Right now, Linux is one of the most powerful operating systems dominating clouds and servers all over the globe. As of 2019, 100% of the supercomputers in the world were operated by Linux. The percentage might seem hard to believe, but research has proven this to be true. It does not just end here! Out of every 25 websites, 23 are using Linux, and this further strengthens the credibility of Linux. It is the number one choice for the best cloud hosts today, and it is continuously making waves around the globe.
Linux: Introduction
Like Windows or MAC, Linux is an operating system designed to manage hardware resources in your device. A better part of the world right now is relying on Linux for all the right reasons. It was launched in 1991, and has been dominating the IT industry ever since. The success of the Linux has compelled many individuals associated with IT to get the Linux administration certification
It is believed that Linux is everywhere from your smartphone to the supercomputers. The stats mentioned in the text above clearly support the statement. Not many of us are aware of it, but the Linux operating system powers Android too.
The entire system comprises of many different pieces which go as follows:
- Bootloader
- Kernel
- Init System
- Daemons
- Graphical Server
- Desktop Environment
- Applications
Linux comes in several versions to match the diverse needs of different users. Some of the common distributions by Linux include:
- Manjaro
- Linux Mint
- Solus
- Ubuntu
- Debian
- Opensuse
- Fedora
- Elementary OS
Each of these is designed to provide a unique user experience. Some come with modern user interfaces while others are made for the traditional environment.
What Makes Linux Ideal for cloud servers?
Considering the stats of Linux networking and system administration, there must be something extraordinarily great about Linux. Generally, it is believed to be the most reliable fix for critical information and cloud computing environments. Even the most eminent public cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure have different types of Linux available with them.
It would not be wrong to say that Linux is a versatile operating system that works for everything. As mentioned before, it offers great compatibility with the simplest of devices and even supercomputers. The system is easily configurable, and this has undoubtedly made it a favorite to the whole world over other methods available.
What attracts the Linux users most is the lower cost. Many of the products are free and relatively simple to install. However, there are still some software for which the companies are supposed to pay, but the fee is affordable.
Apart from the factors mentioned above, Linux does not increase the training costs for the companies because the skills needed to develop and manage Linux are common. This, eventually, lowers the need to train your employees or spend money finding the right resource for the job.
Why You Should Use Linux?
User-friendly
Linux makes continuous improvements to provide users with an exceptional experience. Windows is also considered to be simple and easy, but when you switch to Linux from Windows, it reflects itself to be much simpler in comparison. It comes with a variety of desktop environments, which allow the users to choose according to their personal preferences.
Ownership Cost
The fact that it’s free is what makes Linux valuable for most of us. Most applications offered by Linux are free, unlike Windows and this is a huge advantage for every company striving to strike a perfect balance in their finances. Some Linux distros require payment, but it is still inexpensive compared to Windows. For businesses, it is the smartest choice because the Window license cost increases with the size of the company. Therefore, it is best to choose Linux.
Reliability
IT experts believe Linux to be more reliable in comparison to Windows. Users get to update the system from time to time as they are actively released after short intervals. The built-in security is strong and reduces the downtime by a great deal. The system is resilient enough to work continuously without the risk of errors and glitches. It is, of course, a very important factor when choosing an operating system for your workplace.
Software
Linux offers software that can easily be installed or removed according to your convenience. Moreover, it provides a variety of desktop themes that operate faster as compared to Windows. The open-source software is available for free with Linux. In a nutshell, the software provided by Linux is beneficial in terms of cost and functionality both.
Hardware
Linux consumes less of system resources, which include disk space and RAM. It can be well imagined by the fact that hardware vendors turned towards manufacturing Linux compatible hardware upon seeing the rise of Linux. Some of the Linux distros are compatible with older versions of hardware, which further adds to the value of this operating system.
Security
Although Windows is widely used, it is more prone to threats and viruses. In this regard, Linux is by far the safest option as it is not vulnerable to security threats. The factor is important to consider because your business image and data are crucial for surviving in a highly competitive environment. With Linux, users do not need to count on anti-virus applications to minimize security risk. Linux itself offers a robust system of security and privacy of your data.
Conclusion
Linux has spread like wildfire in the IT industry. It has certainly simplified many processes for the businesses and eliminated the risk factor for good. For this reason, it has become a priority for many. Also, it has been in demand to the extent that it has influenced the career choice of many young individuals. Many people now wish to go for cloud computing training and certification focused on Linux and gain experience in the industry.