module 01 introduction to linux
DESCRIPTION
The presentation was given by Tushar B Kute in workshop "Open Source Software" at PCCOE, Pune. http://tusharkute.comTRANSCRIPT
Before Linux
In 80’s, Microsoft’s DOS was the dominated OS for PC, Apple MAC was better, but expensive.
UNIX was much better, but much, much more expensive. Only for minicomputer for commercial applications.
People was looking for a UNIX based system, which is cheaper and can run on PC.
Both DOS, MAC and UNIX were proprietary, i.e., the source code of their kernel is protected.
No modification is possible without paying high license fees.
How Linux initiated?
A famous professor Andrew Tanenbaum developed Minix, a simplified version of UNIX that runs on PC
Minix is for class teaching only. No intention for commercial use
In Sept 1991, Linus Torvalds, a second year student of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki, developed the preliminary kernel of Linux, known as Linux version 0.0.1
Linux Today
Linux has been used for many computing platforms PC, PDA, Supercomputer,…
Not only character user interface but graphical user interface is available
Commercial vendors moved in Linux itself to provide freely distributed code. They make their money by compiling up various software and gathering them in a distributable format Red Hat, Debian, Slackware etc.
Growing and Growing
Why Linux
Excellent networking facilities Ideal environment to run servers such as a
web server, or an ftp server.A wide variety of commercial software is
available if not satisfied by the free softwareEasily upgradeable.Supports multiple processors.True multi-tasking, multi-user OS.An excellent window system called X, the
equivalent of Windows but much more flexible.Full source code is provided and free.
Linux is powerful OS
Today Linux has joined the desktop market. On the server side, Linux is well-known as a
stable and reliable platform. Linux provides many applications like: Databases (MySQL,Postgresql), Network services(Web Servers,DNS, Proxy,
firewall etc) Software development tools(C, Java,
Python,Perl etc.) Office automation tools And many more…
Is Linux difficult?
There is excellent and free Internet support and documentation available.
The graphical user interface (GUI) is similar in design to that on any other system
A very powerful command line alternative is also available.
Linux is user friendly.
Properties of Linux
It is Open Source Today, Linux is ready to accept the
challenge of a fast-changing world. Linux is free:
If you want to spend absolutely nothing, you don't even have to pay the price of a CD.
Linux can be downloaded in its entirety from the Internet completely for free.
Properties of Linux
Linux is portable to any hardware platform. Linux was made to keep on running.
As with UNIX, a Linux system expects to run without rebooting all the time.
Tasks can be scheduled to run at suitable times. Linux is secure and versatile.
The security model used in Linux is based on the UNIX idea of security which is robust.
It is less prone to virus attacks. Linux is scalable
Linux Performance
Key factors: features and performance
It runs on a wider range of hardware platforms and run on less expensive and powerful systems.
Linux exceeds other operating systems in its multiprocessing capabilities and its support of advanced TCP/IP networking facilities
Linux Performance
Linux does not restrict the number of clients connected at the same time
It provides more reliable data storage than other operating systems
Linux provides advanced disk management (RAID) which makes it possible to automatically duplicate stored data on several hard drives
FOSS
Free Open Source Software Free – Means Liberty and not related
to Price or cost Open – Source code is available and
any body can contribute to the development. Organization independent
Commercial Software
The opposite of OSS/FS is “closed” or “proprietary” software.
Software Source code that can be viewed But cannot be modified and redistributed
without further limitation Microsoft Windows has most of the
commercial software.
Freedom with the FOSS
Freedom to run the software anywhere
Freedom to study how the programs work. i.e source code will be accessible
Freedom to redistribute copies Freedom to improve the software
If a software has all these 4 freedoms, then it is a FOSS
Free Software Foundation
Founded by Richard Stallman in 1983 Organisation that started developing
copylefted programs Project – GNU Project
GNU Not Unix Recursive expansion
Linux Distributions
Redhat Fedora Debian Novell’s SUSE Linux Ubuntu Mandrake Linux MINT Live CDs – Knoppix and more
GNU/Linux
Only the kernel is called by the name Linux
The rest are the tools developed under GNU Project
Hence the name GNU/Linux
What is GNU?
GNU stands for GNU Not Unix The goal of GNU
Create a free and complete UNIX-like operating system▪ This has been in development since 1984▪ Towards this goal the GNU project has released:
▪ GCC, GNU Emacs, Bash, to name a few
For more information see the GNU Manifesto▪ http://www.gnu.org/gnu/manifesto.html
What is GNU GPL?
The GNU General Public License Ensures that GNU software stays free This is done through Copy Lefting Any modification to GPL software is
required to be released to the public Linux is released under the GPL Due to its restrictive nature the GPL
has recently come under fire http://www.linux.org.uk/GPL.html
Where Linux stands?
More than 90% of today's 500 fastest supercomputers run some variant of Linux, including the 10 fastest.
Linux also runs on embedded systems (devices where the operating system is typically built into the firmware ) such as mobile phones, tablet computers, network routers, televisions and video game consoles;
The Android system in wide use on mobile devices is built on the Linux kernel.
Supercomputer’s List
Source: Wikipedia
Linux Operating System
Linux vs. Windows
Financial Differences Technical Differences End-User Differences
Financial Differences
Cost for Businesses Companies have to spend millions for
licenses for ever individual windows computer
For Linux companies don’t have to spend anything
COSTLINUX WINDOWS
Online Downloads Free Not AvailableRetail Price, CD Rs. 100 Rs. 3000 +
Technical Differences
Keeping up to date by Upgrading Linux upgrades faster than Windows Almost after every 6 months Linux distro is
upgraded. Compatibility
Linux is Backward Compatible unlike Windows. Linux have multi-user support. Application Differences
No commercial word processor for Linux, which matches the quality for Windows
End-user differences
Proprietary vs. Open Source Windows is a Proprietary Technology
▪ Applications will only work on Windows Linux – Open Source
Linux Complete information needed for download Technical help – Available on Internet (user must
be comfortable with UNIX system) Windows word processor is better
than Linux
In commercial arena
Windows – is easy for non-programmer.
Linux – is programmer-based culture.
From our point of view
Due to the properties of Open source, freeware, and security use of Linux is growing in State and Central government in India. Kerala and Andhra has already started their movement.
University of Pune has converted its syllabus into open source based technologies from last academic year.
Linux User Group
GNU/Linux User Group (GLUG) is a private, generally non-profit or not-for-profit organization that provides support and/or education for Linux users.
The term commonly refers to local groups that meet in person, but is also used to refer to online support groups that may have members spread over a very wide area and which do not organize, or which are not based around, physical meetings.
User groups meetings
LUGs typically meet once per month in facilities freely provided by universities, colleges, community centers, private corporations, or banquet rooms in restaurants.
Joining is free. Informal conferences and round table
discussions. Close geographical locations such as
City or University.
User Group activities
Organizes installfests. Development of project and
international stature. Gifting books, Linux magazines, Linux
CDs. Socialization. Organizing guest lectures and seminars
from Linux expertises. Hackfests Free software day.
Main activities
Advocasy Education Support
User Consultant Business Movement
Socialising
Kind of meetings in group
Social Technical presentations Informal discussion groups User group business GNU/Linux installation Configuration and bug-squashing
Activities in meetings
Install distributions for newcomers and strangers.
Teach members about GNU/Linux. Compare GNU/Linux to other operating
systems. Teach members about application software. Discuss advocacy. Discuss the free software / open-source
movement. Discuss user group business.
Groups uses internet
Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts Boston Linux and Unix Colorado Linux Users and
Enthusiasts Düsseldorfer Linux Users Group India Linux Users Group - Delhi Israeli Group of Linux Users Korean Linux Users Group Linux México (La Cofradía Digital) Linux User Group Austria
This presentation is created using LibreOffice Writer 4.1.0.4 available freely under GNU public license.
Thank you