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# Linux Introduction * * * The Linux kernel was originally written just as a personal hobby by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish student at the University of Helsinki. Linux is a free-to-use and freely distributable Unix-like operating system. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system based on POSIX and UNIX that supports multi-threading and multiple CPUs. Linux can run major UNIX tools, applications, and network protocols. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit hardware. Linux inherits Unix's network-centric design philosophy and is a stable multi-user network operating system. * * * ## Linux Distributions To put it simply, a Linux distribution is a package that combines the Linux kernel with application software. !(#) Currently, the more well-known distributions on the market include: Ubuntu, RedHat, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, SuSE, OpenSUSE, Arch Linux, SolusOS, etc. !(#) * * * ## Linux Application Areas Today, various Linux distributions are used in all kinds of scenarios, from embedded devices to supercomputers, and have established a firm position in the server field. Servers typically use the LAMP (Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP) or LNMP (Linux + Nginx + MySQL + PHP) combination. Currently, Linux is not only used in homes and businesses but is also very popular in governments. * The Brazilian federal government is world-renowned for its support of Linux. * There are news reports of the Russian military developing its own Linux distribution, which has achieved results as part of the G.H.ost project. * The Indian state of Kerala plans to promote the use of Linux in all high schools across the state. * The People's Republic of China uses Linux exclusively in its Loongson processors to achieve technological independence. * In some regions of Spain, their own Linux distributions have been developed and are widely used in government and education, such as gnuLinEx in the Extremadura region and Guadalinex in the Andalusia region. * Portugal developed its own Linux distribution, Caixa Mágica, and applied it to the Magalhães educational laptops and the government's e-escola education plan. * France and Germany have also begun to gradually adopt Linux. * * * ## Linux vs Windows Currently, in China, Linux is more commonly used on servers, while Windows is more often used for desktop operating systems. The main differences are as follows: | Comparison | Windows | Linux | | --- | --- | --- | | Interface | Unified interface, fixed shell program, almost identical menus for all Windows programs, and nearly the same keyboard shortcuts. | The graphical interface style varies by distribution and may be incompatible with each other. The GNU/Linux terminal is inherited from UNIX, and the basic commands and operation methods are also almost identical. | | Drivers | Abundant drivers, with frequent version updates. The default installation program usually includes popular hardware drivers at the time of the release. Subsequent new hardware drivers depend on the hardware manufacturer. For some older hardware, it can be difficult to support if the original drivers are no longer available. Additionally, it can be frustrating when hardware manufacturers do not provide the required version of Windows drivers. | Developed by volunteers and released by the Linux core development team. Many hardware manufacturers do not provide drivers due to copyright considerations. Although most do not require manual installation, the installation process can be relatively complex, leaving new users at a loss when facing driver issues (whether they exist and how to install them). However, under the open-source development model, many older hardware that is difficult to support under Windows can easily find drivers. Hardware manufacturers like HP, Intel, and AMD are gradually supporting open-source drivers to varying degrees, and the problem is being alleviated. | | Usage | Relatively simple to use, easy to get started. The graphical interface is very beneficial for users without computer background knowledge. | The graphical interface is simple to use and easy to get started. The text interface requires learning to master. | | Learning | The system structure is complex and changes frequently, and knowledge and skills become obsolete quickly, making in-depth learning difficult. | The system structure is simple and stable, and knowledge and skills are well-preserved, making in-depth learning relatively easy. | | Software | Each specific function may require commercial software support, necessitating the purchase of corresponding licenses. | Most software can be obtained freely, although there are fewer software choices with the same functionality. |