Linux

LINUX is UNIX like computer operating system which was originally created by Linus Torvalds in association with the expert developers from around the globe.

The Linux source code is freely available to everyone and is developed under the GNU General Public License. It was in the year 1991 that the version 0.02 was released. The version 1.0 of the Linux Kernel was released in 1994. This kernel forms the base around which a Linux operating system is developed. Today, different versions of operating systems based on the Linux Kernel have been released by companies, organizations and individuals. The full-featured version 2.6 was released in December 2003. During its nascent stage stages of development; many tech pundits and tech critics dismissed the Linux as just another amateur project. It was only later that the full and valuable potential of the system was realized.

Uses of Linux

Besides the fact that Linux is freely distributed; its predominant attributes like its advanced functionality, robustness and adaptability have made it a neat alternative to the proprietary Unix and Microsoft operating systems. Computing giants like IBM, Hewlett-Packard and various others have adopted Linux and completely support its development in all areas. Linux has been embraced worldwide primarily as a server platform and is popularly used as a home and office desktop operating system; while constantly gaining mass favoritism. Linux operating system may also be directly integrated into microchips by the “embedding” process and this technology is widely used in various appliances and devices. A wide variety of applications can be run this system and its user friendly architecture makes it possible to be used by anyone, irrespective of their level of computer expertise. This has been made possible due to the dedicated efforts of developers of desktop management systems such as KDE and GNOME, office suite project OpenOffice.org and the Mozilla web browser project and many others.

Advantages of Linux

The primary USP of Linux is that it involves low costs. Since Linux and most of its software is freely available under the GNU General Public License, it obviates the need for obtaining licenses; thereby saving money and time. Moreover, it makes it possible to download high quality software from the large repositories for performing just about any task. Its another positive attribute is its “stability” which means that the Linux system does not have to be rebooted periodically in order to maintain optimum performance levels as with other systems. This is primarily because with Linux; the user does not have to worry about memory leaks; which lends the system ample stability and continuous uptime of up to a year or maybe more. Be it on networks or workstations; Linux is capable of offering peak performance levels as it can handle large number of users at the same time. Linux also possesses strong support for network functionality. It is possible to set up client and server systems on any computer that runs Linux.

Outsourcing

Today many companies are considering as a vital management component in order to facilitate a transformation of their technology and business operations infrastructure in order to create a competency-centric environment.