Linux Community

Linus Torvalds Biography

Linus Torvalds is a Finnish software engineer, known for his development of Linux. He became the chief architect of the Linux kernel, and is now the project’s coordinator.

Born in Helsinki, Finland, on December 28, 1969, Linus Torvalds is the son of Anna and Nils Torvalds. He was named after Linus Pauling, who was one of the greatest chemists of all time. He had a happy childhood, despite his parents’ divorce, and lived with his mother and grandparents. It was in his early years that he began to enjoy computers. After his grandfather bought a computer, Torvalds became bored with the programs and began creating his own.

From 1988 to 1996 Torvalds attended the University of Helsinki and graduated with a master’s degree in computer science. After his first year of study he joined the Finnish army, which interrupted his studies. He spent 11 months in officer training to fulfill the madatory military service of Finland. He holds the rank of second lieutenant. He then resumed his studies in 1990.

It was in 1987 that Torvalds bought his own personal computer. His search for a better computer system failed. Torvalds then decided to create his own operating system from scratch, thus the birth of Linux. Linux was based off of MINIX and UNIX. The name comes from what he called Linus’ MINIX. He planned to call it Freax which was a combination of free,freak and MINIX, but it kept it’s name Linux.

Torvalds began working in California from February 1997 through June 2003. After moving to the Open Source Development Labs, which merged with the Free Standard Group, these two groups became the Linux Foundation, where he continues to work. Torvalds and his family moved to Portland, Oregon, where ironically Linus Pauling, whom Torvalds was named after, had lived his life, in June 2004.

Torvalds personal mascot is a penguin named Tux, which has been adopted as the Linux mascot.

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Great Aspects of Linux

You may have heard of the operating system Linux and it’s incredibly low price. That’s right, it’s free! People tend to go with more popular operating systems, either because they’ve heard of them or it is what came with their computer. Some people also think that because Linux is free it won’t have as great of features. While people are spending too much money on certain operating systems, they could be saving money with Linux. Not only is it free, but there are also several things Linux can do that you won’t find with other operating systems.

One thing that tends to be popular with Linux customers is the freedom that they have. With Linux, you have the ability to customize your desktop in a variety of ways. Linux hardly limits you to the possibilities you have when it comes to customization, while other operating systems will limit your ability to customize. This way, your desktop is just how you want it.

Linux is much easier to understand. When using other operating systems you have no idea what is inside your computer. With Linux you are able to see the system logs. Due to this, when you have a problem, it makes it much easier to fix the problem yourself.

With expensive operating systems, people tend to break the law by pirating software. Either you break the law, or spend thousands of dollars on an operating system. With Linux you don’t have to worry about pirating or breaking the law because its all free.

Linux tends to have more security than other systems do. This could be due to the system not being as popular, so people don’t target Linux. Whatever the reason, Linux has been found to be more secure.

Linux has other positive aspect about it besides its price and customization. Don’t let the big companies fool you, though. Just because Linux is free does not mean it is a bad operating system.

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What Is Linux?

What is Linux? While some people have heard of Linux, others have not. It’s not the most popular or most heard of operating system, so when people hear the name they are lead to wonder what it is.

Linux is an operating system created by Linux Torvalds. Linux started as Torvalds hobby at the University of Helsinki in Finland. In 1991 he released the first version 0.02 and continued working until 1994 when the Linux Kernel was released. It is from this that the entire operating system of Linux was developed.

Now we know that Linux is an operating system, but what makes it so great? Customers of Linux say they like the types of things offered by this operating system. Many people are attracted to the low price, the customization options, and how easy it is to work and understand the system.

The price of Linux is attractive because it’s free. While systems like Windows can be costly, you don’t have to pay to use Linux. Other operating systems can cost you hundreds of dollars to install, not to mention the price to renew your license. Also, many of these systems require you to buy a license for every computer you own. You are sure to save money when you use Linux.

People say they like the customization options of Linux because there is so much variety. You can customize the desktop in pretty much whatever way you want. Most people like this because they feel they are limited with other operating systems. With Linux your computer looks how you want it to look.

Linux is easy to use because you have access to see the inside of your system. This way, when you have a problem, you are able to fix a problem yourself rather than paying to fix it. People also say it’s easy to set up Java, where it can be confusing on other operating systems.

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What do Linux Distributions Do?

Peeling back a typical open source application you are likely to find the window managers Gnome or KDE. Even likelier is that it is all running on a Linux operating system. And at the core of it all is the kernel. This is the distinguished Linux kernel, connecting your collection of software to the halls of your hardware. To say a program is Linux based is really just simply saying that it uses the Linux kernel. But what do they actually do?

Formerly known as distributions, what operating systems that use the Linux kernel do is offer a buffet of open source software as opposed to actually cultivating them. Well known systems like Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux are perfect examples. The open source programs and distributions work hand in hand.

For a detailed example, think about the above mentioned Gnome window manger. It is the desktop environment of most the popular distributions such as Ubuntu and Red Hat. These distributions are free to manipulate Gnome by including or omitting certain applications to reach its intended purpose. It can be said then that essentially Gnome becomes the operating system since it is the interface.

But, a distribution like Ubunutu will do without the Gnome web browser Epiphany and support Firefox. Instead of supporting the Gnome office suite, it institutes the widely used OpenOffice program. Users are free to choose among a variety of distributions that will house an array of open source software.

It is additionally the distributions purpose to make sure the applications in its repositories operate among each other flawlessly. Because all of the alternating parts are independently developed, they contain differing directions and objectives. The distributions then are tweaked to keep all systems moving smoothly.

These Linux distributions act like the shepherd of open source computing, herding a diverse set of software sheep into one powerful digital herd.

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The Best Linux Distributions Available

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As the use of Linux has diverged from generally the realm of computer enthusiasts to the desktops of general users, the advantages of open source software has become more apparent. For one, its free and eliminates the need for software licensing fees. It is also resistant to malware and can be used with a variety of file configurations and media. Lastly, it won’t eat up your hardware space and since a lot of users are actively invested in its use, there are numerous places to find support. But what isn’t apparent to a lot of users–since it is an evolving and growing entity–is all the varying Linux distributions out there that cater to styles, preferences and uses.

Here is a run down of some of the best Linux distributions available:

Ubuntu is considered the most popular option out there. It is easy to both obtain and use. Downloadable online or on CD from Canonical free in the mail, Ubuntu stresses usability and a user-friendly work space. It’s a great option for new users.

As mentioned, the choice of distribution will come down to preference, and some users prefer using KDE instead of Gnome, which Ubuntu is based. KDE’s greatest perk is its aptitude towards customization. However, there is now a fusion of the two in the form of the aptly named, Kubuntu. When in doubt try both styles.

Suse Linux, while not free, is a very advanced and enhanced commercial distribution. It is arguably the best option for those needing sound integration with a Windows environment. Another distribution that adequately meshes the systems of Windows and Linux worth looking into is Xandros. It comes in two versions: one for home and one for business users.

A blessing for Linux desktop users is Mandriva, Europe’s popular distribution. This option is easy to install and configure, plus maintains great hardware support. It also supports a dearth of commercial software. Yet, the chief operator of mainstream software is the Linspire distribution. With the replacement of Windows in mind, it supports major multimedia and applications for Windows with the Linux desktop. Windows fans could fall in love.

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Linux’s Open Source Software

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Linux operating systems can give you significantly more control over your computer than any operating system made by Apple or Windows. That’s largely because Linux software is open source, which means you can see the coding and even revise it to suit your own needs. Every piece of free software is seen as a collective work in progress.

It is important to consider how different that perspective is from those used by big software companies. Even the most common Linux operating system, Ubuntu, is free and customizable. Windows, on the other hand, costs hundreds of dollars. What do you pay for when you buy Windows? Well, it is suited for people that don’t know much about computers. Anyone with much familiarity, though, will find that Linux freeware fits their needs much better.

Linux also gives users the opportunity to participate in a community of people that believe in open source coding. Computer programming has become a collective endeavor. Anyone trying to write a large program on his or her own would face a herculean task. That person would quite possibly go insane before reaching the end of the project. That’s why Windows hires so many people to write code for them.

When you use open source coding with free Linux software, though, you are strapped to a desk eight to ten hours a day. Nor, however, are you getting paid. Instead, you are collaborating others in an intellectual community that wants to improve technology for personal use.

It is almost like volunteering.

Of course, you don’t have to write code to enjoy Linux software. Programmers, however, tend to be the people spotting problems with most popular software, so they naturally want to fix the bad code that they find or customize the code to suit their specific needs.

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Embedded Linux: Functionality Found

Technology is an endless thing – forever evolving and forever demanding your time, energy and savings. You don’t contest this. You understand that sacrifices of sanity will have to be made to ensure that you receive the most reliable (and most innovative) pieces of equipment. Money, you are sure, is of little concern when you in turn find progress. But that progress, you have discovered, does not always apply to elements beyond your desktop. Too many companies offer too many products, each defined to meager reliability and unimpressive designs. You are frustrated; you are exhausted; you are in need of change.

And so you look to Linux.

The embedded Linux system (created from the philosophies of the free software movement) is a marvel of specificity. Simply explained, this system is placed within such portable hardware as mobile phones, music players and computerized assistants. While these items are common, they are not always efficient. They’re given too many tasks and too many conflicting elements. Embedded Linux, however, is free from such complications.

The program works by utilizing free software elements and more streamlined C standard libraries. When placed within a piece of equipment, it offers power to the most important functions but allows the user to choose what those functions are. The source codes are open, allowing for any item to be redesigned to an individual’s needs. There is no longer a reliance on manufacturers and their attempts to shape every task into an event. There is instead the ease (and convenience) of creating applications that fit your life.

And this allows the embedded Linux to be a true marvel of engineering. Consumers can customize their hardware and make it work for them; instead of making themselves work to understand it. There is a lack of confusion and a comforting freedom. All choices can be redefined and all software can be modified. It’s good sense for those in need of it.

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The Linux Name: Origins

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Not all names are created equal – this is a truth you have learned all too well, fumbling over the impossibly long titles, the clumsily gathered words. Creativity is appreciated but simple pronunciation is more fondly regarded. You don’t want to waste your time trying to decipher the riddles and alliteration, the deliberate misspellings. You want to know what a product is and what it is called. There should be no confusion, no forced effort. You simply want to understand what the words mean. And your frustration when this concept is denied you is immediately felt.

But you have never experienced such frustration with Linux and its components. You have instead enjoyed the ease of the name.

That ease may not have existed, however, if the company had not evolved beyond its origins.

Began in 1991 by Finnish programmer Linus Torvalds, Linux as you know it today was then dubbed “Freax”. This unusual title was a combination of -free’ software principles, the -freak’ philosophy and the -Unix’ inspiration. The ideas were thrust together, offering a word that did not exist in the common language and left many baffled over its meanings and possible pronunciations. It was representative of the software but did not distinguish itself as unique. “Freax” was instead confusing.

And this led to an eventual re-branding.

While Torvalds mastered his program, fellow University-goer Ari Lemmke decided that a change had to be offered. “Freax” was not worthy of the revolution he was certain would come. So he instead suggested calling the tool “Linux”, a play off of Torvalds own name. This was at first refused, believed to be too arrogant; but it proved an easier style than the previous form and was finally accepted.

This is a change of fate that all computer enthusiasts would enjoy. Because Linux is now known throughout the world and has proven itself to be an invaluable alternative to the most common methods – and its name has proven itself to be perfect.

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New Beginnings: The Linux Foundation

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It takes more in this world to succeed than a good product and a good reputation. Too often do lesser forces triumph over those who have proven themselves to be the better efficiencies, the easier rewards. Fairness is rarely common. It is instead forgotten in the wake of clever marketing and familiar brands. And the Linux company has suffered from that – while it is known to be a user-friendly option (with its open source philosophies and free components), it too often overlooked in the wake of Microsoft and Macintosh. It is the ignored sibling, trying to scramble after those who have taken all of the glory.

This is not to be tolerated.

And so the Linux Foundation was formed, with a purpose of redefining public perception and helping to generate awareness; as well as to ensure the foundations of the program are maintained and kept available for all individuals.

The Linux Foundation was began in 2007 when two vocal (but unknown to the casual user) supporters merged: the Open Source Development Labs and the Free Standards Group. These organizations joined to make sure that the ideologies of Linux – such as open sources and mass distribution – would be upheld. They each sought to promote and protect the program, addressing such issues as: trademarks, legalities and providing forums for users to offer advice and concerns.

And those concerns have been answered with the Linux Foundation developing new projects and components. Through it the software has become better defined within the public and has grown in recognition to almost five percent of the desktop accumulation (an impressive number when compared to the household awareness of its competition). The Foundation has helped to foster new interest and intends to continue doing so.

Linux is not the most popular of brands. It is, however, one of the most eagerly supported. And the Foundation will prove this again and again.

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The Uses of Linux

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No software – however worthy, however innovative – can survive in a singular form. There must be more to it than clever codes; there must instead be the application of those codes to all parts of the world. Technology must be offered in every possible way, with the modern user demanding to find it in more than his home. It must go where he goes and it must provide everything he needs. There are, after all, questions to be answered and riddles to be solved. And this would be impossible if software couldn’t be used in more than one realm.

Linux was once thought to be such a realm: singular, incompatible, without value. There seemed to be no way to let the open source program filter into more than its established setting. There seemed instead to be just an imminent failure.

That failure didn’t occur.

Because Linux is now a multi-functional tool, able to be used in all the necessary ways:

1. Desktop. The most prominent (and popular) user form of the Linux kernel is found in its desktop form. The free software has proven effective, allowing individuals to create a home experience that they truly want. Applications from other companies – such as Microsoft and Macintosh – can be used as well, ensuring that no advantage is lost.

2. Embedded Linux. Entering the world of the smart-phone is never easy; but Linux has managed to claim almost 17 percent of the market with its programming. Users can tailor their devices to what they need, allowing all tasks to be completed.

3. Servers. Mainframes require immense power and immense potential. Linux provides that. Over 90 percent of the world’s largest (and most impressive) supercomputers are operated on this software.

It was once believed to be incompetent. Now, however, Linux has become a strong presence without the virtual world – with its popularity growing each year.

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