What is Linux?

Linux is, in simplest terms, an operating system. It is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. The operating system (OS) relays instructions from an application to, for instance, the computer's processor. The processor performs the instructed task, then sends the results back to the application via the operating system.

Explained in these terms, Linux is very similar to other operating systems, such as Windows and OS X.

But something sets Linux apart from these operating systems. The Linux operating system represented a $25 billion ecosystem in 2008. Since its inception in 1991, Linux has grown to become a force in computing, powering everything from the New York Stock Exchange to mobile phones to supercomputers to consumer devices.

As an open operating system, Linux is developed collaboratively, meaning no one company is solely responsible for its development or ongoing support. Companies participating in the Linux economy share research and development costs with their partners and competitors. This spreading of development burden amongst individuals and companies has resulted in a large and efficient ecosystem and unheralded software innovation.

Over 1,000 developers, from at least 100 different companies, contribute to every kernel release. In the past two years alone, over 3,200 developers from 200 companies have contributed to the kernel--which is just one small piece of a Linux distribution.

This article will explore the various components of the Linux operating system, how they are created and work together, the communities of Linux, and Linux's incredible impact on the IT ecosystem.

Where is Linux?

One of the most noted properties of Linux is where it can be used. Windows and OS X are predominantly found on personal computing devices such as desktop and laptop computers. Other operating systems, such as Symbian, are found on small devices such as phones and PDAs, while mainframes and supercomputers found in major academic and corporate labs use specialized operating systems such as AS/400 and the Cray OS.

Linux, which began its existence as a server OS and Has become useful as a desktop OS, can also be used on all of these devices. “From wristwatches to supercomputers,” is the popular description of Linux' capabilities.

Mandriva Linux

The Spring version of the popular Mandriva Linux Distribution is now available for download on mirrors worldwide. Mandriva Linux is also more easy-to-use, more user-friendly and more powerful. It is ideal for the needs of all customers, from the beginner to the SOHO user.The final release comes in three editions:
  1. One Edition
  2. Free Edition and
  3. Powerpack Edition.

Mandriva Linux 2010.1 is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, with GNOME and KDE4 LiveCDs.

Mandriva Linux 2010.1 “Spring” offers hot features, such as Guest account, a new installation method and improved Mandriva Directory Server. It also comes with some bleeding-edge applications, like Mozilla Firefox 3.6.6 or OpenOffice.org 3.2. The popular Opera and are available from the included Software repositories.

Download Link: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

Some key features of “Mandriva Linux”:

  • A computer running the Mandriva Linux operating system can be as easy to use as a computer which uses Windows or Mac OS — a fact which has been Confirmed by many IT publications. CNET (a popular technical online magazine) awarded Mandrivalinux Linux their “Editor’s Choice” saying: “New users, especially those looking for a quick and easy alternative to Windows or the Mac OS, will be hard pressed to find a smoother, easier transition to the world of Linux.”
  • For comparison, the Mandriva Linux PowerPack contains thousands high-quality applications including a complete Office Suite, plus installation support, for a cost of approximately 10 times less than the equivalent Microsoft Windows MS Office cost, which comes without any technical support.
  • Mandriva Linux requires little maintenance as its software management system automatically handles dependency issues and avoids conflicts between applications. Additionally, the MandrivaUpdate utility allows free and easy updates through the Internet — this is an ideal way to stay current with the latest security-related software updates.
  • · Due to the strength of Linux, a typical Mandriva Linux system can run for months without a reboot. Additionally, the i586 version of Mandrivalinux Linux is optimized for Pentium class (and compatible processors) to provide the highest performance on this hardware.
  • In over ten years of widespread use, only a few rumored viruses have ever been recorded that affect Linux. This strong immunity can be explained by the fundamental architecture of the system which consists of independent layers that have specific features and strict permissions. Additionally, normal users have a strict and limited role on a Linux system; it’s only the “root” user (administrator) who has the power to expose an entire system to possible danger.
  • Versions exist for x86, PPC, AMD64 and IA64.

How Mandriva Linux is being used?

Personal purposes:

  • Office (OpenOffice.org, KOffice, Abiword, Gnumeric)
  • Internet (Web, Email…)
  • Multimedia (Video, Audio MP3, RealPlayer, Flash player…)
  • 2D and 3D games
  • Advanced programming (C/C /Java/Assembler/Perl/Python/HTML/PHP/GTK/QT)

Server use:

  • Web server (Apache with HTTP, PHP, Webdav…): Mandriva Linux is used to operate computers that deliver web pages.
  • Database Server (PostgreSQL, MySQL, IBM DB2, Oracle…)
  • Mandriva Linux is a useful operating system for computers designed to host database and to link them with Internet servers.
  • LDAP Server
  • A LDAP server stocks one or various directory data bases.
  • FTP Server
  • FTP Server are the computers that deliver files following the FTP protocol.
  • DNS Server
  • A DNS server attributes the IP addresses (numeric addresses) of computers linked to the Internet.
  • NIS Server
  • A NIS Server enables the globalization of user accounts on a given network
  • File Server in a Windows environment
  • Mandriva Linux manages the attribution and sending of files in a network of computers running on Windows thanks to the Samba application
  • Email Internet Server (SMTP, POP3, IMAP…)
  • Mandriva Linux is used in companies and on the Internet to manage employees’ electronic mail.
  • Print Server
  • Mandriva Linux administers printing services for all machines in the computer network.
  • Scientific calculations (SMP, Clusters…)
Mandriva Linux is widely applauded by organizations and all those who need to carry out scientific calculations. Its optimization for modern processors gives Mandrivalinux Linux a significant advantage in comparison to other Linux systems.
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