5 Surprising Ways Linux Is Changing the World

If you are not the most tech-savvy person out there, then you may or may not know about the different types of operating systems available in the market. What advantages each one has to offer, and what potential they hold for global growth and progression. The operating system that has been making the most waves over the years in terms of growth and potential is Linux. 

Linux is an open-source operating system that has proven to be revolutionary in the word's development in more ways than one can count - Confused as to why you've never heard these huge claim-making headlines before?

Well, Linux being an operating system has served as a pivotal constant in innumerable projects but has not received its due share of glory due to its role of assistance and not combat hero. Even though most of these projects would be incredibly difficult or near impossible to accomplish without an operating system as powerful and diverse as Linux.

Linux has been used to conduct research, complete projects, and structure companies on national and international levels through its operating system and server distributions. The results have been so incredibly overwhelming that it wouldn't be wrong to say that Linux is serving as a powerful catalyst to change and evolve the world we live in.

1. The International Space Station

The international space station (ISS) continually monitors astronomical changes in outer space to study and analyze hypotheses and theories concerning the potential of human life in other galaxies, the possible survival of the human race on other planets, the study of stars, galaxies, meteoroids, and so much more. 

ISS conducts extensive research to allow humans to look at the world beyond the perspective of just planet earth, and tap into what future the human race could hold. A project of such a huge magnitude requires immense processing speed, specifications, and an ability to customize live changes being received from the space station at a rapid pace. All of the features are best satisfied with Linux, on which the International space system currently runs on.  Linux is hence a key component of all the research data that is collected through the space station.

2. Promoting Education

In the 21st century, the young generation needs to be educated and equipped with the resources that are required to compete in an increasingly artificial and machine reliant world we are moving towards. Kids from all over the world should have basic computing, coding and online knowledge to ensure survival in the gripping competition of future times.

To promote this ideology, many countries have initiated OS educational training programs. These programs have been promoted internationally in countries like Pakistan, India, the Philippines where governments have also come together to promote the benefits of Linus as an open-source software due to its low installation fees and widespread applications. The adaptable nature of Linux has made it that much easier to educate young underprivileged kids about computer science.

3. Creating a Black Hole

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) gained a lot of attention around the world for attempting to remodel the conditions post the Big Bang by using Large Hadron Colliders (LHC). This project aims to use the most powerful particle accelerator in the world to collide sub-atomic particles at the speed of light and study the reactions that follow.

As it sounds, this project is extremely high-scale and attempts to unravel the greatest mysteries of the world: Where did it all begin? Is it possible to travel in dimensions? Can we create a black hole? And is antimatter the ultimate weapon of destruction? The LHC project explores all of these questions and many others while running on a Scientific Linux to record all the research. 

4. Detecting Tsunamis

One of the scariest realities of the current generation is climate change: floods, droughts, tsunamis, cyclones, forest fires and so on. To prevent such occurrences and safeguard individuals in high-risk areas, companies have been working to develop tsunami detectors, that can effectively help issue warnings before tragedies occurring. One such company is Teledyne Technologies that uses high power sensors for detection. The sensors and systems of this company are also run on Linux. Hence, Linux systems are effectively contributing to detecting tsunamis and potentially saving lives.

5. Self-Driving Cars

One fantasy-like dream of engineers and the common man alike was of self-driving cars - A car you could just sit in and direct where to go. The dream saw its reality with automated cars finally hitting the road and markets in their full high-tech glory. But the work that was put into making them a reality is a story of its own - Each component of self-driving cars from its mechanics, design, the engine to operating system had to be developed and refined across multiple stages before creating the final product. 

The operating system that Google's autonomous car runs on is Linux. This was also developed and refined across multiple stages. Currently, Automotive Grade Linux is commonly used among manufacturers and can be best described as a customized operating system for creating automotive vehicles.

To claim that Linux is changing the world sounds like too far-fetched of an idea at first. But when you step back and see how this one operation system (with its innumerable variations and distributions) has contributed to the world you will see that this constant factor has aided extensively to research, development, science, socio-economic causes, and humanitarian relief.

Linux operating systems have been able to contribute so much to the world because they have been designed to be extremely secure, inexpensive, and easily customized. They also come with a variety of distributions that add to their ability to adapt to different industries and projects.

When one operating system has so much potential in global growth then it only makes sense to truly explore its value and capitalize on its importance.  Seeking Linux certification can prove to be extremely valuable for professionals who are just entering the workforce or fiercely competing within it. It enables one to understand the complete potential of this operating system and find a way on how to unleash its full potential by customization.