Chapter 1
Introducing Linux
IN THIS CHAPTER
Getting acquainted with Linux
Discovering Linux distributions
The Linux operating system has become one of the most widely used operating systems, popular among researchers, application developers, and hobbyists alike. These days, the Linux operating system can be found in an amazing range of computer environments, from mobile phones to satellites.
This chapter examines just what the Linux operating system is and why there are so many different Linux distributions available to choose from. With this information, you can select the right Linux distribution for your environment.
What Is Linux?
If you’ve never worked with Linux before, you may be confused as to why there are so many different versions of it available. You’ve most likely come across terms such as distribution, LiveDVD, and GNU when looking at Linux packages, and you may have been confused. This section takes some of the mystery out of the Linux system for you.
Although people usually refer to the Linux operating system as just “Linux,” in reality there are quite a few parts that make up a complete Linux system. The four main parts of a Linux system are
- The Linux kernel
- The GNU utilities
- The user interface
- Application software
Each of these four parts has a specific ...
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