Linux, which is one of the open sources, is an OS that is useful for system development, especially OS development and server construction.
Here, we will introduce the basic knowledge of Linux, the advantages and disadvantages of using Linux, and examples of what you can do with Linux.
What is Linux (Linux)?
Linux is a type of OS that is the same as Windows and Mac OS.
OS is an abbreviation for “operating system” and plays the role of connecting software (applications, etc.) and hardware (data recording/storage devices). For example, text created by “software” such as Word or Notepad is recorded and saved in the hardware. At this time, the data can be correctly recorded and saved in the hardware, and the saved data can be read and viewed because the OS is functioning. In addition, the OS is also responsible for correctly communicating user actions (operations) to the computer.
It is no exaggeration to say that devices such as smartphones and PCs are “boxes with screens” if they do not have an OS.
Linux is a kind of such OS. As a feature different from Windows 10 and Mac OS, Linux is “open source that can be used for free”. Open source, as the name implies, is free source code that is published around the world. Therefore, it is a feature that anyone can easily develop and improve based on Linux. Not only improvement and development but also redistributable. Therefore, volunteers from Japan and abroad are free to customize and redistribute new Linux.
Features of Linux ・ What you can do
Here are some specific examples of what you can do with Linux.
● Easy to use because it is free
PCs and smartphones are often forgotten because they often have an OS from the beginning, but OSs such as Windows and Mac OS are charged. When you newly install Windows or Mac OS on your PC or smartphone, you need to purchase the OS. On the other hand, Linux is released and distributed for free, so anyone can use it easily. If you’re considering a new operating system, we recommend adding Linux as an option for economic reasons.
● You can develop a new OS
Since it is released and distributed for free, you can create a new OS by using the Linux base. To give a typical example, Android, a smartphone OS, is also one of the OSs based on Linux. It is possible to design an OS in a simpler form than building from scratch.
● You can build a server freely
Since Linux is an open-source OS that can be freely improved, it has the advantage of being able to build as many servers as needed. Originally, many servers are required to keep the speed and safety of the service, and the cost is incurred accordingly. In that respect, Linux is free, so it is attractive to be able to set up a server at a significantly reduced cost.
● Can be customized freely
Unlike paid OS, Linux can freely rewrite the source code. Therefore, it is recommended for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced users. As a result of rewriting the source code, it is OK even if it does not work properly. You can install it as many times as you like for free, so if anything happens, install it again and proceed with customization again. Linux is often used to learn the basics and mechanism of the OS.
● Can be used as a highly secure server
Linux is free to use and features strict user privileges. Since the latest version is always released under a strict security system, it can be used as a highly secure server.
Below, we will introduce some of the advantages and disadvantages of introducing Linux.
Benefits of Linux
| Advantages and disadvantages of Linux | |
|---|---|
| merit | Demerit |
| No installation cost | If you have a problem, you need to solve it yourself |
| Can be used with low spec devices | Software that can be used with other OS cannot be used |
| Rich distribution | Peripherals may not work properly |
● No introduction cost
Again, Linux is a free operating system. Since it does not cost much, it is attractive that it can be used in various situations such as development PCs and server PCs as well as personal PCs. Especially in the field of Web services and applications that require a large number of server PCs, Linux that can be used for free is often useful.
● Can be used with low-spec devices
Linux is a lightweight operating system with only the minimum required functionality. Therefore, it has the advantage of very speedy movement. Even old PCs and low spec PCs will work smoothly if you install Linux. There are various ways to reuse it, such as using it as a PC for games and development, or as a PC for hobby production.
● Abundant distribution
Linux has many “distributions”. Distribution is a word that means “distribution/distribution”, but it is easy to understand if you think of Linux as a variant OS developed and redistributed based on Linux by various organizations and companies. Many of these distributions are also redistributed for free, so you can choose the OS that best suits your needs and your company’s needs.
Disadvantages of Linux
● If you have a problem, you need to solve it yourself.
Linux has no official support. Therefore, you must troubleshoot yourself when problems occur. However, Linux is a popular operating system used all over the world. Since many websites and textbooks describe how to use Linux, it is easy to collect the information necessary for problem-solving.
● Software that can be used with other OS cannot be used
Software that is supposed to be used on Windows or Mac OS, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe series, cannot be used. If you do not understand this premise, you may have troubles such as “you cannot use the software you purchased.”
● Peripherals may not work properly
It may not work properly depending on the type of peripheral device such as USB memory. In addition to the work of changing to a Linux-specific format each time, it will be necessary to prepare the equipment that supports Linux.
Linux terminology is useful for beginners to know
| Linux terminology | |
|---|---|
| the term | meaning |
| kernel | The core part of the OS that correctly reflects the user’s instructions |
| shell | A tool for communicating the instructions of the Linux kernel (core) |
| command | Statements to enter into the shell |
| package | Distribution form of applications introduced by Linux |
Knowledge of technical terms is essential for mastering Linux. The following is a summary of the Linux terms you hear most often.
● Kernel
The core part of the OS is called the “kernel”. The feature is that it plays the role of properly connecting software and hardware and reflecting user’s instructions correctly. The kernel in Linux consists of memory management functions, networks, file systems, and so on.
● Shell
A tool for communicating user instructions to the Linux kernel (core). It’s a good idea to remember that it’s an interpreter-like tool that translates human instructions and conveys them to the kernel.
● Command
The statements that you enter into the shell when running Linux are called “commands”. For example, “cd” is for moving directories, “cp” is for duplicating files and directories, “rpm” is for installing packages, and so on. To use Linux more conveniently, you need to learn as many commands as possible.
● Package
Refers to the distribution form of applications installed by Linux. Just as Windows uses an “installer” to install an application, Linux uses a package management tool such as “RPM” or “DFN” to install an application.
How to outsource system development using Linux
When developing a system or application using Linux, it is necessary to prepare editor tools such as Atom and Studio Code.
Linux is an OS suitable for server construction and system development, but on the other hand, it has a different GUI (computer operation screen) from Windows and Mac OS, so it is difficult for beginners to handle. Therefore, it is also a good way to utilize outsourcing for application development and system development using Linux.
Please leave the selection and introduction of subcontractors to Order Navi. We will introduce the most suitable development company after carefully hearing from your company who is worried about selecting a subcontractor. Introducing from consultation, the contract fee is free. A person in charge with IT knowledge will carry out from hearing to introduction. If you want to carefully select a subcontractor or do not know the criteria for selecting a subcontractor.
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