About Linux

What is Open Source Technology?

In today's world we often hear the term 'Open Source Software' but we really don't now what it actually is or the difference of it as compared to the earlier software. The fact is that we don't spend time in google to search and find out what this actually is. Well now i'll tell what is it.

According to me open source technology is entirely different as compared to the earlier software technologies. I think open source is like a new philosophy or a new technology in the 21st century. It completely changed my view of technology.

Before the idea of Open Source most of the softwares were depending on the idea of Closed Source. The softwares which follows the idea of Closed Software are called proprietary softwares. Eg: Microsoft Windows,etc. Open Source based software's are now developing into the field of technology.Eg: Linux, Ubuntu,etc.Now, what are the differences between open source and proprietary softwares?Proprietary software's are copy-write protected. the owner of a proprietary software restricts its use, modification of source code and redistribution. But open source softwares are free softwares. It source code is available to all and can be modified. It can also be distributed and copied.In fact open source opens a door to a new world of technology. Open Source creates a world where there is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost and an end to predatory vendor lock-in. It also promotes a connection of trust around the developers and users. For me being a part of this whole new world is a great thing. Open source developments are taking place every day. In this the developers and well as the users play an important role. Its good to have a software in our hand which could be redesigned as our wish. Just think about it!! So i hope you guys got a clear and precise picture of Open Source and its difference with proprietary software. 

History of Linux:
In 1991 a student linux TORVALDS develop a kernel with the help of unix programmer that is know as "LINUX".


Kernel + Shell + Application Software = Operating System


Features of Linux:

• Platform Independent.
• Open source & Freeware.
• Small & simple program to use.
• Evertything define in  form of file
• We can execute multiple commands

Distribution of Linux:
Company operating system

• Redhat Linux
• Novel Suse
• Mandrake Mandrak
• Yellow dog
• Fedora
• Ubuntu

How Linux Become Free:

• In 1992 linus torvalds submits his project in an orgranization which known as “GNU”.

Unix Vs Linux:

1. UNIX is propriety system. 
   Linux is an open source system.
2. UNIX kernel is not freely available.
   Linux kernel is freely available.
3. UNIX patches available are highly tested.
   Linux patches are not highly tested as UNIX patches.

Linux Distributions:

There are numerous number of open source, linux based operating systems. In this post I have selected the a few of the most popular open source operating systems.

Red Hat enterprise Linux (RHEL) is developed by Red Hat Inc. It produces both servers and home desktops. Its newest version is the RHEL 6. RHEL is the leading server operating system.

Ubuntu is a computer operating system developed by Canonical Ltd. It is owned my Mark Shuttleworth. It is the #1 in linux desktop. Its latest release is Ubuntu 10.10.

Debian is a computer operating system developed under the Debian Project. It uses the linux kernel. The latest release of Debian is 6.0 .

Fedora is a operating system developed under the Fedora Project. It is sponsored by Red Hat Inc.It is also called "The testing bed of Linux". Its latest release is Fedora 14.

Linux Mint is an operating system developed by the Linux Mint Team. It is based on Ubuntu and also Debian. Its latest version is Linux Mint 10.

Centos is a operating system developed under the Centos Project. Centos stands for Community Enterprise Operating System. Centos operating system is famous for web server use. Its latest stable release in Centos 5.5.There are a lots more out there. These are a few among them.