Linux and GNU

Linux and GNU

Although there are a large number of Linux implementations, you will find a lot of similarities in the different
distributions, if only because every Linux machine is a box with building blocks that you may put together
following your own needs and views. Installing the system is only the beginning of a longterm relationship.
Just when you think you have a nice running system, Linux will stimulate your imagination and creativeness,
and the more you realize what power the system can give you, the more you will try to redefine its limits.
Linux may appear different depending on the distribution, your hardware and personal taste, but the
fundamentals on which all graphical and other interfaces are built, remain the same. The Linux system is
based on GNU tools (Gnu's Not UNIX), which provide a set of standard ways to handle and use the system.

Properties of Linux

Linux Pros

A lot of the advantages of Linux are a consequence of Linux' origins, deeply rooted in UNIX, except for the
first advantage, of course:
Linux is free:
As in free beer, they say. If you want to spend absolutely nothing, you don't even have to pay the
price of a CD. Linux can be downloaded in its entirety from the Internet completely for free. No
registration fees, no costs per user, free updates, and freely available source code in case you want to
change the behavior of your system.

Introduction Of Linux

Introduction Of Linux

We will start with an overview of how Linux became the operating system it is today. We
will discuss past and future development and take a closer look at the advantages and
disadvantages of this system. We will talk about distributions, about Open Source in general
and try to explain a little something about GNU.


This chapter answers questions like:
♦ What is Linux?
♦ Where and how did Linux start?
♦ Isn't Linux that system where everything is done in text mode?
♦ Does Linux have a future or is it just hype?
♦ What are the advantages of using Linux?
♦ What are the disadvantages?
♦ What kinds of Linux are there and how do I choose the one that fits me?
♦ What are the Open Source and GNU movements?