I

Linux - The Alternative

Instructed By: Mohammed Shboul
University of Jordan (ICC)
 What is Linux?
• Unix is a fast and secure server operating system which
started developing in 1969 in the United States.
• Unix Supports Multi-User, Multi-Tasking Features.
• Linus Torvalds started developing a cost-free Unix
operating system without commercial interests.
• Programs by Linus and friends and from other sources
(MIT, the Free Software Foundation, GNU) can be
copied and distributed without charge.
• Source code (usually C or C++) must be included with all
distribution.
 What is GNU
• GNU Stands for: GNU's Not UNIX.
• The GNU Project was launched in 1984 to
develop a complete UNIX like operating
system which is free software.
• The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is
the principal organizational sponsor of the
GNU Project.
 Linux Distro’s

• Linux came in different distributions.

• These distributions came with different
applications, desktop-modifications,
different kernel versions.
• Most of these distributions are for free,
however some improved distro’s can be
purchased, such as: RHES.
•
Linux Architecture
 Linux Architecture
• Most of people looks at Linux OS as one
unit. However it consists of separate parts.
• Linux OS consists of:
• Kernel, File System, X-Window System,
Desktop (Gnome,KDE,3D-Looking glass),
and GNU Applications.
• Due to this architecture, linux works more
stable, efficient, and can be installed in
different modes.
 Linux VS Windows
Architecture
• In windows:
– The Kernel Is Composed With X-Window
• Advantages:
– Having a uniform shape.
– Speed up applications response.
• Disadvantages:
– Kernel size increases (Hard to develop).
– OS cant be started without X-window.
– If X-window goes down, the whole OS goes down.
 Linux VS Windows
Architecture
• In Linux:
– The Kernel is separated from X-window.
• Advantages:
– The Kernel size decreases (Simple to develop).
– OS became more stable.
– OS can be launched without X-Window.
– Different number of desktops
– Wont get the Blue Screen of Death.
• Disadvantages:
– Becomes harder to write GUI applications.
– There is now uniform shape for linux.
 Linux Desktops
• Due to Linux architecture, there are many
desktops that works in linux, the two famous
desktops are (Gnome, Kde).
• Kde was the first project for linux desktops,
however it’s developer tried to get out the GNU
group, so GNOME community started to work on
a new desktop, and due to this, KDE decided not
to go out the GNU.
• A new brilliant desktop was developed by SUN,
and it is the first 3D-Desktop, and it can be
installed on Linux.
 KDE
• KDE stands for K-Desktop.
• Started in 1996 by Matthias Ettrich.
• Most of GUI’s were written using Qt
libraries, which were writing in C++.
• Qt Libraries were owned by Troll Tech.
 GNOME
• GNOME Stands For: Gnu Network Object
Model Environment.
• Troll Tech was putting limitations on how
to use Qt libraries.
• So in response to this, a Mexican
developer started writing a new open-
source desktop, and he got support from
Redhat.
• He called this Desktop GNOME.
 3D-Looking Glass
• This desktop is the first 3D-desktop
environment.
• This desktop was developed in Sun labs.
• This desktop uses JAVA as the main
programming language.
• This desktop runs on linux & Sun Solaris.
 How is Linux the same as
Dos/Windows?
• Linux and windows share quite a bit more:
– Similar file structure (subdirectory tree) and
concepts.
– Linux can read and write DOS/Windows (FAT,
FAT32, NTFS.) partitions in addition to its
"native“ ext3.
– Command Interpreter.
 How is Linux different from
windows?
• Implemented on several hardware platforms
(Intel, Mac (68K and PPC), Alpha, MIPS, ...).
• Several users (or the same person more than
once) can be running on the same machine at
the same time. Each can be running several
tasks.
• Programs compiled to run on Linux do not run
on DOS/Windows. Some DOS and Windows
programs can be run under Linux using
emulators.
• Modularity - user is NOT locked in to one shell or
GUI.
 Linux Advantages
• Cost Less:
– Much less expensive, particularly in
Enterprise networks:
• Typical 10-user office: NT=$6000, Linux=$40.
• Lots of stuff available without extra purchases.
• More, quicker, cheaper, and better support, due to
"open" nature.
• Internet and LAN functions built in at no extra cost:
– Apache web server.
– Firewall.
– TCP/IP, FTP, etc.
 Linux Advantages
• Works Better:
– Much more stable - almost impossible to crash.
• Only the Super user (root) can see, change, and execute
everything.
• Ordinary users can see, change, or execute only their own
files, unless given specific permission by another owner.
• Each user's session can be SEPARATELY customized.

– MUCH faster:
• Linux servers typically can handle several times as many
users as NT, using the same hardware.
• Scalable - Multiple processors, clustered PCs possible.
• Can be custom-compiled for speed and small size, and be
optimized for a specific CPU type.
 Linux Advantages
– MUCH smaller :
• can run on 4MB 386.
• users don't have to upgrade hardware as often.
• "obsolete" machines can be productive as terminals or even
servers. (A 486 with 16MB makes an excellent
server/internet firewall for a home or small office.)

– MUCH More flexible:

• Choice of shell.
• Choice of graphical "look and feel".
• Complete modularity; any component can be upgraded "on
the fly."

– MUCH better file system.

 Linux Disadvantages
• Easiness:
– Complex installation - no "turnkey", minimal
PnP (yet).
– Some vendors won't pre-install onto a new
computer.
– Many command options (but you can use a
GUI instead).
 Linux & Applications

• Most of applications are now available to

use in linux.
• The number of compatible applications will
increase as linux OS’s spread widely.
• There are some tools that can be used to
run windows application in linux, Such as:
Wine, Cross-Office.
 How To Get Linux
• Linux Distro’s can be obtained freely from
the internet.
• It depends on the distro you want, the
simplest way is to do a search for the
name of the distro you want.
• There are different sites that offer different
types of distro’s:
– www.linuxiso.org
– www.distrowatch.com
 How to get info about Linux
• Browse the main sites of different distro
sites, such as:
• www.redhat.com
• www.gentoo.org
• www.distrowatch.com
• www.novell.com/linux
• Read Books about linux such as:
• SAMS teaches you linux in 21 days.
 LUGs
• LUGs: Stands for Linux Users Group.
• In each country there is a LUG, which
have a prefix for it’s country such as:
• JoLUG.
• SyLUG.
• SaLUG.

• These LUGs provide free lessons,

software, help and much more.
 Can I Participate In Linux
Development?
• Since Linux works under GPL, then you
can participate in developing, or writing
your own applications, and there are new
Distro’s that spread around daily.
• You need to know the architecture of linux,
how applications run under linux, and also
you need to have a good knowledge in
programming languages (mainly C\C++).
 Linux Programming
Languages
• There are different programming
languages that can be used within linux,
such as: Bash scripts, C\C++, Perl,
Python, PHP, Delphi.
• Also Linux Supports Database servers,
such as MySQL.
Reality Or Bad Luck!!