Open Source

Linux is open-source, meaning its source code can be accessed, modified, and distributed freely by the public under the GPL license. This allows for a collaborative development process and the ability for individuals to create their own versions of the software. Unlike proprietary software, users cannot access or modify the source code.

Open-source is a defining characteristic of Linux, as it was created with the intention of allowing users to freely make modifications and improvements. The concept of open-source was central to Linus Torvalds's vision for the operating system.

Portable

Linux is a highly versatile operating system that can be found in a wide range of devices, thanks to its ability to run on various computer architectures. This portability is a key feature of Linux, it allows for easy transfer of code from one system to another. However, achieving this level of portability is not a one-time task, it requires a consistent effort in writing code that can be easily adapted to different systems.

Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, designed the operating system with portability in mind. He believed it was important for Linux to be supported on a wide variety of processors, which is why it still supports older Intel CPU processors.

Using Linux on various computers is also made easy with the bundled drivers included in Linux distros, which allows for use on almost any computer. Even if specific hardware like a GPU is not supported, open-source drivers can be easily installed to fix this.

Secure

Linux is known for its high level of security, as it is rarely affected by malware such as viruses and worms. This makes it a highly secure operating system, so much so that antivirus software is rarely needed or sold for Linux systems. There are several reasons for this inherent security in Linux, including its open-source nature, which allows for a large community of developers to review and improve the code, making it harder for malware to infiltrate the system.

Security has been a fundamental aspect of the Linux operating system from its inception, with each user isolated from others, requiring a password and user ID for access. Additionally, users have limited automatic access rights, making it harder for malware to spread. The open-source format with multiple operating environments, system architectures, and components, such as different email clients, also makes it more difficult for malware to spread throughout the system.

Developer Friendly

Linux supports a wide range of programming languages, including C, C++, CSS, Java, JavaScript, HTML, PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, and Vala. While there may be some issues at times, it generally provides a smooth experience for programmers. If a programming language is not specific to a particular operating system, it is likely to work on Linux. However, it is always recommended to do proper research before starting to ensure compatibility. In case of support issues, the required packages can usually be obtained from Linux's distribution repositories.

Linux also provides various useful and time-saving text editors for programmers, in addition to the basic text file option. It also allows for "Bash scripting" using Linux commands for specific programming needs.

Customization

Without question, Linux is one of the most customizable operating systems available. Unlike other operating systems that may only allow for customization of the desktop background and icon set, Linux allows users to completely replace the desktop environment if it does not meet their preferences.

Cost-effective

Linux is a cost-effective option as it is open-source, free to download, use and distribute, which can help save on software costs. It also has lower maintenance costs and can be used on servers, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.

Community

The Linux community is large and active, consisting of users and developers from all around the world. This community is dedicated to improving and promoting the use of Linux and is a valuable resource for those who use the operating system. The community provides a wealth of knowledge and support that is available to users through various channels such as forums, mailing lists, and social media.

The community also contributes to the development and maintenance of Linux, by providing bug reports and patches, which leads to a more stable and secure operating system. As Linux is open-source, it allows developers to contribute to the code and fix bugs. This active participation by the community makes Linux a robust and reliable operating system.

The community also provides a wide range of tutorials, documentation, and other resources to help users with their specific needs. This makes it easy for users to find answers to their questions and troubleshoot any issues they may encounter.

In short, the large community of Linux is a major advantage as it provides a wealth of knowledge, support and resources to users, making it an active, reliable and stable operating system.

Terminal

The terminal, also known as the command-line interface (CLI), is a powerful feature of Linux that allows users to interact with the operating system using text-based commands. The terminal provides a lot of flexibility and automation options that can make it easier for users to perform tasks, manage files and configure the system.

One of the main advantages of the terminal is that it allows users to automate repetitive tasks by creating scripts. These scripts can be used to automate common tasks such as backups, software installations, and system maintenance. This can save a lot of time and effort for users, especially for those who perform these tasks regularly.

The terminal also allows for more advanced features such as system monitoring and performance tuning. It provides tools to monitor system resources and processes, and allows users to fine-tune the system for optimal performance. The terminal also provides tools for network management and troubleshooting, which can be particularly useful for system administrators.

In short, the terminal provides a lot of flexibility and automation options to the users, making it a powerful tool for managing, configuring, and automating tasks in Linux. It's particularly useful for advanced users and system administrators who need to perform complex tasks and manage servers.

High Stability

Linux is known for its high stability, which makes it an ideal choice for servers, workstations, and other systems that need to run for extended periods of time without interruption. This stability is achieved through a combination of factors, such as the use of a monolithic kernel, a well-structured file system, and the use of advanced memory management techniques.

One of the key factors that contribute to Linux's stability is the use of a monolithic kernel. A monolithic kernel is a single large program that contains all the necessary code to control the hardware and manage system resources. This design allows for more efficient use of system resources, which leads to a more stable operating system.

Additionally, Linux's file system is well-structured and designed to minimize the chances of data corruption. This makes it less prone to crashes and errors and ensures that data is safe and recoverable in case of a system failure.

Another aspect that contributes to the stability of Linux is that it requires minimal maintenance. Unlike other operating systems, Linux does not require regular system updates or software patches. This means that once it is installed and configured, it can run for extended periods of time without the need for maintenance.

In short, Linux is known for its high stability, which makes it an ideal choice for servers, workstations, and other systems that need to run for extended periods of time without interruption. It requires minimal maintenance, is less prone to crashes and errors and ensures data is safe and recoverable.