others like it).

Uninstalling and restoring Linux

As an example, all the same Ubuntu will be used. It does not matter why you asked "how to remove Linux" - did not like the system or decided it was difficult. The main thing is how to do it. Consider two options. In the first, for example, you have a spare option in the form of Windows. In the second, we assume that you do not have another operating system:

1. Place the installation disc in the drive. You boot from it by changing the priority in the basic input / output system. Open the command line. You can do this through the installation disc menu. Then select the "System Fix" option. In the English version, it looks like Repair your computer. Correct the record about the system load. To do this, enter the command bootrec / fixmbr. And when you start, the operating system selection screen will not be displayed any more when the computer is turned on, and Windows will always boot. All is ready. Now that the changes take effect, restart the machine. If you want to completely get rid of Ubuntu, then you need to do two more actions. First, open the disk management menu. In the opened window it will be necessary to click on the partition with the operating system right-click and select the command to delete it. Everything, it is no more. Now right-click on the section with Windows and select the "Expand Partition" command. Free space should be added to it. But, we will remind, to do it it is possible only in the event that there is a spare operating system.
2. Now imagine that you have only one Ubuntu. Then you need a disk with the desired operating system (Windows will be used as an example). Insert it into the optical drive. Then it will be necessary to delete the partition in which there is "Linux". Then continue the installation. If you do not do this, you will not be able to use the computer. And then you have somewhere to create an operating system on a flash drive and already with it to carry out the necessary actions.

"Linux": the same and different

Let's talk about what analogues of Linux exist, and give them a brief description. Only the most popular distributions will be considered:

1. Ubuntu. It is focused on easy to learn and use.
2. OpenSUSE. Convenient during setup and maintenance distribution.
3. Fedora. One of the most popular options, which has earned itself love, due to its universality.
4. Debian. This distribution served as the basis for many others. A large community of developers is working on its creation. Has a strict approach to the use of non-free software.
5. Slackware. One of the oldest distributions. Has a conservative approach to development and use.
6. Gentoo. A very flexible distribution. Is going from the source code. The end result can be characterized by high performance and flexibility in the performance of tasks. It is aimed at experienced users and computer technology experts.
7. Archlinux. A distribution that focuses on the use of the latest software versions. Constantly updated. Suitable for those who wish to have all the benefits and modifications, but do not want to waste their time.

In addition to all these listed options, there are many other distributions. They can be based on the ones indicated above or created from scratch. In the second variant they, as a rule, are created for performance of a limited range of tasks. Each distribution has its own concept, a set of packages, advantages and disadvantages. None of them can claim the satisfaction of all users. Therefore, along with the leaders, there are other successful implementations, created by the associations of programmers and firms. So, there are many developments that can function from a CD-ROM, and you can not install the system on the computer itself. If there are no specific targets, then you can use any distribution. If you want to collect the necessary components yourself, I recommend that you pay attention to Gentoo, CRUX or LFS.

What do we tell those who use Linux?

In general, you can explore the reviews yourself. But the article carried out their definite "compilation" for those who do not have the desire or time to search for and read various texts. About Linux reviews in bulk are positive. As positive features are called a small amount of RAM, which must be allocated for the operation of the operating system itself. She also deserved respect among those people who need to focus on work, but they are constantly distracted by games. Last but not least, this is due to the fact that relatively few entertainment programs have been released for Linux. Of course, you can use the services of operating system emulators, but it always takes a lot of time and resources. Therefore, for lazy people this is a good option. "Linux" is very popular among representatives of the information technology sector. Not least because of the availability of various tools. Programmers and technical specialists respond positively about this system due to its versatility and ease of conducting the necessary activities. As negative features usually lead to the need to have significant knowledge of computers, to be able to work by the method of scientific tyke and visual difference from Windows. These are the opinions you can find about Linux. The operating system really is quite different from the usual interface of most personal computers, but there is an opinion that this is more advantage than a disadvantage.

Conclusion

So the description of Linux comes to an end. The review presented many different aspects. You learned what distros are. We also studied Linux programs: what are the features in their work, how to install and run the operating system directly. Also, various commands were provided, with which you can perform the basic range of user operations. It is hoped that information about Linux - what it is and what it's eaten - will come in handy to you in practice.