Operating system can be defined as the interface between hardware and software. It provides different services for applications and also manages the computer hardware. Linux is also an operating system similar to Windows and Mac. Previously, Linux has been just an operating system, but now it is a popular platform to run computers, servers and embedded systems. Linux has many distribution and variations as it is a modular design. Linux schedules processes or applications, manages peripheral devices, handles file service systems services and network access. Linux has many advantages and in this article I will discuss about the different benefits of Linux.
Open Source and Security
Open source is one of the main advantages of Linux i.e. the source code of Linux is easily available for every user. Any person who is capable of coding can modify, enhance, distribute and contribute the code to any person and for any required purpose. The security in Linux is very high compared to other operating systems like windows. Every program, whether it is a virus or an application needs authorization from the administrator in a form of password. Until the password is typed the application or the virus will not execute. In Linux anti- virus is not required. Even with this facility Linux is not completely secured due to some malware present in it.
Software Updates and Customization
In Linux a user faces a huge number of software updates. The software updates in Linux are much faster compared to any other operating system. The updates can be done easily without much difficulty or problems. Customization is a special feature that makes Linux different and more popular among all the operating systems. In Linux the user can customize any given feature; user can delete or add any feature according to his or her requirements. Various attractive themes and wallpaper can be downloaded and installed which gives an amazing look to the operating system.
Free to Use
Linux is available free of cost on internet from where a person can download and use it. The users are not required to buy any license, many of the software comes with the General Public License (GNU). This is the major advantage of Linux over Windows, as in windows the users have to buy the license which is expensive.
Stability
Linux offers a high reliability and stability and reliability to the user; this operating system does not have to be rebooted in regular intervals as the Linux system is very smooth and it rarely freezes or slows down. In windows a person has to reboot the system after uninstalling or installing any software update.
Privacy and Performance
Linux provides proper security and privacy of the user’s data because it does not collect much data from a user while using the distributions. Linux offers high performance on different workstations and networks. It allows a huge number of users to communicate and work together or simultaneously and can also handle them efficiently.
Flexibility and Compatibility
Linux offers a wide range of wide range of flexibility to the user as the user can install different components; he or she does not have to install the entire suite. The user can keep the Linux file under several partitions so by any chance if one file corrupts then it can be recovered, hence the user does not have to face a huge loss. Later the user can also recover that corrupt file with the help of some tools. Linux can run and execute all kinds of file formats and is also compatible with various types of file formats.
Fast and easy Installation
Linux can be easily installed from the internet and it does not require any kind of prerequisites. Linux can run on any provided hardware that is available even on the old models.
Multitasking
Linux can be described as a multi- tasking operating system. The operating system can perform a great number of tasks together without any decrease in the working speed, e.g., like downloading or installing a large file will not make the entire system slow.
Network support
Linux provides support for functionality as it is written by different programmers in the internet. It also helps the user to setup server systems and client on the computer easily.