An Introduction to the Damn Small Linux

Damn Small Linux is a computer operating system originally based on the Model-K which was a simple version of Knoppix. Damn Small Linux was originally developed to see how many usable desktop applications can fit inside a 50MB live CD. The curiosity and around this personal project gave a massive rise and eventually grew into a community project.

Features of Damn Small Linux

• Boot from a business card CD as a live Linux distribution (LiveCD)
• Boot from a USB drive
• Boot from within a host operating system

Range of Applications

• Dillo – Web browser
• Firefox – Web browser
• Ted – Word Processor
• Sylpheed -  e-mail client
• Xpaint – color image editing tool
• Xpdf – open source viewer for Portable Document Format (PDF) files

Many hundreds of more applications are also available with some providing great graphical user interfaces and usability making Damn Small Linux a great piece of software.

An Introduction to the Ubuntu Operating System

The Ubuntu Operating System is a computer operating system based on the Debian Linux distribution. Ubuntu provides an up-to-date, stable operating system combining a strong focus on usability and ease-of-installation.

Ubuntu is (and has been since its development) be free of charge. There is no purchase or licensing fees. The open source software package is available for free download, use and re-distribution for personal, small and medium business or large enterprises.

Popular Variations of Ubuntu

• Ubuntu Desktop
• Ubuntu Server Edition
• Kubuntu
• Xubuntu

Why Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is an African word meaning ‘Humanity to others’, or ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’.  This makes perfect sense when you consider that Ubuntu is a community developed operating system and is distributed as free and open source software.

The Ubuntu Operating System is a great alternative to other Linux Operating Systems, especially if you are looking for an alternative to the Windows suits.

An Introduction to the Linux Kernel

A “kernel” in computer terminology refers to the central component of an operating system. It is how software and hardware communicate, how they share resources, and how they interact with the user. Every operating system has a different type of kernel, and how well the kernel works often dictates the success of the operating system.

Kernels control a variety of different functions within the CPU. Some of these functions include:

• Process Management – The ability for your computer to handle software with its hardware.
• Memory Management – Control over how each program accesses your computer’s memory.
• Device Management – Your computer’s control over its external devices.

Each of these must be managed successfully in order to create a working operating system. One such kernel that has achieved great success in computing is the Linux Kernel.

What is the Linux Kernel?

Created by a student in Finland back in 1991, Linux Kernel is an operating system that was designed to replace the kernel used by the GNU project – a worldwide collaborative project designed to create free and open source software. GNU’s first kernel attempt failed, but the creation of the Linux Kernel breathed new life into the project and helped create Linux – the leading open sourced operating system.

How Does Linux Kernel Work?

Linux Kernel is a monolithic kernel. This means that the entire operating system runs through its own kernel space, accessing programs and hardware using system calls. It works in C programming language and can be used even on portable devices – something that was not true upon its creation but has been made to work successfully even today.

The Freedom of Linux

The creation of the Linux Kernel was considered a turning point for computing. Hailed by Microsoft as a “cancer” to the computing industry, the Linux model allows for free distribution of both its operating system and the programs that run on it, using open sourced code. While today, some companies do sell Linux Kernel creations (such as Redhat Linux), there is a rule that they must make the code available to the public so that it can be built upon by others and distributed freely. These include the popular Ubuntu Operating System.

The current Linux Kernel has over 11 million lines of code, but is still able to operate on some of the oldest computers, unlike the Windows operating system which causes computers to become obsolete. Linux Kernel can be largely credited for helping the open source revolution move on its way, and all of the benefits that come with it.

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.