When Microsoft launched its flagship product called Windows, desktop computers were never the same. They became devices that are considered to be a necessity not only in business firms and science research laboratories, but in typical offices and homes as well.
Windows really made computer usage a hundred times easier because a user can just click on icons which can be said as the graphical representations of commands that can make a computer function.
Decades before Windows, the world’s most popular computer Operating System was released, computers were operated by means of typing commands and keystrokes. That method really made the seemingly intelligent machine a bit hard to drive and maneuver.
But thanks to the amazing visuals that the programmers of Microsoft came up with, even young kids and those who have no prior in-depth knowledge about software can easily understand how to manipulate a computer interface even without thorough, in-depth training.
But just as Windows established its global popularity, there came another OS which can be said as the Dark Horse of the software race, one that posed as its most threatening rival. This OS is called Linux, and it has a very amazing story to tell.
The Birth of That Dark Horse
During the early 90s, there was a young student from Finland named Linus Torvalds. Like many young and gifted programmers, Linus was the type of guy you can always see in front of a computer screen-- scribbling computer code like crazy, feeding script for programming languages like there’s tomorrow.
Then some brilliant idea emerged inside Mr. Torvald’s head. He decided to make an OS kernel that’s reminiscent to that of UNIX – an OS that’s one of the most popular, before Windows came into existence.
An OS kernel can be likened to the yolk of an egg, or the nucleus of an atom. Without it, an OS wouldn’t be deemed as delicious, or beautiful. An OS wouldn’t even be called as such since a kernel is the very component that can communicate with computer hardware.
We might say that a computer wouldn’t be able to communicate with a human user without a kernel because computer hardware is the only means by which humans and computers can directly interact with each other.
As a 21-year old kid, Linus was obsessed with the idea of finishing his UNIX-based kernel. As stated, he was a fairly gifted programmer which paved the way for the ultimate successful stitching of his functional kernel project.
Realizing that a kernel wouldn’t be good enough on its own without a full OS that can host it, he understood that he needed the help of other programmers to make his idea truly come to fruition. He posted his kernel’s code into an internet newsgroup which easily attracted other hobbyist programmers as well.
The Rise of Linux’s Popularity
Linus’ code was elegant and compelling. But something about his creation grabbed the attention of many passionate programmers – his kernel could grow into something wonderful and extraordinary.
Some technical experts notice that Windows, in spite of its popularity among newbie computer enthusiasts seem to lack a lot of traits that a modern computers should be. Something has to be added, and the OS features that they could add into Mr. Torvalds’ kernel could be the answer.
Another cool thing about Linus’ idea is that people can work freely and collaboratively without resorting to corporate greed. “This is how we can stick it to the man,” so those programmers thought during the initial development of their project.
That man is the commercialization of software, which they believe is very overhyped and racked with unjust and unfair business practices. With an OS that is worked without succumbing to the rules of the corporate world, those programmers thought that they can really come up with something that’s based on the true principles that govern computer programming.
To cut the story short, various programmers from various parts of the globe worked together and came up with a fully functional OS that they called Linux – named after the brilliant guy who stated it all.
Windows vs Linux, In terms of Number of Releases.
Here’s what Windows fans may have not heard of – there are actually more versions of Linux than Windows! While Windows only gets released with a new version every 3 years on average, there is actually a new version of Linux released every year.
How this fast rate of release happens is due to the fact that there are more programmers who work on Linux projects compared to the limited number of programmers that Microsoft employs. By posting OS program codes that any programmer can modify and improve, almost anyone can come up with his own version of Linux and release it to the world.
The only rule that’s to be followed is this: never sell your Linux distribution to the public… never.
Since the first version of Linux was released, many other variants have been sprouting ever since, diminishing the sales of expensive software in the market, to the dismay of some computing giants out there.
Popular Linux Versions
Some of the most popular Linux distributions include:
Slackware – The first version. This is perhaps the best version that Linus and his followers came up with. It was released in about 2 years, since he launched his kernel project.
Red Hat – Not too long since the release of Slackware, there came a Linux version that truly popularized the OS, and they called it Red Hat. With the version’s popularity, Linux was gaining the momentum it needs to tackle on the fame and renown of the big leagues of the OS development game.
Ubuntu – Derived from an African word which means “humanity to others,” this one is said as the best Linux ever. With its very comprehensive interface and very modernized features, experts believe that Ubuntu could very well be the OS that anyone can use, without the need to acquire proper computer education.
LinuxMint – This is a version that’s built to be very similar to Windows, which addresses the need of seasoned Windows users who wants to quickly adapt to the Linux fame. Another similar version that could really be useful to Microsoft fans is PCLinux – the most popular Windows ripoff within the Linux development realm.
Can Mr. Torvalds’ creation really topple down Windows? Nobody knows for sure. The only thing we can be certain of is that even the most popular and powerful object used by people, can become obsolete one day, if another is crafted in such a way that it can make lives better, and can revolutionize the way people live, do things, and deal with everyday undertakings.
Good article