Why is Linux receiving so much attention recently?

Answer 1

Linux is popular for many reasons.

1. It is very fast, easy to use and reliable.

2. Writing programs and scripting on Linux is often times much easier than doing so on Windows as many of the users are that use Linux are computer savy but also because the framework that makes up Linux is completely open source, thus allowing programmers to program with Linux not around it.

3. Linux's security features are that of excellence, most distributions and server editions of Linux have the highest security ratings of any OS.

4. It Looks really cool and has many desktops to choose from (KDE, XFCE, FLuxBox, and Gnome)

5. There are so many different distros or flavors of Linux to choose from, many with the same use in mind but more features and positives than others.

6. It uses an advanced shell scripting terminal allowing for an easy to use command line system based off of Unix making it very powerful and versatile.

7. Last but not least its FREE! and open source so you are free to do with it what you want at absolutely no cost.

Some complain that its not compatible, well no its not with windows programs but for every program that runs on NT theres 3 better for any Linux distro, games are also a problem with Linux, but I manage Crysis at 60FPS and COD 5, and HL2 all at superb graphic levels.

It is all around an extremely good and well rounded operating system once you learn how to use it.

Answer 2

Linux is so great for a number of reasons:

1.) Linux is free - Other OS's aren't.

2.) The Linux kernel is much smaller and faster than other OS's. This extends the life of computer hardware. The requirements to run Linux are very lite compared to other OS's. This makes it a great choice for hardware that some would discard as old and slow. Linux can bring older computers back to life.

3.) Linux is virus-resistant. Other OS's require anti-virus software, require that it update and scan periodically. It gives the user an incredible sense of freedom to know that the computer is only doing what the user is doing and isn't eating up memory and CPU cycles running extra programs to try and protect it.

4.) Linux is Legos - You are free to choose almost any part of the system. If you don't like the GUI, you are free to change it. If you don't like the Word Processor, you are free to change it. Remove the parts you don't like and replace them.

5.) Loading a Distro loads the OS (which already contains the drivers for the hardware) and whole host of software - The real programs, not demos or limited versions that you have to then pay to upgrade.

6.) The security model is much more stout and is integrated into the kernel rather than being bolted on as an after thought. You need root privileges to install software, so viruses and malware cannot load themselves. It also runs on the principle of "least privilege", meaning that you run normally as a user and then promote yourself to root to carry out administrative tasks. Other OS's pester the user with pop-up dialogs where a careless click can make the system vulnerable.

7.) Linux is a server OS. If you want to setup a web server, you are free to do so. If you want to setup 10 websites, you are free to do so. There is no major distinction between a desktop OS and a server OS. Other OS's limit what the desktop version of the OS can do and force you to upgrade to a Server OS.

8.) Linux gives you the freedom to try full-blown versions of free application software without first committing money to them. For instance, if I needed a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Program, I can try out several different CAD programs to see which one meets my needs before committing to one.

9.) Linux is much more friendly to educational purposes. Its open-source code invites people to learn how things work and why they work that way. Other OS's buy their way into educational institutions to cultivate a new generation of users familiar with their software, but if a user wanted to see the source code, they say, "No, you're not allowed to see it, or learn about it. With Linux, you have a whole community willing to help you understand, write, debug, and even contribute to the project.

10.) You should never HAVE to upgrade your hardware to run an Operating System. Note that this is BEFORE you have even loaded your applications, which is why most people use a computer - the applications.

I hope that helps!

Answer 3

Unix has beautiful architecture, multiuser, secured, scalable operating system. This is highly secured networking features make the UNIX defacto standard in the IT sector to deploy all machine critical operations.

Answer 4

Many people use Linux simply because they like to try new things, and what is newer than a whole new operating system. Other people like freedom to do what they want with their computer. This works for them because Linux can be molded and made into whatever you want. The Linux kernel and most of the operating systems that use it are free to use and free to modify.

In many ways some people consider it superior to windows, but that is a matter of opinion. As with any operating system, they all have their problems and their weaknesses, the amazing thing about Linux is that it is always changing and adapting so that there is something for everyone.

Answer 5

Primarily it's a combination of things (I am focusing on the desktop here, as Linux has already gotten a lot of attention in server/enterprise markets since the 90s.):

1. Linux has, over the past decade, been improved and receiving better technology to make it better suited for desktops than previous kernels (ALSA, udev, etc.).

2. Various desktop environments (Such as GNOME and KDE.) finally hit the correct usability levels, allowing someone familiar with "friendly" environments provided by OS X or Windows to use Linux without confusion.

3. Successful home desktop-oriented Linux distributions (Like Ubuntu or Mint.) have started to show up.

4. Further userspace enhancements almost entirely oriented for the home desktop (Such as systemd and pulseaudio. Soon Wayland.) have begun to surface.

5. Valve has been working on porting Steam and their games to Linux, which gets a lot of mainstream attention (Gabe Newell was VERY vocal in his criticism of Windows 8, leading a lot of gaming sites to examine why he has been praising Linux in its place. Further, the Steam Box will be Linux based.)

6. Consumer-level Linux devices become a lot more visible to the public eye, which is largely the work of Android, but so many devices run on Linux because its open source, scales well, performs well, and allows a company to embed an operating system without having to produce their own, saving a lot of money. This is why a lot of "high end" electronics have become significantly cheaper over the past 5 years.

Answer 6

in my opinion, linux is popular because it is generally lighter, faster, and easier to develop for than other systems.

Answer 7

Free, fast, stable, secure