|
=== Performance and applications ===
The performance of Linux on the desktop has been a controversial topic;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3320859/the-linux-desktop-with-great-success-comes-great-failure.html|title=The Linux desktop: With great success comes great failure |author=Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols|date=2018-11-13|access-date=2019-11-10}}</ref> for example in 2007 [[Con Kolivas]] accused the Linux community of favoring performance on servers. He quit Linux kernel development out of frustration with this lack of focus on the desktop, and then gave a "tell all" interview on the topic.<ref>{{cite web|title=Why I quit: kernel developer Con Kolivas|url=http://apcmag.com/node/6735/|access-date=August 15, 2011|date=July 24, 2007|work=APC Magazine|publisher=ACP Magazines|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110707151924/http://apcmag.com/why_i_quit_kernel_developer_con_kolivas.htm|archive-date = July 7, 2011}}</ref> Since then a significant amount of development has focused on improving the desktop experience. Projects such as [[systemd]] and [[Upstart (software)|Upstart]] (deprecated in 2014) aim for a faster boot time; the Wayland and Mir projects aim at replacing [[X11]] while enhancing desktop performance, security and appearance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wayland.freedesktop.org/architecture.html |title=Wayland Architecture |access-date=January 5, 2013 |publisher=freedesktop.org |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106152733/http://wayland.freedesktop.org/architecture.html |archive-date=January 6, 2013}}</ref> Userspace [[Scheduling (computing)|scheduler]] extensions make it possible to use a scheduler specialized for a specific usage, such as gaming or desktop usage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pluggable CPU schedulers - openSUSE Wiki |url=https://en.opensuse.org/Pluggable_CPU_schedulers |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=en.opensuse.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NVIDIA Engineer Talks Up sched_ext Linux Scheduler Possibilities At FOSDEM |url=https://www.phoronix.com/news/NVIDIA-Talks-Up-Sched-Ext |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=www.phoronix.com |language=en}}</ref>
Many popular applications are available for a wide variety of operating systems. For example, [[Mozilla Firefox]], [[OpenOffice.org]]/[[LibreOffice]] and [[Blender (software)|Blender]] have downloadable versions for all major operating systems. Furthermore, some applications initially developed for Linux, such as [[Pidgin (software)|Pidgin]], and [[GIMP]], were ported to other operating systems (including [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[macOS]]) due to their popularity. In addition, a growing number of proprietary desktop applications are also supported on Linux,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.iist.unu.edu/globaldesktop/ | title = The Global Desktop Project, Building Technology and Communities | access-date = May 7, 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060426223603/http://www.iist.unu.edu/globaldesktop/ | archive-date = April 26, 2006 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> such as [[Maya (software)|Autodesk Maya]] and [[Nuke (software)|The Foundry's Nuke]] in the high-end field of animation and visual effects; see the list of proprietary software for Linux for more details. There are also [[Linux gaming#Proprietary games|several companies]] that have ported their own or other companies' games to Linux, with Linux also being a supported platform on both the [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and [[Desura]] digital-distribution services.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamingonlinux.com/index.php?threads/a-2012-review-and-whats-in-store-for-2013.1591/ | title = A 2012 review and what's in store for 2013?| access-date=January 2, 2013 | last=Dawe |first=Liam | date =January 1, 2013 | publisher=GamingOnLinux}}</ref>
Many other types of applications available for Microsoft Windows and macOS also run on Linux. Commonly, either a [[free software]] application will exist which does the functions of an application found on another operating system, or that application will have a version that works on Linux, such as with [[Skype]] and some [[Linux gaming#Proprietary games|video games]] like ''[[Dota 2]]'' and ''[[Team Fortress 2]]''. Furthermore, the [[Wine (software)|Wine]] project provides a Windows compatibility layer to run unmodified Windows applications on Linux. It is sponsored by commercial interests including [[CodeWeavers]], which produces a commercial version of the software. Since 2009, Google has also provided funding to the Wine project.<ref>{{cite mailing list |last=Kegel |first=Dan |url=http://article.gmane.org/gmane.comp.emulators.wine.devel/56872 |title=Google's support for Wine in 2007 |date=February 14, 2008 |mailing-list=wine-devel |access-date=January 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106202914/http://article.gmane.org/gmane.comp.emulators.wine.devel/56872 |archive-date=January 6, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://code.google.com/opensource/wine.html | title=Open Source Patches: Wine | access-date=September 7, 2008 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907021012/http://code.google.com/opensource/wine.html | archive-date=September 7, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[CrossOver]], a proprietary solution based on the open-source Wine project, supports running Windows versions of [[Microsoft Office]], [[Intuit]] applications such as [[Quicken]] and [[QuickBooks]], [[Adobe Photoshop]] versions through CS2, and many games such as ''[[World of Warcraft]]''. In other cases, where there is no Linux port of some software in areas such as [[desktop publishing]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freeos.com/articles/2540/ |title=Microsoft Office for Linux? |access-date=February 3, 2008 |last=Advani |first=Prakash |date=October 27, 2000 |work=FreeOS |publisher=FreeOS Technologies (I) Pvt. Ltd. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220131703/http://www.freeos.com/articles/2540/ |archive-date=February 20, 2008 }}</ref> and [[professional audio]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/linux-audio.ars |title=Editing audio in Linux |access-date=February 3, 2008 |last=Smith-Heisters |first=Ian |date=October 11, 2005 |work=Ars Technica |publisher=Ars Technica, LLC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217222239/http://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/linux-audio.ars |archive-date=February 17, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/linux-its-not/apr-07/27458 |title=Linux: It's Not Just For Computer Geeks Anymore |access-date=February 3, 2008 |last=Lumma |first=Carl |date=April 2007 |work=Keyboard Magazine |publisher=New Bay Media, LLC. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209161733/http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/linux-its-not/apr-07/27458 |archive-date=February 9, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb04/articles/mirrorimage.htm |title=Using Linux For Recording & Mastering |access-date=February 3, 2008 |last=James |first=Daniel |date=February 2004 |work=Sound On Sound |publisher=SOS Publications Group |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517050638/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb04/articles/mirrorimage.htm |archive-date=May 17, 2008}}</ref> there is equivalent software available on Linux. It is also possible to run applications written for [[Android OS|Android]] on other versions of Linux using [[Anbox]] (deprecated) or with [[Waydroid]].
=== Components and installation ===
<gallery width="180px" height="120" caption="Samples of graphical desktop interfaces">
File:GNOME Shell 40 (applications grid).png|[[GNOME]]
File:KDE Plasma 56.21 Breeze Twilight3.6 screenshot.png|[[KDE Plasma 56]]
File:Cinnamon 4.2.3 screenshot.png|[[Cinnamon (desktop environment)|Cinnamon]]
File:Ubuntu Mate 18.04.1 with MATE 1.20.1.png|[[MATE (software)]]
Linux distributions have also become popular in the [[netbook]] market, with many devices such as the [[Asus Eee PC]] and [[Aspire One|Acer Aspire One]] shipping with customized Linux distributions installed.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/may/28/netbooks-sales | title=Are netbooks losing their shine? | access-date=June 2, 2010 | ___location=London | date=May 28, 2009 | work=The Guardian | first=Jack | last=Schofield | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221110306/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/may/28/netbooks-sales | archive-date=December 21, 2013 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
In 2009, Google announced its [[ChromeOS]] as a minimal Linux-based operating system, using the [[Chrome browser]] as the main user interface. ChromeOS initially did not run any non-web applications, except for the bundled file manager and media player. A certain level of support for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] applications was added in later versions.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html|title = Introducing the Google Chrome OS|date = July 7, 2009|access-date = June 12, 2014|website = Official Google Blog|publisher = [[Blogger (service)|Blogger]]|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120410044457/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html|archive-date = April 10, 2012|df = mdy-all}}</ref> As of 2018, Google added the ability to install any Linux software in a container,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9145439?hl=en|title=Set up Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook - Chromebook Help|website=support.google.com}}</ref> enabling ChromeOS to be used like any other Linux distribution. Netbooks that shipped with the operating system, termed [[Chromebooks]], started appearing on the market in June 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.cnet.com/news/first-take-samsung-series-5-chromebook-the-future-of-netbooks-hands-on-video/|title = First Take: Samsung Series 5 Chromebook, the future of Netbooks?|last = Stein|first = Scott|date = May 11, 2011|work = Journal|access-date = June 12, 2014|publisher = [[CNET]]|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192627/http://www.cnet.com/news/first-take-samsung-series-5-chromebook-the-future-of-netbooks-hands-on-video/|archive-date = July 14, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref>
By 2015 Chromebooks with large screens were available, and also in other forms factors such as laptop, desktop, tablet and all-in-one. [[Android (operating system)|Android]] applications support was added.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html|title = Introducing the Google Chrome OS|date = July 7, 2009|access-date = June 12, 2014|website = Official Google Blog|publisher = [[Blogger (service)|Blogger]]|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120410044457/http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html|archive-date = April 10, 2012|df = mdy-all}}</ref> As of 2018, Google added the ability to install any Linux software in a container,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9145439?hl=en|title=Set up Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook - Chromebook Help|website=support.google.com}}</ref> enabling ChromeOS to be used like any other Linux distribution.
== Servers, mainframes and supercomputers ==
Linux distributions are the cornerstone of the [[LAMP (software bundle)|LAMP]] server-software combination (Linux, [[Apache HTTP Server|Apache]], [[MariaDB]]/[[MySQL]], [[Perl]]/[[PHP]]/[[Python (programming language)|Python]]) which is one of the more common platforms for website hosting.<ref name="SecuritySpace">{{cite web|author=SecuritySpace|url=http://www.securityspace.com/s_survey/data/201005/index.html |title=Web Server Survey |publisher=SecuritySpace |date=June 1, 2010 |access-date=June 27, 2010}}</ref>
Linux distributions have become increasingly common on [[mainframe computer|mainframes]], partly due to pricing and the open-source model.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://enterprisesystemsmedia.com/article/how-cios-can-use-linux-on-the-mainframe-to-maximize-savings-and-lower- |title=How CIOs Can Use Linux on the Mainframe to Maximize Savings and Lower TCO |last=Danner |first=David |date=April 3, 2012 |work=Enterprise Executive |publisher=Enterprise Systems Media |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708202839/http://enterprisesystemsmedia.com/article/how-cios-can-use-linux-on-the-mainframe-to-maximize-savings-and-lower- |archive-date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2009, computer giant [[IBM]] reported that it would predominantly market and sell mainframe-based Enterprise Linux Server.<ref name="The Register">{{cite web|author=Timothy Prickett Morgan|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/12/11/ibm_linux_only_mainframe/|title=IBM punts Linux-only mainframes Big MIPS, deep discounts|publisher=The Register|date=December 11, 2009|access-date=July 2, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213204122/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/12/11/ibm_linux_only_mainframe/|archive-date=December 13, 2009}}</ref> At [[LinuxCon|LinuxCon North America 2015]], IBM announced [[LinuxONE]], a series of mainframes specifically designed to run Linux and open-source software.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Babcock|first1=Charles|title=IBM's LinuxONE Mainframe: What's Old Is New Again|url=http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/ibms-linuxone-mainframe-whats-old-is-new-again/a/d-id/1321789|website=InformationWeek|publisher=InformationWeek|access-date=July 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708205846/http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/ibms-linuxone-mainframe-whats-old-is-new-again/a/d-id/1321789|archive-date=July 8, 2016 |language=en|date=August 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Hoffman|first1=Dale|last2=Mitran|first2=Marcel|title=Open Source & ISV Ecosystem Enablement for LinuxONE and IBM z|url=https://events.static.linuxfound.org/sites/events/files/slides/lcna15_linuxone.pdf|website=Linux Foundation|publisher=IBM|access-date=July 8, 2016|language=en|date=August 17, 2015}}</ref>
Linux distributions are also dominant as [[operating system]]s for [[supercomputer]]s.<ref name="rules_supercomputers">{{cite news | title = Linux rules supercomputers | url = https://www.forbes.com/home/enterprisetech/2005/03/15/cz_dl_0315linux.html | last = Lyons | first = Daniel | access-date = February 22, 2007 | work = Forbes | date = March 15, 2005 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070224235804/http://www.forbes.com/home/enterprisetech/2005/03/15/cz_dl_0315linux.html | archive-date = February 24, 2007 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> As of November 2017, all supercomputers on the [[TOP500|500]] list run some variant of Linux.<ref name=top500stats>{{cite web |url=http://www.top500.org/statistics/details/osfam/1 |title=TOP500 Supercomputer Sites: Operating system Family / Linux |publisher=Top500.org|access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> <!-- Linux is also dominant on the [[Green500]] list. seems to be the same one, just rearranged.-->
== Smart devices ==
[[File:Samsung Galaxy Note series 2.jpg|thumb|Android smartphones]]
[[File:Tesla Model S digital panels.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|[[In-car entertainment]] system of the [[Tesla Model S]] is based on [[Ubuntu]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dragtimes.com/blog/tesla-model-s-ethernet-network-explored-possible-jailbreak-in-the-future | title=Tesla Model S Ethernet Network Explored | date=April 4, 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409122552/http://www.dragtimes.com/blog/tesla-model-s-ethernet-network-explored-possible-jailbreak-in-the-future | archive-date=April 9, 2014 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2014/04/12/tesla-model-s-owners-hack-their-cars-find-ubuntu/|title=Tesla Model S owners hack their cars, find Ubuntu|website=Autoblog|date=12 April 2014 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref>]]
Several operating systems for [[smart devices]], such as [[smartphone]]s, [[tablet computer]]s, [[home automation]], [[smart TV]]s ([[Samsung]] and [[LG]] [[Smart TV]]s use [[Tizen]] and [[WebOS]], respectively),<ref name="Linux Smart TVs">{{cite web | title = Linux continues advance in smart TV market | url = http://linuxgizmos.com/linux-continues-advance-in-smart-tv-market/ | website = linuxgizmos.com | author = Eric Brown | date = Mar 29, 2019 | access-date = May 15, 2020 }}</ref> and [[in-vehicle infotainment]] (IVI) systems<ref name="Linux cars">{{cite web|title=It's a Linux-powered car world|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/its-a-linux-powered-car-world/|website=ZDNet|author=Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=May 15, 2020}}</ref> (for example [[Automotive Grade Linux]]), are based on Linux. Major platforms for such systems include [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Firefox OS]], [[Mer (software distribution)|Mer]] and [[Tizen]].
Based on web use, Android's [[usage share of operating systems]] dominates globally, with almost double the marketshare of Microsoft Windows. As of September 2024 it has 45.4% of the global market, followed by Windows with less than 25.6%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-16 |title=Operating System Market Share Worldwide Sept 2024|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share#monthly-202309-202409 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=StatCounter Global Stats |language=en}}</ref>
Android has become the dominant mobile operating system for [[smartphone]]s, running on 79.3% of units sold worldwide during the second quarter of 2013.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url = https://techcrunch.com/2013/08/07/android-nears-80-market-share-in-global-smartphone-shipments-as-ios-and-blackberry-share-slides-per-idc/ | title = Android Nears 80% Market Share In Global Smartphone Shipments, As iOS And BlackBerry Share Slides, Per IDC | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170705111948/https://techcrunch.com/2013/08/07/android-nears-80-market-share-in-global-smartphone-shipments-as-ios-and-blackberry-share-slides-per-idc/ | archive-date = July 5, 2017 | df = mdy-all |first1=Darrell |last1=Etherington| date = 7 August 2013 }}</ref>{{Update inline|reason=approximately true, but getting pretty stale|date=December 2021}} Android is also used on tables, smart TVs, and in-vehicle navigation systems.
Although Android is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel, commentators disagree on whether the term "Linux distribution" applies to it, and whether it is "Linux" according to the common usage of the term. Android is a [[Linux distribution]] according to the [[Linux Foundation]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/blogs/browse/2012/12/what-year-linux-please-join-us-celebration |title=What a Year for Linux: Please Join us in Celebration |first=Amanda |last=McPherson |publisher=Linux Foundation |date=December 13, 2012 |access-date=April 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417232521/http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/blogs/browse/2012/12/what-year-linux-please-join-us-celebration |archive-date=April 17, 2014 }}</ref> Google's open-source chief [[Chris DiBona]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://derstandard.at/1308186313932/Interview-Google-Android-is-the-Linux-desktop-dream-come-true |title=Google: "Android is the Linux desktop dream come true" |first=Andreas |last=Proschofsky |work=derStandard.at |date=July 10, 2011 |access-date=March 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422021245/http://derstandard.at/1308186313932/Interview-Google-Android-is-the-Linux-desktop-dream-come-true |archive-date=April 22, 2013 }}</ref> and several journalists.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jerry |last=Hildenbrand |title=Ask AC: Is Android Linux? |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/ask-ac-android-linux |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=November 8, 2012 |access-date=March 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408213437/http://www.androidcentral.com/ask-ac-android-linux |archive-date=April 8, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itworld.com/open-source/369810/android-really-linux-distribution |title=Is Android really a Linux distribution? |first=Jim |last=Lynch |work=ITworld |date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=April 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205165359/http://www.itworld.com/open-source/369810/android-really-linux-distribution |archive-date=February 5, 2014 }}</ref> Others, such as Google engineer Patrick Brady, say that Android is not Linux in the traditional [[Unix-like]] Linux distribution sense; Android does not include the [[GNU C Library]] (it uses [[Bionic (software)|Bionic]] as an alternative C library) and some other components typically found in Linux distributions.<ref name="ars introduction developer">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Paul |title=Dream(sheep++): A developer's introduction to Google Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |website=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=June 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704115615/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/02/an-introduction-to-google-android-for-developers/ |archive-date=July 4, 2017}}</ref> ''[[Ars Technica]]'' wrote that "Although Android is built on top of the Linux kernel, the platform has very little in common with the conventional desktop Linux stack".<ref name="ars introduction developer" />
In the past, there were few games available for Linux. In recent years, more games have been released with support for Linux (especially [[Indie game]]s), with the exception of a few [[AAA (video game industry)|AAA title]] games. [[Android (operating system)|Android]], a mobile platform which uses the [[Linux kernel]], has gained much developer interest and is one of the main platforms for mobile game development along with [[iOS]] operating system by [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] for [[iPhone]] and [[iPad]] devices.
On February 14, 2013, [[Valve Corporation|Valve]] released a Linux version of [[Steam (service)|Steam]], a gaming distribution platform on PC.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/186722/Steam_Box_phase_one_complete_Steams_Linux_client_is_out_now.php|title = Steam Box phase one complete: Steam's Linux client is out now|last = Cifaldi|first = Frank|date = February 14, 2013|access-date = June 12, 2014|url-status=livedead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140707121916/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/186722/Steam_Box_phase_one_complete_Steams_Linux_client_is_out_now.php|archive-date = July 7, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> Many Steam games were ported to Linux.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTcxMTY|title = There's Now 500 Games On Steam For Linux|last = Larabel|first = Michael|date = June 5, 2014|work = Journal|access-date = June 12, 2014|publisher = [[Phoronix]]|author-link = Michael Larabel|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140611010626/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTcxMTY|archive-date = June 11, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> On December 13, 2013, Valve released [[SteamOS]], a gaming-oriented OS based on Debian, for [[beta testing]], and had plans to ship [[Steam Machine (hardware platform)|Steam Machines]] as a gaming and entertainment platform.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://store.steampowered.com/steamos/|title = SteamOS|access-date = June 12, 2014|website = Steam|publisher = Valve|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140616200555/http://store.steampowered.com/steamos|archive-date = June 16, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> Valve has also developed [[VOGL]], an [[OpenGL]] debugger intended to aid video game development,<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTU3Mjg|title = Valve's VOGL OpenGL Debugger Should Be Great|last = Larabel|first = Michael|date = January 16, 2014|work = Journal|access-date = June 12, 2014|publisher = [[Phoronix]]|author-link = Michael Larabel|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140701054125/http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=MTU3Mjg|archive-date = July 1, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> as well as porting its [[Source (game engine)|Source]] game engine to desktop Linux.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.shacknews.com/article/73510/steam-and-source-engine-being-ported-to-linux|title = Steam and Source Engine being ported to Linux|last = Mattas|first = Jeff|date = April 25, 2012|access-date = June 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140701153852/http://www.shacknews.com/article/73510/steam-and-source-engine-being-ported-to-linux|archive-date = July 1, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref> As a result of Valve's effort, several prominent games such as ''[[Dota 2|DotA 2]]'', ''[[Team Fortress 2]]'', ''[[Portal (video game)|Portal]]'', ''[[Portal 2]]'' and ''[[Left 4 Dead 2]]'' are now natively available on desktop Linux.
On July 31, 2013, [[Nvidia]] released [[Nvidia Shield|Shield]] as an attempt to use Android as a specialized gaming platform.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.engadget.com/2013/07/21/nvidia-shield-ships-july-31st/|title = NVIDIA Shield|last = Buckley|first = Sean|date = July 21, 2014|access-date = June 13, 2014|publisher = [[Engadget]]|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140708002014/http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/21/nvidia-shield-ships-july-31st/|archive-date = July 8, 2014|df = mdy-all}}</ref>
=== In space ===
[[SpaceX]] uses multiple redundant [[:Category:Avionics computers|flight computers]] in a [[fault-tolerant design]] in its [[Falcon 9]] rocket. Each Merlin engine is controlled by three [[Voting logic|voting]] computers, with two physical processors per computer that constantly check each other's operation. Linux is not inherently fault-tolerant (no operating system is, as it is a function of the whole system including the hardware), but the flight computer software makes it so for its purpose.<ref name=aw20121118/> For flexibility, [[commercial off-the-shelf]] parts and system-wide "radiation-tolerant" design are used instead of [[radiation hardened]] parts.<ref name=aw20121118>{{cite news|last=Svitak |first=Amy |title=Dragon's "Radiation-Tolerant" Design |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog%3a04ce340e-4b63-4d23-9695-d49ab661f385&plckPostId=Blog%3a04ce340e-4b63-4d23-9695-d49ab661f385Post%3aa8b87703-93f9-4cdf-885f-9429605e14df |access-date=November 22, 2012 |newspaper=Aviation Week |date=November 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203204735/http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog%3A04ce340e-4b63-4d23-9695-d49ab661f385&plckPostId=Blog%3A04ce340e-4b63-4d23-9695-d49ab661f385Post%3Aa8b87703-93f9-4cdf-885f-9429605e14df |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{As of|July 2019}}, SpaceX has conducted over [[List of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches|76 launches]] of the Falcon 9 since 2010, out of which all but one have successfully delivered their primary payloads to the intended [[orbit]], and has used it to transport astronauts to the [[International Space Station]]. The [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Dragon 2]] crew capsule also uses Linux.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/google-amp/article/from-earth-to-orbit-with-linux-and-spacex/|title=From Earth to orbit with Linux and SpaceX | ZDNet|website=www.zdnet.com[[ZDNet]]}}</ref>
Windows was deployed as the operating system on non-mission critical laptops used on the space station, but it was later replaced with Linux. [[Robonaut#Robonaut 2|Robonaut 2]], the first humanoid robot in space, is also Linux-based.<ref name="LinuxMigration">{{cite web |title=Linux Foundation Training Prepares the International Space Station for Linux Migration |url=https://training.linuxfoundation.org/solutions/corporate-solutions/success-stories/linux-foundation-training-prepares-the-international-space-station-for-linux-migration/ |publisher=The Linux Foundation |access-date=September 1, 2019}}</ref>
There are general-purpose Linux distributions that target a specific audience, such as users of a specific language or geographical area. Such examples include [[Ubuntu Kylin]] for Chinese language users and BlankOn targeted at Indonesians. Profession-specific distributions include [[Ubuntu Studio]] for media creation and DNALinux for [[bioinformatics]]. There is also a Muslim-oriented distribution of the name [[Sabily]] that consequently also provides some Islamic tools. Certain organizations use slightly specialized Linux distributions internally, including [[GendBuntu]] used by the French [[National Gendarmerie]], [[Goobuntu]] used internally by Google, and [[Astra Linux]] developed specifically for the Russian army.
'''DONOT REMOVE THIS FOR NEXT 2 HRS PLS'''
'''Q1.List the features of linux os.'''
'''Linux''' is an open-source and free operating system whose core component is the Linux kernel. Its design and characteristics are similar to the Unix operating system. For that reason, it is called a '''Unix-like''' operating system. It creates a connection between the hardware and the user and executes the applications.
'''Free Operating System,''' Open-source operating System, Flexibility ,Customizability ,Stability ,Lightweight , Portability, Graphical User Interface, Multiuser and Multitask support, Well Structure File System, Security , Accessible Update
Q2. What are the various linux distributions.
'''There are numerous Linux distributions, each with its own unique features, focus, and target audience. Some popular Linux distributions include:'''
'''Ubuntu ,Debian , CentOS ,Fedora ,Arch Linux ,openSUSE , Linux Mint ,Elementary OS'''
'''Q3.Explain the following llinux commands:'''
'''cat: This command is short for "concatenate" and is used to display the contents of one or more files to the standard output'''
'''rm: The "rm" command stands for "remove" and is used to delete files or directories from the file system.'''
'''mv: This command stands for "move" and is used to move files or directories from one ___location to another.'''
'''cp: The "cp" command stands for "copy" and is used to copy files or directories from one ___location to another.'''
'''mkdir: This command stands for "make directory" and is used to create new directories (folders) in the file system.'''
'''cd: The "cd" command stands for "change directory" and is used to change the current working directory in the terminal.'''
'''date: This command is used to display or set the system date and time.'''
'''time: The "time" command is used to measure the execution time of a command or program.'''
'''bc: This command stands for "basic calculator" and is a command-line calculator with support for mathematical expressions and functions.'''
'''history: The "history" command is used to display a list of previously executed commands in the terminal session.'''
'''Q5.How to create Users in linux.'''
'''In Linux, you can create users using the `useradd` command followed by the username. Here's a basic guide to create a user:'''
'''1. Open a terminal window.'''
'''. Use the `useradd` command followed by the username you want to create. For example, to create a user named "john", you would type:'''
''' sudo useradd john'''
'''. Optionally, you can set a password for the new user using the `passwd` command:'''
''' sudo passwd john'''
''' You'll be prompted to enter and confirm the password for the user.'''
'''. Once the user is created, you can switch to that user using the `su` command followed by the username:'''
''' su - john'''
''' You'll be prompted to enter the password for the user.'''
'''. To switch back to your original user, simply type:'''
''' Exit'''
'''Q6.How do you set file permission in linux. Explain with an example.'''
'''In Linux, file permissions can be set using the `chmod` command. The `chmod` command allows you to specify permissions for the owner of the file, the group associated with the file, and other users.'''
'''Here's how you can set file permissions using `chmod` with an example:'''
'''1. Open a terminal window.'''
'''2. . Use the `chmod` command followed by the permission mode and the filename. The permission mode consists of three digits, each representing the permissions for the owner, group, and others, respectively.'''
''' - The first digit represents the owner's permissions.'''
''' - The second digit represents the group's permissions.'''
''' - The third digit represents the permissions for others.'''
''' Each digit can be calculated by adding the numeric values of the permissions:'''
''' Read (r) = 4 , Write (w) = 2 ,Execute (x) = 1'''
''' For example:'''
''' - `chmod 755 filename` gives the owner full permissions (read, write, execute), and read and execute permissions to the group and others.'''
''' - `chmod 644 filename` gives the owner read and write permissions, and read-only permissions to the group and others.'''
'''. Here's a specific example:'''
''' chmod 755 myfile.txt'''
''' This command sets the permissions of the file "myfile.txt" so that the owner has read, write, and execute permissions (7), and the group and others have read and execute permissions (5).'''
'''. You can verify the permissions of the file using the `ls -l` command, which will display detailed information about the file, including its permissions.'''
'''Q7.What is a package and how to install it in linux.'''
'''In Linux, a package is a compressed archive file that contains software, along with metadata such as dependencies, version information, and installation scripts. Packages are used to distribute and install software on Linux systems efficiently.'''
'''There are several package management systems used in Linux distributions, such as:'''
'''Here's a general overview of how to install a package in Linux using the APT package manager (commonly used in Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu):'''
'''Update Package Lists: Before installing a new package, it's a good practice to update the local package lists to ensure you're installing the latest version of the software. You can do this by running:'''
''' sudo apt updat'''
'''Search for the Package: If you're not sure about the exact name of the package you want to installE, you can search for it using:'''
''' apt search package_name'''
'''Install the Package: Once you've found the package you want to install, you can install it using'''
''' sudo apt install package_name'''
'''Replace `package_name` with the name of the package you want to install.'''
'''Provide Administrator Privileges: You'll likely need to provide your password to authorize the installation process since you're using the `sudo` command to run the installation with administrative privileges.'''
'''Follow On-Screen Instructions: Depending on the package and its dependencies, you may be prompted to confirm the installation or make choices during the installation process. Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the installation.'''
'''Verify Installation: Once the installation is complete, you can verify that the package was installed successfully by running:'''
''' dpkg -l | grep package_name'''
'''Replace `package_name` with the name of the package you installed. This command will list all installed packages matching the specified name.'''
'''Q8.Explain compress and uncompress files in linux os.'''
'''In Linux, you can compress and uncompress files using various compression utilities. Two commonly used utilities for this purpose are `gzip` and `gunzip`, which are used to compress and uncompress files respectively using the gzip compression algorithm.'''
'''Here's how you can compress and uncompress files using `gzip` and `gunzip`:'''
'''Compressing Files with gzip (`gzip`):'''
'''Compress a Single File:'''
''' To compress a single file, you can use the `gzip` command followed by the name of the file you want to compress.'''
''' This will compress `file.txt` and create a compressed file named `file.txt.gz`.'''
'''Compress Multiple Files:'''
''' You can also compress multiple files at once by providing a list of file names as arguments to the `gzip` command.'''
'''Uncompressing Files with gunzip (`gunzip`):'''
'''Uncompress a Single File'''
''' To uncompress a single compressed file, you can use the `gunzip` command followed by the name of the compressed file you want to uncompress.'''
'''Uncompress Multiple Files:'''
''' Similar to compressing, you can uncompress multiple compressed files at once by providing a list of file names as arguments to the `gunzip` command.'''
'''Additionally, you can combine the `tar` command with `gzip` to create compressed archives of directories or multiple files.'''
''' This command will create a compressed archive named `archive.tar.gz` containing the contents of the `directory` directory.'''
''' This command will uncompress and extract the contents of the `archive.tar.gz` compressed archive.'''
'''Q9Explain file attributes in linux.'''
'''In Linux, file attributes determine various permissions and properties associated with files and directories. These attributes control who can access, modify, or execute a file, as well as other properties such as ownership and timestamps. The main file attributes in Linux are:'''
'''Permission Bits:'''
''' Permission bits define who can read, write, or execute a file. There are three types of permission bits: **user**, **group**, and **others**. Each type has three permission settings: **read (r)**, **write (w)**, and **execute (x)**. These permissions are represented by characters in the file's permission string.'''
'''Ownership:'''
''' Every file in Linux is associated with an owner and a group. The owner is usually the user who created the file, while the group determines which users belong to a specific group that has access to the file.'''
'''Timestamps:'''
''' Every file has three timestamps associated with it:'''
'''Access Time (atime)**: The last time the file was accessed.'''
'''Modification Time (mtime)**: The last time the file's contents were modified.'''
'''Change Time (ctime)**: The last time the file's metadata (permissions, ownership, etc.) was changed.'''
'''File Type:'''
''' Linux recognizes different file types, such as regular files, directories, symbolic links, devices, sockets, and named pipes.'''
'''Extended Attributes:'''
''' Extended attributes provide additional metadata beyond the standard file attributes.'''
'''ACLs (Access Control Lists):'''
''' ACLs allow for more granular control over file permissions by defining access rules beyond the standard user, group, and others permissions.'''
'''Q10. Write the differences between linux ,mac and windows os.'''
'''key differences between Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems:'''
'''Kernel and Core System:'''
'''Linux: Linux is built around the Linux kernel, which is open-source and free to use. It comes in many distributions (distros), each with its package management system and user interface.'''
''' - macOS: macOS is based on the Unix-like Darwin kernel, developed by Apple. It is proprietary and only runs on Apple hardware.'''
''' - Windows: Windows is developed by Microsoft and runs on the Windows NT kernel. It is also proprietary and is the most widely used desktop operating system.'''
'''User Interface:'''
''' - Linux: Linux offers a variety of desktop environments (DEs) like GNOME, KDE, XFCE, etc., each with its look and feel. Some distributions offer a choice of DE during installation.'''
''' - macOS: macOS has a unified user interface called Aqua, known for its sleek design and ease of use.'''
''' - Windows: Windows provides a customizable desktop environment with a Start menu, taskbar, and window management features.'''
'''Software Ecosystem:'''
''' - Linux: Linux offers a vast array of open-source software available through package managers like APT, YUM, or Pacman. It also supports running Windows software through compatibility layers like Wine.'''
''' - macOS: macOS has a robust software ecosystem with access to the Mac App Store and third-party software. It also supports running Unix and Linux software through tools like Homebrew or MacPorts.'''
''' - Windows: Windows has the largest software ecosystem, with compatibility for a wide range of applications and games. It has the Microsoft Store for apps and supports running Linux software through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).'''
'''QB3. Explain BASH and its functions.'''
'''The. Linux Bash is also known as 'Bourne-again Shell.' It is a command language'''
'''interpreter for the Linux based system. It is a replacement of Bourne shell (sh). It was developed'''
'''under the GNU Project and written by Brian Fox. Nowadays, Bash is the default user shell of'''
'''most of the Linux distributions.'''
'''The Bash is a command language interpreter as well as a programming language. It'''
'''supports variables, functions, and flow control, like other programming languages. It can also'''
'''read and execute the commands from a file, which is called a shell script.'''
'''o It provides command-line editing'''
'''o It contains unlimited size command history'''
'''o It provides Job Control'''
'''o It facilitates with Shell Functions and Aliases'''
'''o It provides the indexed arrays of unlimited size'''
'''o It contains integer arithmetic in any base from 2 to 64'''
4. Explain the following linux commands:
i. head: used to display the first part of the file
ii. tail: used to display the last ten lines of one or more files
iii. wc (with all options): counting the lines, words and characters in a file
options: 1. -l: prints the number of lines present in the file
2. -w: prints the number of words present in the file
3. -c: displays count of bytes present in the file
4. -m: displays count of characters from a file
5. -version: displays the version of wc which is currently running on your system
iv. cmp: used to compare the 2 files byte to byte and helps you to find out whether
the 2 files are identical or not
v. sudo: allows you to run programs with the security privileges of another user
vi. bc: used for command line calculator
vii. tar: compresses files in linux
viii. pwd: prints the working directory
ix. grep: used for searching and manipulating text patterns within files
x. cut: for cutting out the sections from each line of files
xi. ls –l: used to list information about files and directories within the file system
QB5. Differentiate between soft link and hard link.
Soft Link
Soft Link is an alias to the original file similar to the shortcut feature in the Windows OS.
It contains the ___location to the original file but not the contents.
Soft Links have different Inode values pointing to the original value.
Links can be established across filesystem.
The link becomes inaccessible when the original file is removed.
Soft links can link both to a file or a directory.
Hard Link
Hard Link is the exact replica of the original file it is pointing to.
It contains the actual contents of the file.
Hard Links share the same Inode value pointing to the same file ___location.
Links cannot be established outside the filesystem.
Changes in the hard linked file will reflect in the other files.
Hard links can only link to a file, not a directory.
QB6. Explain the backup and recovery tools available in linux.
• Tar: this unix like command creates and manipulates file archives
• Rsync: tool for file synchronization and backups
• Dd: data duplicator creates disc images and backups
• Cpio: tool creates and extracts archives
• Dump and restore: backup at the file system level
QB7. Explain setting file permissions in detail
To change file and directory permissions, use the command chmod (change mode). The owner of
a file can change the permissions for user (u), group (g), or others (o) by adding (+) or
subtracting (-) the read, write, and execute permissions.
Access class
u (user)
g (group)
o (other)
a (all: u, g, and o)
Operator
+ (add access)
- (remove access)
= (set exact access)
Access Type
r (read)
w (write)
x (execute)
QB8. List the tools for system monitoring.
• Top: top command displays the linux processes
• Vmstat: virtual memory statistics
• W: to find out who is logged on and what they are doing
• Uptime: tells the linux system has been running
• Ps: displays the linux processes
QB9. Explain different types of users.
In linux, there are three different user types:
• Root: the main user account in linux. It is automatically created during
installation. It has the highest privilege in the system. It can do any
administrative work and can access any service.
• Regular: normal user account. During installation one regular user is created
automatically. After installation, we can create as many regular user account
as required. It has moderate privilege. It is used for routine works
• Service: these accounts are created by installation packages whey they are
installed. These accounts are used by services to run processes and execute
the functions. These are neither intended nor should be used for routine work
== See also ==
| 