Linux is here to stay
Since its inception and even today, it continues to be a versatile operating system (OS). Unlike any other, it provides many advantages, making it a useful component in home appliances, cars, smartphones, and supercomputers.
But why has it been very useful despite Microsoft’s leading role in the computer industry? The truth is, Microsoft itself is to blame, according to Nermin Hajdarbegovic, a tech journalist.
A lot of people, especially in the tech industry, did not want to use Microsoft because of its proprietary roots. They preferred an open-source alternative that is free, which can be modified and redistributed as necessary.
In addition, Linux is a popular and practical choice because of its low resource requirements and high compatibility levels. It can also sustain OS behavior modifications, install even with a pre-existing OS, run on different kinds of hardware, and support the installation of centralized software. Most importantly, developers continue to support its updated distribution.
A Brief History of Linux
In 1991, Linus Torvalds bought an IBM personal computer (PC) running on Microsoft Disk Operating System, or popularly known as MS-DOS. Dissatisfied with the proprietary operating system, Torvalds sought to use the UNIX OS on his new PC. Unfortunately, Torvalds still wasn’t able to afford a UNIX although it was much cheaper than MS-DOS.
To solve his problem, Torvalds started to develop an operating system that would run on his PC. In 1994, together with many other developers, Torvalds released the first version of Linux.
Linux is both a kernel and an OS. As an OS and like other systems, it features a collection of software that allows applications to run and control hardware resources. It allows applications to interact with users, send documents to printers, store information, and perform other tasks.
A kernel, on the other hand, is the core of an OS. Programmers use it to build other operating systems. Other components including web browsers, email utilities, graphical user interfaces (GUI), system libraries, and other programs are added into it to create a fully functional OS.
Current Update
Linux released a new version of its kernel in March 2019. The Linux Kernel 5.0 features many improvements and major changes, although many of them are vague and subtle.
Many of the notable changes include high-resolution scrolling for Logitech, Adiantum data encryption, support for BTRFS swap file, HiDPI/retina display new console font, touchscreen support for Raspberry Pi in mainline kernel, and AMD FreeSync display support.
The Future of Linux
In consumer markets, it’s a fact that there is a relatively low market share for Linux. Apple’s OS and Microsoft’s Windows continue to dominate laptops and desktop computers. Experts believe there will be no positive changes for Linux in this aspect anytime soon.
In reality, experts find it hard to create predictions with regards to the direction of Linux because of how the OS community works. There’s a lot of evolution and many changes could still occur.
After 28 years, Linux is still here. Although old, and with the rising popular use of cloud systems, experts believe Linux isn’t going anywhere in the foreseeable future. It still has many to offer.
Linux is set to dominate the high-performance computing scene. The current generation of supercomputers running on UNIX and other OS has almost been replaced exclusively by Linux. People say the same thing about the mobile phone industry.
Many people are not aware that many smartphones run on Linux-based OS, including Android smartphones. It cannot be said that it dominates the mobile OS industry, but in a way, it does.
That could change though. Google is working on an OS project named Fuchsia. Without a trace of the Linux kernel, it will be used on new smartphones, PCs, and embedded devices.
No Threat to Linux
But this is no threat to Linux. The powers that be have not made an announcement of when Fuchsia will be released. In the meantime, emerging tech segments including smart home devices (such as Alexa, Echo, etc.) wearables, Internet of Things (IoT), and embedded devices are still expected to use Linux OS.
Finally, there’s the server industry. For the past years, it has been able to seize a sizeable market share of servers on a global scale. The industry continues to evolve and with the rise of cloud use, it can topple Linux over. Still, it’s servers are solid and are seen not to budge.
Untapped Markets
This all may seem murky, but it has a future. It will not go anywhere and will still be used for many years to come.
Just look at the online and digital gaming industry. It’s an untapped market for Linux. If more improvements and modifications are to be done, Linux can be used in this market as well.
