What is Redhat Linux?

Linux operating systems have shown themselves to be one of the better operating systems for your computer, providing you with:

• Greater security.
• Free programs.
• Free upgrades.
• Greater customization.

Linux operating systems are some of the most popular ways to run computers. One such operating system is known as Redhat Linux.

History of Redhat Linux

Redhat Linux was released in 1994 for commercial use by the Red Hat group. It was one of the first commercially available Linux Operating System released to the public. It was recognized for such features as easy character encoding for international language support, complex scripting languages, and other common Linux features. Redhat Linux, however, lacked several key programs such as mp3 support due to issues with copyrights and patents.

Redhat Linux continued to upgrade for roughly a decade. However, it was primarily created inside of the Red Hat company. As a result, once the company decided it wanted to focus on its enterprise operating system, Redhat Linux was discontinued, and was taken off the market in 2004.

Though the original OS is no longer being used today, the remaining code was used to create the Fedora operating system – another Linux based system that is widely considered one of the best Linux systems currently available for non-commercial use.

Redhat Enterprise Linux OS

After Redhat Linux was discontinued, the Red Hat Group decided to focus more on their enterprise OS designed for use in small to large businesses. Like all Linux systems, the enterprise version is also based on free and open source code, but in order to receive support by Red Hat you do need to purchase a subscription, which also allows you access to their upgrades and a variety of additional features and support. These can have some considerable cost.

Because the software is open sourced, the code is online and available for use. As a result, several companies have taken the software and created their own enterprise operating systems based on the same code. When this occurs, these new systems, known as “Rebuilds,” are completely free to the public, but they do not get the same support as Redhat Linux, which is why most people prefer to go with the original.

The Continuation of an Old Classic

Since Redhat Linux was first created back in 1994, it has gone through many changes. Today, the operating system is generally available only for enterprise use, but its original OS is still around today being upgraded and improved under the name “Fedora.”

5 Benefits of Using Linux

Casual computer users know all about Windows. Both XP and Vista are highly publicized, and for good reason – Microsoft has created an easy to use operating system that, while it contains several bugs, generally accomplishes everything that the casual user needs to accomplish. However, while Windows may be a generally effective operating system for various uses, a Linux Operating System may be even better – for both the casual user and the growing business.

Benefits of Using a Linux Operating System

1. Cost – The clear benefit of using Linux is the cost. Linux itself is free, but that is not the only area that costs are saved. Every program you load onto your Linux Operating System is going to be free as well. As open source, there is no program that requires extensive investment, saving you a great deal of money both now and in the future.
2. Works on any hardware – Linux is a powerful operating system, but what makes it more impressive is that it can work well on any type of hardware. Even systems from back in the mid to late 1990’s can run the Linux Operating System.
3. Evolved, Changing, Widely Available Programs – Open source programmers are passionate about their work, and those that enjoy the programs often work to improve them themselves. Because all of the software on a Linux Operating System is free, you can try several different programs to find the one that you like the most without spending any money.
4. Customization – The system itself can be modified with someone that knows coding. But beyond that you can make your Linux system run or not run whatever you like. There are no mandatory programs or options that you cannot remove at a moment’s notice.
5. Less Bugs/Openings – Linux systems are made to be as flaw free as possible. With fewer flaws, there is far less to exploit, and since it is written in the most simple code, it becomes harder to hack and harder to create viruses for. You have far more security on a Linux OS, with considerably less errors.

When you choose an operating system for your computer, you could choose Windows – it is well known, there are several good products for it, and it often comes with your computer. But a Linux OS (such as Redhat Linux) may be better suited for your needs, as there are far more programs, greater security, added customization, and everything with Linux is free.

World of the Linux Server

Linux can be thought of as a computer Kernel. The Kernel is the underlying computer code which basically dictates how the software and hardware communicate, how they share resources, and how they interact with the user.

Linux can be used for personal computing, however is more commonly utilized as a server Operating System. These are most prevalent in Business Web Hosting, Web Servers or Mail Servers running some form of Linux Operating System software.

Linux is based on UNIX with one major difference – Open Source. Linux is open source software, and is without comparison one of the best examples to illustrate the positive effects of the open source software movement. As Linux is open source there is no one (or restricted) version of Linux.

Multiple versions of the Linux Operating System exist. These are fundamentally referred to as distributions or ‘distros’ and are again designed for use by both businesses as a Linux Server or for personal use. Some of the most popular versions of Linux include the Ubuntu Operating System, Fedora Operating System and of course Redhat Linux.

The major benefits of using the Operating System in a Linux Server include:

• Cost
• Security
• Hardware and Software compatibility

Ultimately Linux makes a whole lot of sense; however do to the overwhelming grip on the market from Microsoft and Mac, the Linux Server faces very tough competition.