ADVANTAGES AND

DISAVANTAGES OF LINUX OS

IKO-OJO
VICTOR ODAUDU

Group
KIYKliB-19-1
Course title
Fundamentals of construction and
functioning of operating systems
Teacher’s name
ARTEM BRONNIKOV
 INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS LINUX OS?

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems

based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released
on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds.

Linux was originally developed for personal computers based on the

Intel x86 architecture, but has since been ported to more platforms
than any other operating system.
Linux is the leading operating system on servers (over 96.4% of the
top 1 million web servers' operating systems are Linux), and other
big iron systems such as mainframe computers, and the only OS
used on TOP500 supercomputers (since November 2017, having
gradually eliminated all competitors). It is used by around 2.3
percent of desktop computers.
The Chromebook, which runs the Linux kernel-based Chrome OS,
dominates the US K–12 education market and represents nearly 20
percent of sub-$300 notebook sales in the US.

Linux is the best-known and most-used open source operating

system. As an operating system, Linux is software that sits
underneath all of the other software on a computer, receiving
requests from those programs and relaying these requests to the
computer’s hardware.

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How does Linux differ from other
operating systems?

In many ways, Linux is similar to other operating systems you

may have used before, such as Windows, macOS (formerly OS X),
or iOS. Like other operating systems, Linux has a graphical
interface, and the same types of software you are accustomed to,
such as word processors, photo editors, video editors, and so on. In
many cases, a software’s creator may have made a Linux version of
the same program you use on other systems. In short: if you can use
a computer or other electronic device, you can use Linux.

But Linux also is different from other operating systems in many

important ways. First, and perhaps most importantly, Linux is open
source software. The code used to create Linux is free and available
to the public to view, edit, and—for users with the appropriate skills
—to contribute to.

Linux is also different in that, although the core pieces of the Linux
operating system are generally common, there are many
distributions of Linux, which include different software options.
This means that Linux is incredibly customizable, because not just
applications, such as word processors and web browsers, can be
swapped out. Linux users also can choose core components, such as
which system displays graphics, and other user-interface
components.

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Why Use Linux?
Linux is an excellent choice for personal Unix computing. If
you’re a Unix software developer, why use Windows at home? Linux
will allow you to develop and test Unix software on your PC,
including database and X applications. If you’re a student, chances
are that your university computing system runs Unix. With Linux,
you can run your own Unix system and tailor it to your own needs.
Installing and running Linux is also an excellent way to learn Unix
if you don’t have access to other Unix machines.

Linux isn’t just for personal Unix users. It’s robust and
complete enough to handle large tasks, as well as distributed
computing needs. Many businesses are moving to Linux in lieu of
other Unix-based workstation environments. Linux has an excellent
price-performance ratio, is one of the most stable and powerful
operating systems available, and because of its Open Source nature,
is completely customizable for your needs. Universities are finding
Linux to be perfect for teaching courses in operating systems
design. Larger commercial software vendors are starting to realize
the opportunities a free operating system can provide.

If you find yourself battling obstacles like viruses, malware,

slowdowns, crashes, costly repairs, and licensing fees, Linux might
be the perfect platform for you.
Linux has evolved into one of the most reliable computer
ecosystems on the planet. Combine that reliability with zero cost of
entry and you have the perfect solution for a desktop platform.

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Advantages of Linux
1. Open Source
One of the main advantages of Linux is that it is an open source
operating system i.e. its source code is easily available for everyone.
Anyone capable of coding can contribute, modify, enhance and
distribute the code to anyone and for any purpose.

2. Security
Linux is more secure in comparison to other operating systems such
as Windows. Linux is not completely secure as there is some
malware for it also but it is less vulnerable than others. Every
program in Linux whether an application or a virus needs
authorization from the administrator in the form of a password.

3. Revive older computer systems

Linux helps you to use or utilize your old and outdated computer
systems as a firewall, router, backup server or file server and many
more. There are many distributions available to use according to
your system capability.

4. Software Updates
In Linux you encounter a larger number of software updates. These
software updates are much faster than updates in any other
operating system. Updates in Linux can be done easily without
facing any major issue or concern.

5. Customization
A feature that gives a major advantage over other operating systems
is customization. You can customize any feature, add or delete any
feature according to your need as it is an open source operating

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system. Not only this, various wallpapers and attractive icon themes
can be installed to give an amazing look to your system.

6. Various Distributions
There are many distributions available also called distros of Linux.
It provides various choices or flavors to the users. You can select
any bistros according to your needs. Some bistros of Linux are
Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Debian, Linux Mint and many more.

7. Free to use (Low Cost)

Linux is freely available on the web to download and use. You do
not need to buy the license for it as Linux and many of its software
come with GNU General Public License. This proved to be one of
the major advantages Linux faces over Windows and other
operating systems. You need to spend a huge amount to buy the
license of Windows which is not the case with Linux.

8. Stability (Reliability)
Linux provides high stability also this is good advantage i.e. it does
not need to be rebooted after a short period of time. Your Linux
system rarely slows down or freezes. As in windows, you need to
reboot your system after installing or uninstalling an application or
updating your software but this is not the case with Linux. You can
work without any disturbance on your Linux systems.

9. Privacy
Linux ensures the privacy of user’s data as it never collects much
data from the user while using its distributions or software but this
is not true for many other operating systems.

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10. Performance
Linux provides high performance on various networks and
workstations. It allows a large number of users to work
simultaneously and handles them efficiently.

11. Network Support

Linux gives support for network functionality as it was written by
programmers over the internet. Linux helps you to set up client and
server systems on your computer systems easily and in a fast
manner.

12. Flexibility
Linux provides a high range of flexibility as you can install only
required components. There is no need to install a full or complete
suite. You can also keep Linux file under multiple partitions so if
one of them corrupts then there is no major loss. You only need to
repair that particular partition, not the complete file which is not
the case with other operating systems.

13. Compatibility
Linux runs or executes all possible file formats and is compatible
with a large number of file formats.

14. Fast and easy installation

Linux can be easily installed from the web and does not require any
prerequisites as it can run on any hardware, even on your oldest
systems.

15. Multitasking
Linux is a multitasking operating system as it can perform many
tasks simultaneously without any decrease in its speed such as
downloading a large file would not slow down the system.

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Disadvantages of Linux operating system

1. Hardware drivers
One of the issues that most Linux users face is that some hardware
drivers are not available for Linux. Hardware companies prefer to
make drivers for windows or mac because they have more users as
compared to Linux.

2. Learning curve
Getting started with windows is easy for beginners but learning
Linux is difficult. You have to learn about the command-line
interface and searching for new software is also little bit difficult. If
you face any problem in the operating system then finding solution
is problematic. There are fewer experts for Linux as compared to
windows and mac.

3. No Standard Edition
While Windows and Mac have several definite versions, there is no
one standard edition of Linux. In fact, there are hundreds of
different user-developed editions. It can be challenging to figure out
which one is best for you, and making that decision can be
overwhelming for a new user.

4. Non-Compatible Software
A disadvantage to using a Linux OS is that the majority of your
favorite programs will not run on it. If you are used to certain
software, you will have to find a comparable Linux option

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5. Tech Support
While there is a large community of Linux users that are very
helpful in answering your technical questions in forums and chat
rooms, it can be more difficult to get assistance for your issues. You
can ask questions of Linux users, but sometimes their answers will
be difficult to understand if your technical knowledge is lacking.
There is also no immediate help because you will be waiting for
someone to write a response rather than calling a central tech
support hotline where someone will answer right away. Also, it can
be difficult to find a computer repair person who is versed in Linux.

6. Linux does not dominate the market like Windows, it is difficult

to find the applications to support your needs but more
programmers are developing the applications that are supported by
Linux, Many people have problems with running the printers on
Linux, and Blu-ray discs cannot play using Linux.

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