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Open Source Operating Systems

In: Computers and Technology

Submitted By Deville706
Words 978
Pages 4
1-3 Short Paper: Open Source Operating Systems
Southern New Hampshire University
September 7, 2014

In 1991, Linus Torvalds created Linux and after a couple releases and improvements, the computer community caught on. Some advantages of the Linux Operating System are low cost, stability, performance, network friendliness, flexibility, compatibility, choice, fast and easy installation, full use of hard disk, multitasking, security and open source (Haas, 2014) .
There is no major initial investment needed to obtain the Linux operating system. There is no fee for a license unlike Microsoft Windows. For comparative purposes, Windows 8.1 64-bit is retailing for 96.99 at BestBuy and 99.99 at Newegg.com. With no initial monetary investment, Linux gives many potential users an opportunity to try the OS. The ease of exposure to the Linux OS make it easier to increase adopters and faithful users of the OS.
Linux’s stability can contributed to its user permission design. Linux runs with lowest permission levels possible which minimizes the possibility of damaging the system. Linux is written to survive in the way it keeps program memory space and system kernel resources separate (Cedar Valley Tech, 2009). Also since Linux is open-source, bugs are fixed by an army of ready developers who are not trapped within the confines of a software manufacturer. Though no operating system is perfect, Linux can run for years without needing to be restarted (Godbey, 2006).
Linux performs well due to its small foot-print. It is not as taxing on system resources as other operating systems are. This makes Linux an excellent choice for bringing older or lesser powered computers to life. One can take that old laptop and use Linux to make it a dedicated word-processing machine. Though Linux is a light-weight operating system it can handle multiple users like Windows. The benefits of a multiple user system is that many users can use the same systems resources.
Linux offers networking functionality. Linux can used to setup peer-to-peer and client/server networks. There are many reasons and advantages to set up a client/server network. 24/7 accessibility, improved collaboration, centralized backups, remote access, server backups, enhanced security, better client performance, shared system-wide services, enhanced reliability and growth are some reasons to setup a client/server network (Sanati, 2011). Linux can be utilized for various systems like web browsers/servers, the Domain Name System and FTP clients and servers.
Linux has the flexibility to also run on mobile devices. The Ubuntu Phone is set to bridge the gap between desktop and mobile connectivity and usage. The theory behind the Ubuntu phone is to utilize the same Linux kernel on both Android and Ubuntu to enjoy the Android experience as a phone and full Ubuntu desktop experience when docked (Ubuntu.com, n.d.). With the processing power of smartphones, Linux’s small footprint can run successfully as well as run on desktops.
Since Linux runs on virtually every hardware platform, most file formats are supported to run on the system.
There are many Linux distributions to choose from. Since distributions are made by different developers, there is a variety of Linux systems that can fit a user’s need or preference.
Linux installs relatively fast and simple compared to other operating systems. Linux can be installed via USB or DVD like standard OS installations. It is also common to run Linux on a virtual machine. Virtual computing provides flexibility. It allows a user to try out Linux on their current system without replacing their current OS setup.
On initial installations of Linux, not much disk space is used. This is because Linux distributions do not come with bloat-ware and installations are customized to where the user has authority over what programs to install.
Linux is usually found on large servers and multiuser systems. Like other OS’s, Linux can run multiple programs at one time which increases productivity.
Linux is a very secure operating system. The way Linux assign user privileges is the key to its security. A windows system generally grants administrator rights by default. With Linux, users are generally granted with lower level rights so if the Linux system is compromised, system-wide destruction can’t be done (Noyes, 2010).
Probably the strongest reason why Linux is so successful is the fact that it is open source. Being an open-source operating system cultivates a community of diverse developers and users. There are many Linux distributions which are commonly called distros. Different distros have different user interfaces and packages. Distros have varying release and update cycles. Different distros are packaged with different drivers. Some distros are more popular than others which means that there is more or less support for varying distros.
Linux use will likely continue to grow due to its open-source nature and small foot-print. With developers like Ubuntu making plans to increase Linux usage with the everyday consumer, Linux will remain a staple in the computing world.

References
Cedar Valley Tech. (2009, March 31). Why is Linux so stable? Retrieved from Cedar Valley Tech: http://www.cedarvalleytech.com/linux/why-is-linux-so-stable/
Godbey, D. (2006, October 2006). Linux vs Windows: Stability. Retrieved from Infopackets.com: http://www.infopackets.com/news/1654/linux-vs-windows-stability
Haas, J. (2014, Septermber 7). Linux, the Ultimate Unix. Retrieved from About.com: http://linux.about.com/cs/linux101/a/linux_2.htm
Noyes, K. (2010, August 3). Why Linux Is More Secure Than Windows. Retrieved from PC World: http://www.pcworld.com/article/202452/why_linux_is_more_secure_than_windows.html
Sanati, J. (2011, May 2). Top 10 reasons to setup a client-server network. Retrieved from Intel.com: https://communities.intel.com/community/itpeernetwork/datastack/blog/2011/05/02/top-10-reasons-to-setup-a-client-server-network
Ubuntu.com. (n.d.). Ubuntu for Android. Retrieved from Ubuntu: http://www.ubuntu.com/phone/ubuntu-for-android

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