Linux Part 2

linux Part 2

What is Linux?

Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems, typically packaged into a distribution.

Popular Distributions:

Ubuntu
Redhat
SUSE
Gentoo

Open-Source software

WordPress.
Apache Web-server.
Open source-software allows users to modify the software and it remains free as its author normally
releases its Licence.

Type of licences

GNU – General Public Licence
Apache Licence
MIT Licence
Unlicensed

Linux Distributions Consist of:

Linux Kernel.
Supporting Software and Libraries.
Configuration files.

The Kernel is a low-level computer program which functions as the bridge between the user and the computer. Some Kernels can slightly differ as developers create bug fixes.

Software – Linux distributions come packaged with different software and tools, like the x-window system which provides the GUI for the user, this allows the use to draw and move windows on the Monitor, x-window provides the basic framework for a graphical user allowing the user to interact using a mouse and keyboard.

Linux Distributions have different use cases, some distributions are for the desktop or server, and are customised to specific needs. Different distributions have different scripts and utilities to launch programs that link the computer to the network or provide logon to the computer.

Distribution Life Cycle (Release Schedule)

Alpha – Can be buggy and without full features.
Beta – Pre-release a test version with all features.
Final – Stable release.

Usually, major distributions are maintained and updated for a few years, it depends on the developers. It’s important to note that when the distribution is end of life it may well be that no more updates will occur and the OS Distribution may be vulnerable to exploits, so it is always wise to update to the newest version.

LTS Versions of a distribution have Long Term Support.
STS Versions of a distribution have Short Term Support.

Comparing distributions

Ubuntu
Comes with a nice graphical desktop with Firefox, Libre, as well as other applications it comes with an
application Icon on the unity taskbar which will allow you to search for applications and utilities on a
repository, these applications on repository can be installed with a few clicks.

OpenSUSE
Using the KDE desktop it will function similarly to a traditional windows system, with a start menu
that opens with a click and you will be presented with installed applications. You can also change the
desktop background by right clicking on the desktop background which will bring up the wall paper
settings. On the Desktop you will see a home folder which takes you into the file system and just like
windows you can create files and folders and navigate through them.

Debian
Debian is more of a flat operating system its not as pleasing as some of the other Linux
Distributions, using Gnome in the top centre left there is an activities button, one you click
this,, a side bar will appear as well as in the centre of the desktop there a search bar, all you
need to do is to type in search what you are looking for. Debian also comes with its own
installer for applications, which you can search by category, all the software is open-source
so there is no cost, the file manager is also on the left sidebar, it looks a little different to
other distributions but has all the same functions.

Gentoo
Another GUI you can use with Gentoo is Xfce GUI, Xfce is low system requirement, this GUI has a
similar style to a MAC with the taskbar at the bottom of the screen with the icons for applications
being centred just like MAC. Gentoo needs less system requirements, so if you have a slowed
computer this will run better, if you right click on the main desktop you can launch applications right
from there. If you want to open the file system just click on the documentation or home folder. If You
want to find an application you can also click on the magnifier on the XFCE taskbar. You can also start
applications such as Firefox by going to the upper top left of the desktop and click applications.

Summary
Most of the Linux Operating Systems basically all are the same, the kernel is the same, a distribution
may just look different depending on which GUI is used, XFCE, Unity or Gnome.

Embedded Systems

What is an embedded system?
An Embedded System is a controller with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system. Embedded systems are used in Industrial automation, navigation equipment, medical devices and many others. More recently because of its low cost and ease of customisation, Linux is shipped with many customer devices, such as wearable technology and home appliances. Some devices like ARDUINO and the raspberry pie are small credit card size systems which can be used to create other systems, which include robot and computer systems. Android is a Linux Kernel based OS which was acquired and extended by Google, it is being used in appliances, tablets, smartphones TVs and vehicle entertainment systems. Android is highly scale-able and it free to use for manufactures and its open source, this is why google has a massive share of the market.

Linux Hardware prerequisites

System requirements.
Each Linux System has a hardware requirement depending on the distribution, also to add to that there is an Hardware compatibility list (HCL), which lists tested, compatible and sometimes incompatible hardware devices for a particular distribution. Each distribution should have a recommended requirement and minimum requirement. Normally to find out the Hardware requirements for a particular distribution can be found on the Linux distribution website, you should be able to find out what amount of RAM, CPU, hard disk space and other hardware you may need to meet the requirements.

Installing Linux

Download the applicable Ubuntu ISO image from Ubuntu website. Now burn the image to DVD or create a bootable USB stick using Rufus. If you don’t wish to install Ubuntu you can run a Live Version directly from the DVD or USB stick. Another option is to install VMware Player or Virtual box and run it on top of your current Operating System, or if you Host a Hypervisor such Hyper-V from Microsoft or VMware’s ESXI Server. Once you have selected how you wish to install Ubuntu, begin the install process by booting via your chosen method. Choose your language and select whether you wish to try Ubuntu or Install Ubuntu, then Select Keyboard Layout. Select the normal installation or minimal installation. Normal installation will install lots of apps, minimal installation will install the necessary software, later you can choose what apps you wish to install. Other options, this will allow you to install the current updates and patches while it installs. Install other 3 rd party applications for graphics and Wi-Fi and additional media formats, some of These 3rd party applications may not be open source and some are proprietary.

How to install Ubuntu.

Erase disk and Install Ubuntu – This will erase all data on disk and install Ubuntu – if you wish to create a dual boot system, for example a system that already has Microsoft Windows, then select the option “do something else”.

Now select the time zone.
Choose you name
Choose a computer name
Pick a Username for the logon
Choose your password and confirm it.
Choose whether you would like Ubuntu to Login automatically.
Now Ubuntu is going to install. After the end reboot the machine.

Operating Systems.

Linux, Windows and MAC
Windows dominates 90% of the desktop Market, MAC 8% and Linux 2 Percent of the Desktop Market, there are more mainstream commercial applications available to the desktop user, however Linux dominates 75% of the Enterprise Server Market Since Linux is open source it is less vulnerable to exploits, on the other hand since Windows desktop is popular with end users and is closed source, it makes it more vulnerable to hacking and malware attacks. Linux can be run from the command line without a GUI this allows for less overhead and free’s up the computer resources, this allows better performance for embedded systems or computers that have less resources. All Operating Systems have their positives and negatives, it’s up to the user to choose what works for their needs.