What is Linux? A Complete Guide for Beginners
You may have heard the term "Linux," but aren't quite sure what it actually is. In this article, we'll explain in beginner-friendly terms what Linux is, why it's important, and how it relates to our daily lives.
📋 Table of Contents
1. What is Linux?
🐧 In Simple Terms
Linux is a type of operating system (OS) that runs computers. Like Windows or Mac, it's fundamental software that manages a computer's hardware and software.
🔧 Technical Definition
Technically speaking, Linux refers to the "kernel" - the core component of an OS. The kernel performs the following roles:
- Hardware Management: Controls CPU, memory, hard drives, etc.
- Process Management: Starts and stops applications
- File Management: Saves and reads data
- Network Communication: Manages internet connectivity
🎂 History of Linux
Linux was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, a 21-year-old Finnish student at the time. He began developing Linux as a personal learning project and released it on the internet.
💡 Fun Fact
The name "Linux" is a combination of the creator's name "Linus" + "Unix" (an existing operating system).
2. Differences from Windows and Mac
| Aspect | Linux | Windows | macOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 🆓 Free | 💰 Paid | 🍎 Included with Mac purchase |
| Development Model | 🌐 Open Source | 🏢 Developed by Microsoft | 🍎 Developed by Apple |
| Customizability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | ⭐⭐ Limited |
| Security | 🛡️ Very Robust | ⚠️ Antivirus Required | 🛡️ Relatively Safe |
| Ease of Use | 🤔 Challenging for Beginners | 😊 Beginner-Friendly | 😊 Intuitive Interface |
🎯 Key Feature Differences
🆓 Linux: Completely Free
Anyone can download, install, use, and modify Linux for free. No license fees for businesses or individuals.
🌐 Open Source
Linux's source code (program blueprint) is completely public, with developers worldwide contributing improvements. This provides high transparency and excellent security.
🛠️ High Customizability
Linux can be finely customized to match user needs. You can make it lightweight or specialize it for specific purposes.
3. Where Linux is Used
In reality, Linux is used in every aspect of our daily lives. You benefit from Linux every day without realizing it.
🌐 Internet and Web Services
- Web Servers: Major sites like Google, Facebook, and Amazon run on Linux servers
- Cloud Services: Most of AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure run on Linux
- Search Engines: Google's search system is also Linux-based
📱 Smartphones and Mobile Devices
- Android: Android smartphones with over 70% global market share are Linux-based
- Embedded Systems: Routers, TVs, automotive systems, etc.
- IoT Devices: Smart home appliances, wearable devices
🏢 Enterprise, Finance, and Government
- Banking Systems: Many ATMs and core banking systems use Linux
- Stock Exchanges: High-speed trading systems predominantly use Linux
- Government Agencies: U.S. Department of Defense, German government, and others have adopted Linux
🎮 Entertainment and Media
- Film Production: Pixar, DreamWorks, and others produce films on Linux
- Gaming Consoles: Some features of PlayStation and Nintendo Switch
- Video Streaming: Streaming systems like Netflix and YouTube
🌟 Amazing Facts
The vast majority of the world's supercomputers run Linux, and most of the world's web servers operate on Linux-based operating systems!
4. Why is Linux Important?
💼 Essential Skill in IT Industry
Engineers and Programmers
Linux skills are essential in modern IT fields including web development, data analysis, AI/machine learning, and infrastructure construction.
Server Management and Cloud Operations
In cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, Linux knowledge is fundamental to server construction and operation.
💰 Impact on Career and Salary
Engineers with Linux skills tend to earn ¥1-2M (~$7-15K) more on average than those without. It's an essential skill particularly for these positions:
- Infrastructure Engineer (Average salary: ¥6-8M / ~$45-60K)
- DevOps Engineer (Average salary: ¥7-10M / ~$52-75K)
- Data Engineer (Average salary: ¥6.5-9M / ~$48-67K)
- Security Engineer (Average salary: ¥6.5-9.5M / ~$48-70K)
🎯 Benefits for Personal Use
- Cost Reduction: No OS license fees required
- Security: Significantly reduced virus infection risk
- Privacy: No personal data collection or transmission
- Learning Effect: Deep understanding of how computers work
5. Linux Distributions
Linux has various "distributions" (commonly called "distros"). These are user-friendly packages combining the Linux kernel with various software.
🔰 Recommended Distributions for Beginners
🎯 Ubuntu
The most popular beginner-friendly distribution. Rich English and Japanese information with a supportive community.
🎨 Linux Mint
Windows-like interface makes it the easiest to transition for Windows users.
🏢 CentOS / Rocky Linux
Distribution specialized for enterprise use. Commonly used in server operations.
⚡ Other Notable Distributions
- Debian: Highly stable, ideal for server use
- Fedora: Progressive distribution actively adopting latest technologies
- Arch Linux: Advanced user-focused, fully customizable
- Kali Linux: Specialized for security testing and hacking defense
6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Linux
✅ Advantages
- Completely Free: No costs for OS or software
- High Security: Extremely low virus infection risk
- Lightweight & Fast: Runs smoothly even on old PCs
- Free Customization: Fully adjustable to preferences
- Privacy Protection: No unauthorized personal data transmission
- Abundant Learning Resources: Many free, high-quality materials
- Community Support: Worldwide developer community
- Professional Skill Enhancement: Increases market value in IT industry
❌ Disadvantages
- High Learning Cost: Difficult for beginners to master
- Limited Software Support: Can't use Windows-exclusive software
- Gaming Environment: Fewer supported games than Windows
- Limited Japanese Information: More English-language resources
- Hardware Compatibility: Some hardware may have issues
- Operational Complexity: Command-line operations often required
7. Getting Started with Linux Learning
🎯 Step-by-Step Learning Approach
Step 1: Master the Basics
First, try experiencing basic Linux commands on learning platforms like Penguin Gym Linux.
Step 2: Practice in Virtual Environment
Try Linux in a safe virtual environment using VirtualBox or VMware. Ubuntu is recommended for starters.
Step 3: Actual Installation
Once comfortable, install and use Linux on a spare PC or dual-boot environment.
Step 4: Apply to Specialized Fields
Use Linux in areas that interest you, such as web development, data analysis, or server management.
📚 Recommended Learning Resources
🐧 Penguin Gym Linux
Practical Linux command learning platform. Learn Linux commands safely in your browser.
📖 Books
Learn systematically with classic books like "The Linux Command Line" and "Linux Fundamentals."
🎓 Online Courses
Linux courses offered on Udemy, Coursera, edX, and more.
👥 Communities
Exchange information at Linux User Groups (LUG), Stack Overflow, Reddit r/linux, etc.
💡 Learning Tips
- Hands-on Focus: Learn by actually typing commands rather than just theory
- Start Small: Consistency is key, even if just 15 minutes daily
- Clear Objectives: Set goals for why you're learning Linux
- Use Communities: Actively ask questions when stuck
🎉 Summary
Linux is a crucial operating system supporting modern IT society. By learning Linux, which is free, highly functional, and highly secure, your IT skills will significantly improve and your career possibilities will greatly expand.
While it may seem difficult at first, by using learning platforms like Penguin Gym Linux and learning step-by-step from basic commands, you can definitely master Linux.