Opensource community and Unix History
The open-source philosophy is a set of values and principles that guide the development and distribution of open-source software.
Open-source software is software that is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. It is typically developed using a collaborative model, where anyone can contribute to the development of the software.
The open-source philosophy is based on the belief that the sharing of knowledge and information is beneficial for society and that the use of open-source software can lead to the creation of high-quality software that is more innovative and flexible.
Here is a table that summarizes the key principles of the open-source philosophy:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Free redistribution | Open-source software can be freely redistributed, meaning that anyone can copy and distribute the software without the need to pay a licensing fee. |
| Source code availability | The source code for open-source software is made available to the public, allowing anyone to view and modify the code. |
| Derived works | Users are allowed to create derived works based on open-source software, such as modified versions of the software or applications that incorporate the software. |
| Integrity of the author’s source code | The original source code for open-source software must be made available along with any modifications or derived works. |
| No discrimination against persons or groups | Open-source software must be available to all users without discrimination based on factors such as their location or the intended use of the software. |
| No discrimination against fields of endeavor | Open-source software must be available to all users without discrimination based on the intended use of the software, such as commercial or non-commercial use. |
The open-source community is a global network of individuals who contribute to the development and distribution of open-source software. Open-source software is software that is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
Open-source projects are typically developed using a collaborative model, where anyone can contribute to the development of the software. This allows for a wide range of perspectives and expertise to be brought to bear on the development of the software.
There are many ways that people can contribute to open-source projects. This can include writing code, testing and debugging software, writing documentation, translating software into different languages, and contributing ideas and suggestions for improvements. Many open-source projects have active online communities where contributors can collaborate and communicate with each other.
The open-source community is made up of a diverse group of individuals, including software developers, users, and advocates of open-source software. Open-source projects can be developed by a single individual or by a large team of contributors. Some open-source projects are sponsored by companies or organizations, while others are entirely community-driven.
One of the key benefits of the open-source model is that it allows for transparency and collaboration, which can lead to the creation of high-quality software. It also allows for more flexibility and innovation, as users are able to modify and customize the software to meet their specific needs.
Open-source software is used in a wide range of applications, including operating systems, productivity tools, educational software, and scientific software. It is also used in many fields, such as computer science, engineering, and data science.
Overall, the open-source community plays a vital role in the development and distribution of open-source software and helps to drive innovation and collaboration in the software industry.
Unix Operating System
UNIX is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system that was developed in the late 1960s at AT&T Bell Labs. It is a powerful and flexible operating system that is widely used on many different types of computer systems, including servers, desktops, and laptops.
One of the key features of UNIX is its ability to support multiple users and multiple processes simultaneously. This is made possible by the way UNIX organizes and manages system resources, including memory, CPU time, and input/output devices. Each user has their own login and can run multiple processes concurrently, and the operating system ensures that each process gets a fair share of system resources.
Unix is a family of operating systems that are based on the original Unix operating system developed at Bell Labs in the 1970s. There are several well-known Unix-based operating systems, including:
| Operating System | Description |
|---|---|
| macOS | A desktop operating system developed by Apple for its Macintosh computers. It is based on the Unix-like Darwin operating system. |
| AIX | A proprietary operating system developed by IBM for use on its Power Systems servers. It is based on the System V version of Unix. |
| HP-UX | A proprietary operating system developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) for use on its HPE Integrity servers. It is based on the System V version of Unix. |
| Solaris | A proprietary operating system developed by Oracle for use on servers and other high-performance systems. It is based on the SunOS operating system, which is itself based on the System V version of Unix. |
| Linux | An open-source operating system developed by Linus Torvalds in the 1990s. It is based on the Unix-like Linux kernel and is widely used on a variety of platforms. |
Linux is a free and open-source operating system that was developed in the early 1990s as a clone of UNIX. It has many of the same features as UNIX and is also a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system that supports multiple processes and multiple users. Like UNIX, Linux has a powerful command-line interface that allows users to enter commands to control the operating system and perform various tasks.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie develop the first version of Unix at AT&T Bell Labs |
| 1971 | The first version of Unix is released |
| 1973 | The first version of the C programming language is released, which is used to rewrite parts of Unix |
| 1979 | The first version of the BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) version of Unix is released |
| 1984 | The first version of the GNU (GNU’s Not Unix) project is announced, with the goal of creating a free and open-source operating system |
| 1991 | Linus Torvalds releases the first version of the Linux kernel, version 0.01 |
| 1992 | The Linux kernel is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which allows users to freely distribute and modify the software |
| 1993 | The first version of the Slackware distribution of Linux is released |
| 1994 | The first version of the Debian distribution of Linux is released |
| 1996 | The first version of the Red Hat distribution of Linux is released |
| 1998 | The Linux kernel reaches version 2.0 and includes support for multiple processors and large file systems |
Linux has become very popular in recent years, especially on servers, and is used by many companies and organizations around the world. It is also a popular choice for personal computers, and there are many different distributions (versions) of Linux available that can be installed on a wide variety of hardware platforms. However, there are some key differences between the two:
| Difference | Unix | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed at Bell Labs in the 1970s | Developed by Linus Torvalds in the 1990s |
| License | Proprietary | Free and open-source |
| Development model | Closed-source | Open-source |
| Available distributions | Several commercial distributions available | Many free and open-source distributions available |
| Supported platforms | Most major platforms | Most major platforms |
| Popularity | Widely used in enterprise environments | Widely used in both enterprise and personal environments |
Overall, the main difference between Unix and Linux is their origin and licensing. Unix was developed at Bell Labs in the 1970s and is proprietary software, while Linux was developed by Linus Torvalds in the 1990s and is free and open-source software. Both Unix and Linux are widely used on a range of platforms and are suitable for a variety of applications, but Linux is often considered to be more flexible and customizable due to its open-source nature.
Linux History and main distributions
Linux is a free and open-source operating system that was developed in the early 1990s as a clone of UNIX. The development of Linux was led by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish computer science student who was interested in creating a free alternative to the proprietary UNIX operating systems that were commonly used at the time.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Linus Torvalds releases the first version of the Linux kernel, version 0.01 |
| 1992 | The Linux kernel is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which allows users to freely distribute and modify the software |
| 1994 | The first version of the Debian distribution of Linux is released |
| 1996 | The first version of the Red Hat distribution of Linux is released |
| 1998 | The Linux kernel reaches version 2.0 and includes support for multiple processors and large file systems |
| 2001 | The Linux kernel reaches version 2.4 and includes support for USB and improved networking capabilities |
| 2004 | The Linux kernel reaches version 2.6 and includes support for advanced power management and security features |
| 2011 | The Linux kernel reaches version 3.0 and includes support for a new filesystem, Btrfs, and improved support for large-scale systems |
| 2016 | The Linux kernel reaches version 4.0 and includes support for new hardware platforms and security enhancements |
| 2021 | The Linux kernel reaches version 5.11 and includes support for new hardware platforms, performance improvements, and security enhancements |
As you can see, Linux has a long history of development and has undergone many changes and improvements over the years. It is now used on a wide range of devices, including personal computers, servers, smartphones, and embedded systems.
Today, Linux is widely used on many different types of computer systems, including servers, desktops, and laptops. It is a popular choice for servers due to its stability, security, and performance, and it is also commonly used on personal computers as an alternative to proprietary operating systems like Microsoft Windows. Linux is also used on many different types of embedded systems and devices, including smartphones, routers, and industrial control systems.
Here are a few examples of popular Linux distributions and some of their differences:
| Distribution | Description | Package Management | Desktop Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu | A popular distribution with a focus on usability and simplicity | APT | GNOME |
| Fedora | A distribution sponsored by Red Hat that emphasizes free and open-source software | DNF | GNOME |
| CentOS | A distribution that is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and is popular for servers | YUM | GNOME |
| Debian | A distribution with a large repository of packages and a focus on stability | APT | GNOME |
| Arch Linux | A distribution that is aimed at advanced users and emphasizes a rolling release model and a minimalistic approach | Pacman | Xfce |
| Mint | A distribution based on Ubuntu that is designed to be easy to use and highly customizable | APT | Cinnamon |
| openSUSE | A distribution with a focus on usability and a choice of a traditional or rolling release model | Zypper | KDE Plasma |
| Manjaro | A distribution based on Arch Linux that is designed to be easy to use and highly customizable | Pacman | Xfce |
Note that this table only includes a few of the many available Linux distributions. There are many other distributions that cater to specific needs and purposes, such as Kali Linux for penetration testing, CentOS Stream for developers, and Raspbian for the Raspberry Pi.
| Distribution | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Kali Linux | Penetration testing and ethical hacking |
| CentOS Stream | Testing and development of new technologies that will eventually be included in Red Hat Enterprise Linux |
| Raspbian | Operating system for the Raspberry Pi single-board computer |
| Tails | Privacy-focused live operating system that can be run from a USB drive or DVD |
| Ubuntu Server | Operating system for servers, with a minimal desktop environment and a focus on server-specific features |
| CentOS | Operating system for servers, with a focus on stability and long-term support |
| Clear Linux | Optimized operating system for Intel-based platforms, with a focus on performance and security |
| Qubes OS | Security-focused operating system that uses virtualization to isolate different tasks and environments |
| Solus | Independent distribution with a focus on simplicity and elegance |
Linux is different from other operating systems in several ways:
- Open-source: Linux is open-source, which means that the source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This allows users to customize the operating system to their specific needs and enables a large community of developers to contribute to its development.
- Modular: Linux is modular, which means that it consists of a core kernel and a collection of user space programs that can be added or removed as needed. This allows users to tailor the operating system to their specific needs and keeps the core system small and lightweight.
- Command-line interface: Linux primarily uses a command-line interface (CLI), which means that users interact with the operating system using text-based commands. This can be intimidating for some users, but it also allows for a high level of control and customization.
- Multiple desktop environments: Linux supports multiple desktop environments, which are graphical user interfaces that provide a more familiar and user-friendly interface for interacting with the operating system. This allows users to choose the desktop environment that best suits their needs and preferences.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system based on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution. It is developed and maintained by Canonical, a company based in London, UK.
Here is a table that lists the next planned release of Ubuntu, as well as the last five released versions:
| Release Date | Version | Codename |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-04-21 | 22.04 LTS | Jaunty Jackalope |
| 2021-10-21 | 21.10 | Icy Ibex |
| 2021-04-22 | 21.04 | Hirsute Hippo |
| 2020-10-22 | 20.10 | Groovy Gorilla |
| 2020-04-23 | 20.04 LTS | Focal Fossa |
| 2019-10-17 | 19.10 | Eoan Ermine |
As you can see, Ubuntu releases a new version approximately every six months, with long-term support (LTS) releases every two years. The next planned release is Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, which is scheduled to be released on April 21, 2022. Each release is given a codename that is based on an animal, and the codenames are chosen in alphabetical order.
Some of the unique features of Ubuntu include:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Free and open-source | Ubuntu is free to download and use, and the source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This allows users to customize the operating system to their specific needs and enables a large community of developers to contribute to its development. |
| Easy to use | Ubuntu is designed to be easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of built-in applications. It is suitable for users of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. |
| Widely supported | Ubuntu is one of the most widely supported Linux distributions, with a large community of users and developers. It is supported by a wide range of hardware manufacturers, and there is a wide range of documentation and support available online. |
| Regular updates | Ubuntu releases a new version approximately every six months, with long-term support (LTS) releases every two years. These updates include security fixes, performance improvements, and new features. |
| Customizable | Ubuntu is highly customizable, with a wide range of customization options available through the use of themes, icons, and other settings. Users can also install additional software to further customize the operating system to their specific needs. |
Overall, Ubuntu is a popular and widely used Linux distribution that is known for its stability, security, and flexibility. It is suitable for use on a wide range of devices, including personal computers, servers, and embedded systems.
Linux is known for its security and stability, and it includes a range of security features, such as automatic updates and a firewall, to help protect your system from security threats. It also includes a range of tools and utilities that allow you to manage and maintain your system.
Linux is widely used in a variety of fields, including computer science, engineering, and data science. It is also used in many devices, such as smartphones, routers, and smart TVs.
CentOS
CentOS is a free and open-source operating system based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) distribution. It is developed and maintained by the CentOS Project, a community-driven organization that is focused on providing a stable and reliable platform for enterprise use.
Here is a table that lists the next planned release of CentOS, as well as the last five released versions:
| Release Date | Version |
|---|---|
| 2024-03-31 | CentOS 8.3 |
| 2022-09-01 | CentOS 8.2 |
| 2021-05-11 | CentOS 8.1 |
| 2019-09-24 | CentOS 8 |
| 2018-04-10 | CentOS 7.5 |
| 2017-06-27 | CentOS 7.4 |
As you can see, CentOS releases new versions on a less frequent basis than many other Linux distributions. The next planned release is CentOS 8.3, which is scheduled to be released on March 31, 2024. Each release is supported for a longer period of time than many other Linux distributions, with major releases being supported for up to 10 years.
Some of the unique features of CentOS include:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Stable and reliable | CentOS is designed to be a stable and reliable platform, with a focus on providing long-term support for enterprise users. It uses a rolling release model, which allows users to keep their systems up to date with the latest software without the need to perform a full reinstallation. |
| Compatibility with RHEL | CentOS is binary-compatible with RHEL, which means that it uses the same software packages and configurations as RHEL. This makes it easy for users who are familiar with RHEL to work with CentOS and vice versa. |
| Community support | CentOS has a large and active community of users and developers who contribute to the project and provide support to others. |
| Security | CentOS includes a range of security features, including automatic updates and a firewall, to help protect your system from security threats. It also includes SELinux, a security framework that helps to protect the system from malicious attacks. |
| Customizability | CentOS is highly customizable, with a range of customization options available. It also supports the use of multiple desktop environments, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. |
| Enterprise-grade features | CentOS includes a range of enterprise-grade features, such as support for high-availability clusters and the ability to manage large deployments using tools like Puppet and Ansible. |
Fedora
Fedora is a free and open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel and developed by the Fedora Project, a community-driven project sponsored by Red Hat.
Here is a table that lists the next planned release of Fedora, as well as the last five released versions:
| Release Date | Version | Codename |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-07-12 | Fedora 37 | Meerkat |
| 2021-11-09 | Fedora 36 | Gottet |
| 2021-05-25 | Fedora 35 | Goddard |
| 2020-10-27 | Fedora 34 | Mosquito |
| 2020-05-26 | Fedora 33 | Tox |
| 2019-10-29 | Fedora 32 | Chapeau |
As you can see, Fedora releases new versions on a regular basis, with a new version being released approximately every six months. Each release is given a codename that is based on an animal, and the codenames are chosen in alphabetical order. The next planned release is Fedora 37, which is scheduled to be released on July 12, 2022.
Some of the unique features of Fedora include:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular releases | Fedora follows a regular release schedule, with new versions released approximately every six months. These releases are supported for approximately one year, with long-term support (LTS) releases every two years, which are supported for three years. |
| Cutting-edge technology | Fedora is known for being a distribution that focuses on the latest and most cutting-edge technology. It often includes newer versions of software and tools that are not yet available in other distributions. |
| Community support | Fedora has a large and active community of users and developers who contribute to the project and provide support to others. |
| Customizability | Fedora is highly customizable, with a range of customization options available. It also supports the use of multiple desktop environments, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. |
| Security | Fedora includes a range of security features, including automatic updates and a firewall, to help protect your system from security threats. It also includes SELinux, a security framework that helps to protect the system from malicious attacks. |
| Focus on free and open-source software | Fedora is committed to using only free and open-source software and does not include proprietary software in its default installation. This makes it an attractive choice for users who prioritize the use of open-source software. |
Overall, Fedora is a popular and widely used Linux distribution that is known for its focus on cutting-edge technology and features. It is suitable for use on a wide range of devices, including personal computers, servers, and embedded systems.
Mint
Linux Mint is a free and open-source operating system based on the Ubuntu distribution. It is developed and maintained by the Linux Mint team, a group of volunteers who work to provide a user-friendly and customizable operating system.
Here is a table that lists the next planned release of Linux Mint, as well as the last five released versions:
| Release Date | Version | Codename |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-05-26 | Mint 22 | Tara |
| 2021-11-30 | Mint 21.3 | Tricia |
| 2021-05-26 | Mint 21.2 | Tina |
| 2020-11-30 | Mint 21.1 | Ulyana |
| 2020-05-26 | Mint 21 | Sylvia |
| 2019-11-29 | Mint 20 | Ulyana |
As you can see, Linux Mint releases new versions on a regular basis, with a new version being released approximately every six months. Each release is given a codename that is based on a female name, and the codenames are chosen in alphabetical order. The next planned release is Linux Mint 22, which is scheduled to be released on May 26, 2022.
Some of the unique features of Linux Mint include:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface | Linux Mint has a user-friendly interface with a clean and modern design. It includes the Cinnamon desktop environment, which is easy to use and provides a range of useful features, such as the Mint Menu, which allows you to quickly find and launch applications. |
| Large repository of software | Linux Mint has a large repository of software that is available to install using the apt package manager. This includes a range of open-source and proprietary software, including productivity tools, games, and other applications. |
| Regular releases | Linux Mint follows a regular release schedule, with new versions released every six months. These releases are supported for five years, with long-term support (LTS) releases every two years, which are supported for ten years. |
| Community support | Linux Mint has a large and active community of users and developers who contribute to the project and provide support to others. |
| Customizability | Linux Mint is highly customizable, with a range of themes, wallpapers, and other customization options available. It also supports the use of multiple desktop environments, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. |
| Focus on user experience | Linux Mint places a strong emphasis on providing a good user experience and includes a range of tools and features to make it easy to use, such as the mintInstall software manager and the mintUpdate system update tool. |
Overall, Linux Mint is a popular and widely used Linux distribution that is known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of pre-installed applications. It is suitable for use on a wide range of devices, including personal computers, servers, and embedded systems.