BBA-I- Computer Applications for Business: LINUX Operating System

Operating System - Linux

Linux is one of popular version of UNIX operating System. It is open source as its source code is freely available. It is free to use. Linux was designed considering UNIX compatibility. Its functionality list is quite similar to that of UNIX.

Following are some of the important features of Linux Operating System.

1. ·        Portable − Portability means software can works on different types of hardware in same way. Linux kernel and application programs support their installation on any kind of hardware platform.
2. ·        Open Source − Linux source code is freely available and it is community based development project. Multiple teams work in collaboration to enhance the capability of Linux operating system and it is continuously evolving.
3. ·        Multi-User − Linux is a multiuser system means multiple users can access system resources like memory/ ram/ application programs at same time.
4. ·    Multiprogramming − Linux is a multiprogramming system means multiple applications can run at same time.
5. ·        Hierarchical File System − Linux provides a standard file structure in which system files/ user files are arranged.
6. ·        Shell − Linux provides a special interpreter program which can be used to execute commands of the operating system. It can be used to do various types of operations, call application programs. etc.'
7.     Security − Linux provides user security using authentication features like password protection/ controlled access to specific files/ encryption of data.

Architecture

The following illustration shows the architecture of a Linux system −

The architecture of a Linux System consists of the following layers −

• ·        Hardware layer − Hardware consists of all peripheral devices (RAM/ HDD/ CPU etc).
• ·     Kernel − It is the core component of Operating System, interacts directly with hardware, provides low level services to upper layer components.
• ·        Shell − An interface to kernel, hiding complexity of kernel's functions from users. The shell takes commands from the user and executes kernel's functions.
• ·        Utilities − Utility programs that provide the user most of the functionalities of an operating systems.

Advantages of LINUX Operating System:

1.      Cost – The most obvious advantage of using Linux is the fact that it is free to obtain as it is an open and free software.

2.      Security – In line with the costs, the security aspect of Linux is much stronger, powerful and reliable.

3.      Choice (Freedom) – The power of choice is a great Linux advantage. With Linux, you have the power to control just about every aspect of the operating system.

4.      Software – There are so many software choices when it comes to doing any specific task. Regular users and programmers contribute applications all the time. In addition, software on Linux tends to be packed with more features and greater usability than software on Windows. Best of all, the vast majority of Linux software is free and open source.

5.      Hardware – Linux is perfect for those old computers with barely any processing power or memory.

Disadvantages of Linux Operating System:

1.    Understanding – Becoming familiar with the Linux operating system requires patience as well as a strong learning curve.

2.    Compatibility – Because of its free nature, Linux is sometimes behind the curve when it comes to brand new hardware compatibility.