Linux Operating System Benefits

Although it is the third most common OS in the world, many people still have a misunderstanding of Linux operating systems and how they are different from the more popular Windows and Mac OS. In general, the operating system of a computer is the base software that creates a platform for specific applications to run. With Windows and Mac OS, there are only a few variations and all are proprietary. In contrast, the Linux operating systems are a collection of different programs and a user has a choice of whatever Linux distribution fits their particular needs. The vast majority of the operating system choices are open source software, meaning that they are free to all users and anyone can work to make the OS better.

A Linux distribution is built upon the basic Linux kernel of code and then developers change the appearance and way it functions. The most popular distribution is known as Ubuntu Linux and features an easy to use interface that many users find similar to Windows and the Mac OS. There are also many other Linux distribution options and a person can choose to install Ubuntu Linux, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Mandriva, or countless others. Because of the open source software nature of the operating system, a person can create their own build and package a complete Linux distribution.

Advocates of the Linux operating systems believe that the basic OS should be free to all users. Withing the Linux community, developers work on a volunteer basis to tweak code and improve the final user experience. Because this work is done on a voluntary basis, there is a high commitment to quality and a growing number of computer users have found that the OS is more intuitive and more efficient than the branded rivals. As OS costs continue to go higher, it is expected that more users will turn to Linux operating systems as a potential alternative.