Linux is an operating system (OS) that controls the computer software and hardware on your personal computer (PC), laptop or server. Linux is packaged with a collective set of tools and combined with a kernel. Linux also includes system and application software for use on your PC.This collection of software modules are used to compute and run a variety of tasks and functions on your computer. Refer to overview on this page “What are Linux PC Desktop & Laptop Uses?.“ In addition, Linux is a modular and portable OS with software and hardware flexibility that allows it to run from smartphones to supercomputers plus many other devices in between. Linux is also a multi-user, multitasking, network enabled operating system that is easily accessible from anywhere on the computer network.
Linux is also Open Source. This philosophical or pragmatic movement has struck a chord and renewed a growing interest in both the private and public sectors. In a nutshell, Linux is widely used in IT (Information Technology), Data Centers, Electronics, Server Farms, Web Hosting Providers, Computer Appliances and more. Linux use is ubiquitous with social m edia and networking service sites. It’s use is also popular with Mobile & Computing Platforms. Mostly, anywhere were stability, reliability, security and scalability are absolutely essential. Linux popularity is undeniably growing with enterprise networking due to its practical, functional & financial benefits.
On the PC user front, Linux is slowly gaining a loyal following with inquisitive and informed computer users worldwide. Both newbies and advanced PC users alike are looking for a flexible, stable, reliable and secure OS alternative in a modern computing platform. Linux and Open Source/Free Software running on all types of computers are now the low cost favorites for knowledgeable computer users around the world.
A Tip for Linux Newbies!
There are hundreds of Linux distros to choose from today. Many modern Linux PCs have a graphical user interface (GUI) for ease of use with the point-and-click of a mouse. Also, a desktop environment (DE) that’s used for navigation. A Linux PC with a GUI/DE is the best choice for a newbie to install, configure, use and explore. Go to our Guide & Events Pages to get these distros: Linux Mint, Ubuntu, openSUSE, etc.
What are Linux User Interfaces?
A Linux operating system (OS) is controlled by one or more of the following user interfaces or layers:
- A front and back end text-based command line interface (CLI) which today is limited in use to technically proficient and advanced computer users or professionals.
- A front end graphical user interface (GUI) and desktop environment (DE) for ease of use & navigation. It’s seen on most modern personal computers (PCs) today. GUI/DE’s are ideal for PC newbies.
- And through embedded control systems design or settings (layers) on the device itself. It is common on microchip embedded system devices like mobile smartphones, PDAs and other computer appliances or portable devices such as: microwaves, digital watches, MP3 players, etc.
In addition, on desktop computers, KDE, Gnome, and Xfce are the more popular desktop environments (DE) for a Linux PC system with a GUI. For technically proficient and advanced computer users or professionals, a Linux operating system provides a CLI through a shell or terminal emulator. This function is usually available as a graphical terminal emulator program in the desktop environment (DE). This desktop tool is often used to gain access to the CLI from a Linux PC with a graphical user interface and desktop environment (GUI/DE).
Why choose the CLI? An example follows: The command-line interface (CLI) is often used whenever a large selection of commands or queries, combined with a wide range of options and configurations, can be entered quicker as text than using the GUI with a mouse. For a Linux introduction on the command line interface with 50 of the most used commands… click here!
A Linux PC Desktop/Laptop System lets the user explore and perform the following computer functions: communications, development, graphics, multimedia, networking, productivity and much more. In order to facilitate installation, a collective set of tools plus system and application software are packaged as Linux distros on CDs or DVDs. Likewise, many Linux websites allow users to download Linux distros in ISO image and torrent files. These various forms of digital media enable users to install, configure, use and explore a Linux distro on a PC desktop, laptop or server. In addition, Internet access, Web browsing, email, instant messaging, music playing, CD/DVD burning, video games, automatic updates and more are all part of an interactive Linux user experience.
Mainly, because the days of costly and restrictive proprietary software (operating systems, application and system software) as your only choices are over now. You are not compelled to commit to restrictive, costly and proprietary software license agreements anymore. Feel free to decline and do not accept prohibitive EULAs to avoid expensive vendor lock-in. You do have choices now! Free Linux Distributions and Free Open Source Software (FOSS) solutions are out there in the community. Choose one or more of the popular Linux Distributions (distros) that are freely and widely available. Point and click on our Guide, Events and Contact pages for helpful information, links, downloads and additional resources.
How do I get Linux Distros?
See, Hear and Speak with the Movers and Shakers who promote and support Linux and Open Source/Free Software. Attend Events and Conferences to expand your knowledge base. For upcoming dates of events and conferences… Click here!!!
What are Linux PC Desktop & Laptop Uses?
For a History of Linux… Click Here
