When you think about operating systems, you probably picture Windows or macOS—the ones most people use daily. But what if I told you that Linux is the backbone of the digital world?
From Google’s servers to your Android phone, from the world's fastest supercomputers to old laptops brought back to life, Linux is everywhere. In this article, we’ll explore how Linux began, why it became so dominant, and the five key features that make it different from any other OS.
Back in 1991, a Finnish university student named Linus Torvalds wasn’t happy with the operating system he was using—Minix. It wasn’t flexible enough, so he started building his own OS just for fun. Little did he know that his hobby project would change the world.
On August 21, 1991, he posted online, offering Linux to anyone who wanted to use it. He invited suggestions and contributions, and programmers from around the world jumped in to help.
May 1991 – The first version, Linux 0.01, was released. It had no networking, minimal hardware support, and was basically a rough draft.
June 1996 – Linux 2.0 introduced major improvements, including better memory management and support for multiple processors.
Since then, Linux has evolved into an unstoppable force, used by tech giants, researchers, developers, and everyday users.
Why Linux is Unlike Any Other Operating System
So what makes Linux so special? Here are five key features that set it apart.
- Open-Source and Free Forever Unlike Windows and macOS, which are closed-source and require paid licenses, Linux is completely free. Its source code is open for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This has led to a collaborative environment, where thousands of developers constantly improve the system.
💡 Fun Fact: A new Linux kernel version is released every 2-3 months, thanks to this global teamwork!
- Built for Security If you’re worried about viruses and hacking, Linux is your best friend. Its permission system and user roles make it extremely difficult for malware to spread.
🔒 Why Linux is More Secure:
✅ Regular updates patch vulnerabilities fast.
✅ Users have limited permissions by default, reducing risks.
✅ No bloated background processes spying on your data.
This is why banks, government agencies, and even NASA trust Linux for their most critical systems.
- Lightweight and Works on Any Device Unlike other operating systems that slow down over time, Linux runs smoothly even on old computers. If you have an old Mac or Windows PC, you can install Linux and bring it back to life instead of throwing it away.
🖥️ Where Linux Shines:
Old laptops and desktops 🏚️
Internet of Things (IoT) devices 🌎
Embedded systems (smart TVs, routers, etc.) 📡
- A Command Line That Puts You in Control If you love fine-tuned control, Linux’s command-line interface (CLI) is a dream come true.
💻 What You Can Do with the Terminal:
⚡ Automate tasks
⚡ Troubleshoot efficiently
⚡ Run powerful scripts
It might feel intimidating at first, but once you learn the basics, you’ll never want to go back to clicking buttons for everything.
- Stability That Keeps Running for Years Unlike Windows, which needs constant reboots after updates, Linux servers can run for years without restarting. That’s why 100% of the world’s top 500 supercomputers and 90% of web servers run on Linux.
💡 Real-World Examples:
🌍 Google, Facebook, and Amazon run on Linux.
📱 Android (which powers 70%+ of smartphones) is built on Linux.
🚀 Even space agencies rely on it for critical missions!
Linux isn’t just an alternative operating system—it’s the foundation of modern computing. It’s secure, stable, open-source, and runs on almost everything. Whether you’re a developer, a tech enthusiast, or just someone looking to revive an old laptop, Linux has something to offer.
So, the next time you browse the internet, use your phone, or even watch a video on YouTube—remember that Linux is working behind the scenes to make it all possible.
Would you try Linux on your next computer? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀🐧
References
George Ajam ,(12.2.2012) “History of Linux ,Unix and The open source”.
https://www.uobabylon.edu.iq/eprints/paper_3_8273_189.pdf?
Todd Kelley “History of Linux”
https://teaching.idallen.com/cst8207/11f/notes/02-Linux-History.pdf?
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