Do you really know what LINUX is?

This question sounds even a little funny. Who arrives at ours blog probably already know what Linux: an open code operating system in it? But what exactly does open code mean? What are the real advantages for users in general (not working with development, for example)? How to explain this to a layman on the subject? That's what we're going to talk about today.

The suite of programs that interact with hardware and allows us to use a computer called an operating system. This includes everything from the lowest level components to those we use to receive emails, browse the internet and edit text files. Several manufacturers, such asIBM, Apple, Microsoft, among others, created operating systems to work with different types of hardware available on the market and began to market these systems and / or support for their operation. This marketing process allows users to enjoy the resources available for the contracted support time or until the manufacturer provides updates for it. This (absurdly simplified) we call the license agreement.

Do you know what Linux?

An operating system a set of numerous components

These concepts were already more or less integrated into the everyday life of IT when, in 1991, Linus torvalds (the same that praised the approach of the Ubuntu weeks ago) developed the first version of the Linux kernel (still a long way from distributions as we know it today) based on the Minix to run on your 386 and made the source code available to the wider community inviting everyone to participate in the development. It had been a major leap in computer history and a major milestone in open source systems. Today we have solid and tool-packed distributions for various purposes including servers, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, SUSE, CentOS, etc. thanks to the call that was made in 1991. Do you know what Linux?

This good one paints Linux Torvalds, creator of the Linux Kernel

But what are the real benefits of open code and why did it allow the development of Linuxso healthy? When Linus torvalds released the code from kernel that I had written to the community under the terms of a license called LPG, he started a process that enabled anyone with an interest and knowledge to modify this code, add improvements, and redistribute it. With this new features have been added, support for new hardware, applications, races, graphical environments, in short, everything that allows us to have a complete operating system to use. Over time, the development of this system became so extensive that diverse goals were emerging and the development community was spreading and spreading more and more around the world. Families of distributions originated each dedicated to serving a group of users or a special purpose.

But open source opportunities have not only benefited programmers. Faced with a stable system and the latest tools, users often saw opportunities for access to new technologies and knowledge that was previously restricted only to those who had the money to pay for it or were willing to take the risk of piracy. O Linuxallows use in hardware old or last generation mobile devices, supercomputers or dumb terminals. Already received the most diverse outfits as specific applications for education, multimedia, accessibility or security, among others. It allows anyone with an interest in creating their own distribution (such as the Linux from Scratch project) or deciding which of the many existing ones to use and allows underprivileged communities and schools to reduce the cost of lab implementation and bring knowledge to children, young and old who have often never had access to a computer. Do you know what Linux?

Many distributions have emerged since 1991 for various purposes.

The benefits of open code go far beyond the freedom to change the code. They extend to the whole society, which can now enjoy innovative technologies, learn from them and gain personal and financial benefits. And all this thanks to the community of software free, which dedicates hours and hours of its time to the development of solutions, bug fixes, user support, training, lectures, events, in short. a whole philosophy related to open code. For these reasons, actively participating in the community is so important, as sitting in the chair and waiting for your distribution to do exactly what you want without any very easy problem, but sharing knowledge, helping to solve the problem. bugs and help other people who made the Linux what is he today.

In short, Linux All of this: community, technology, sharing, giving and personal satisfaction. Participate actively and constructively in the community of software free. Spread the word, help others, spend a little time sharing suggestions for using new free solutions, and then you can reap the rewards netowrking healthy and productive.

Did you like the article? Let's go! Leave your comment below tell us what Linux for you and how he helped you in personal or professional scope (: