what does linux do

Linux is a UNIX-like operating system that is free to use and spread freely. It is a multi-user, multi-task, multi-thread and multi-CPU operating system based on POSIX; suitable development can be configured through Linux The environment can simplify the development process, reduce the obstacles of simulation tools in development, and make the system highly portable.

#The operating environment of this article: linux5.9.8 system, Dell G3 computer.

Every desktop computer uses an operating system. The most popular operating systems currently in use are: Windows, Mac OS, UNIX.

Linux is an operating system. The operating system is a computer program and is the first software that the computer executes when the machine is turned on. The operating system loads itself into memory and begins managing the resources available on the computer. It then makes these resources available to other applications that the user wants to execute.

Typical services provided by the operating system include:

Task Scheduler - The task scheduler is able to distribute the execution of the CPU to many different tasks . Some of these tasks are different applications run by the user, and some of them are operating system tasks. Task Scheduler is a part of the operating system that allows you to print a document in one window while downloading a file in another and recalculating a spreadsheet in a third.

Memory Manager - The memory manager controls the system's RAM, typically using files on the hard drive to create a larger virtual memory space.

Disk Manager - Disk Manager creates and maintains directories and files on disk. When you request a file, Disk Manager pulls it from disk.

Network Manager - Network Manager controls all data that moves between your computer and the network.

Other I/O Service Manager - Operating system manages keyboard, mouse, video monitor, printer, etc.

Security Manager - The operating system maintains the security of information in your computer's files and controls who can access the computer.

The operating system also usually provides a default user interface for the system. The standard "look" of Windows 98 includes the Start button, taskbar, etc. Mac OS provides a completely different look and feel for Macintosh computers.

Linux is both an operating system and a phenomenon. To understand why Linux has become so popular, it helps to know a little about its history. The first version of UNIX was originally developed decades ago primarily as a research operating system at universities. High-performance desktop workstations from companies like Sun proliferated in the 1980s, and they were all based on UNIX. Many companies entered the workstation space to compete with Sun: HP, IBM, Silicon Graphics, Apollo, etc. Unfortunately, each company had its own version of UNIX, which made selling software difficult. Windows NT is Microsoft's response to this market. NT provides the same features as the UNIX operating system - security, support for multiple CPUs, large-scale memory and disk management, etc.

Microsoft's entry into the high-end workstation arena has created a strange dynamic. UNIX was weakened by proprietary operating systems owned by independent companies and the lack of central authority in the UNIX world, but many people had personal problems with Microsoft. Linux enters this strange environment and attracts a lot of attention.

The Linux kernel created by Linus Torvalds is freely available to the world. Torvalds then invited others to join the kernel as long as they made their contributions free. Thousands of programmers began working on enhancing Linux, and the operating system evolved rapidly. Because it is free and runs on PC platforms, it will quickly gain a sizeable audience among hardcore developers.

Linux has a dedicated following and attracts several different types of people:

Already know UNIX and want to run it on PC type hardware Its people

People who want to experience the principles of the operating system

People who need or want a lot of control over their operating system

People who have personal issues with Microsoft

In general, Linux is more difficult to manage than Windows, but offers more flexibility and configuration options.

Linux Advantages

1.Linux is composed of many microkernels, and its source code is completely open source;

2.Linux inherits the characteristics of Unix, It has very powerful network functions and supports all Internet protocols, including TCP/IPv4, TCP/IPv6 and link layer topology programs, etc., and can use the network characteristics of Unix to develop new protocol stacks;

3. The Linux system tool chain is complete, and a suitable development environment can be configured with simple operations, which can simplify the development process, reduce obstacles to simulation tools in development, and make the system highly portable;

[Recommended Learning ：linux video tutorial】

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