Linux

Despite its meager beginnings, Linux has developed into a multi-million dollar industry. However, Linux was not an overnight sensation. This paper will discuss the history of Linux and the development of Linux in the open-source system community. Lastly, it will discuss the outlook for Linux in the enterprise.

History

Linux provides a complete history of the company’s development through its website. “On August 25, 1991, a Finn computer science student named Linus Torvalds” announced he would work on a new operating system (Linux.com, 2009). He invited others to contribute to the operating system he created; the core of that system is now called the “kernel.” The kernel itself should be distinguished from the operating system as a whole. An operating system “is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions” (Linux.com, 2009). When Torvalds made the kernel available to others and invited their improvements on his work, the invitation came with a proviso that any developments would remain open-source software.

Open source is a term used to describe a software program that meets a certain set of criteria that ensures its freedom of development, accessibility, and distribution. For example, according to How Stuff Works:

The program must be freely distributed. Source code must be included. Anyone must be allowed to modify the source code. Modified versions can be redistributed. The license must not require the exclusion of other software or interfere with the operation of other software (n.d.). The original Linux kernel was intended to be open-source software, and with the help of hundreds of programmers, the Linux kernel has developed as and remained open-source software.

Development

Before there was Linux, there was UNIX. According to the site How Stuff Works, major proprietary companies who created desktop computers all had different versions of UNIX, “which made the sale of software difficult” (How Stuff Works). Microsoft Windows came in and filled the gap. However, there are many out there who disliked Microsoft, which is where Linux filled the gap. The Linux kernel development differs from its commercial counterparts, “where thousands of lines of code are being changed every day” (How Stuff Works). Unlike the commercial operating systems, developers do not have to way for a major announcement at a shareholder meeting to see and be a part of the Linux development process.

The Future Outlook for Linux in the Enterprise

Linux has come a long way since its start as an untested operating system. Today governments and businesses use Linux. “Thousands of companies use Linux for day-to-day use, attracted by the lower licensing and support costs. Governments around the world are deploying Linux to save money and time, with some governments commissioning their own versions of Linux” (Linux.com, 2009). Governments and businesses use Linux because of financial reasons, but also because it is more secure.

Enterprise Linux is used in varying capacities for governmental and business organizations. Matt Hartley (2010) for Datamation defined Enterprise Linux as “the open source Linux operating system used by corporate and SMB clients for servers, desktops, workstations and mobile deployments” (Hartley, 2010). There are a number of companies that distribute Enterprise Linux for different tasks and projects, for example, Red-Hat, Oracle, or SuSE. These companies provide support for their Enterprise Linux users.

Conclusion

From its meager beginnings as an open invitation for community development to its major distribution by large companies, Linux has remained open-source software. Linux is cost-effective. It has varied functionality that appeals to businesses and governmental agencies. It also has extensive potential for development. Thus, Linux’s future outlook is bright.

References

Hartley, M. (2010, April 26). Enterprise Linux. Datamation. Retrieved from http://www.datamation.com/osrc/article.php/3878581/Enterprise-Linux.htm

What does open source mean?. (n.d.). HowStuffWorks. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question435.htm

What is Linux. (2009, April 3). Linux.com. Retrieved from http://www.linux.com/learn/new-user-guides/376-linux-is-everywhere-an-overview-of-the-linux-operating-system

What is Linux and why is it so popular?. (n.d.). HowStuffWorks. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question246.htm