Theoretical framework

LIMUX
The main programs responsible for interacting with the kernel were created by the GNU
foundation. For this reason it is more correct to refer to the operating system as GNU/Linux
instead of Linux.

A distribution is nothing more than the set of kernel, system programs and applications
collected on a single CD-ROM (or any other type of media). Today we have thousands of
applications for the GNU/Linux platform, where each company responsible for a distro chooses
the applications that should be included in it.

The GNU project

Many know and popularize the Penguin operating system only as Linux, but the correct term is
GNU/Linux. In simpler words, Linux is just the core of the operating system, but it depends on
a series of tools to work, starting with the program used to compile the source code. These
tools are provided by the GNU project, created by Richard Stallman.

In other words, the Linux operating system is the union of Linux with the GNU tools, so the
correct term is GNU/Linux.

GNU/Linux and Windows

The most marked difference between Linux and Windows is the fact that the former is an open
source system, developed by volunteer programmers spread throughout the Internet and
distributed under the GPL public license. While Windows is proprietary software, it does not
have the source code available and you have to purchase a license to have the right to use it.

You don't have to pay anything to use Linux, nor is it a crime to make copies to install it on
other computers. The advantage of an open source system is that it is flexible to the user's
needs, which makes its adaptations and corrections much faster. Remember that in your favor
you have thousands of programmers from all over the world thinking only about making Linux
an increasingly better system.

The open source of the system allows anyone to see how it works, correct any problems or
make suggestions for improvement. This is one of the reasons for its rapid growth, as well as
compatibility with new hardware, not to mention its high performance and stability.

GNU/Linux Distributions

Linux has several models, and these are called distributions. A distribution is nothing more
than a core and programs handpicked by the team that develops it. Each distribution has its
particularities, such as the way to install a package (or software), the installation interface of
the operating system itself, the graphical interface and hardware support. It is then up to the
user to define which distribution best suits their needs.

GNU/Linux and its graphical interface

The X-Window system (without “s”), also called X, provides the graphical environment of the
operating system. Unlike OSX (Macintosh) and Windows, X makes the window manager (the
visual interface itself) a separate process. Actually, the advantage of separating the window
manager is that you can choose from a wide variety of existing managers for Linux and the one
that suits you best, such as Gnome, KDE and XFCE, among others.

The history of GNU/Linux

The Linux system has its origins in Unix, a multitasking and multiuser operating system that has
the advantage of working on a wide variety of computers.

Linux emerged in a very interesting way. It all started in 1991, when a 21-year-old Finnish
programmer, Linus Benedict Torvalds, sent the following message to an Internet discussion list:
“ Hello to everyone who is using Minix. I am making a free operating system (as a hobby) for
386, 486, AT and the clones .”

Minix was a limited Unix-based operating system that ran on Machiavellian computers like the
AT. Linus intended to develop an improved version of Minix, and he hardly knew at the time
that his supposed “contest” would end up in an ingeniously magnificent system. Many
renowned academics were interested in Linus' idea and from there, programmers from the
most varied parts of the world began to work towards this project. Each improvement
developed by a programmer was distributed over the Internet and immediately integrated into
the Linux kernel.

Over the years, this hard voluntary work by hundreds of dreamers has become a very mature
operating system that is today exploding in the business server and PC market. Linus, who
today coordinates a team of developers of the core of his system, was chosen in a public
survey as the 1998 personality of the year in the world of computing.

Where to start learning GNU/Linux

If you are starting your life in Linux, you may feel the need for help on seemingly simple points.
This article will help you become more comfortable in this wonderful environment.

How to get GNU/Linux

Once you have chosen the distribution to be used, the next step is to download an ISO image
to save the installation on your computer. It is highly recommended to opt for a popular,
tested distribution where you will find abundant documentation on the internet in case you
need help. Below we offer a list of the most popular Linux distributions.

Ubuntu

This Linux distribution is one of the most used currently and this is due to the fact that it cares
about the end user (desktop). Originally based on Debian, it differs in addition to focusing on
the desktop, in the way it publishes new versions, which are published semi-annually.

Opensuse

OpenSUSE is the free version of the wonderful Novell SuSE operating system. In addition to
behaving very stable and robust as a server, it is also very powerful for the desktop version.
https://www.profesionalreview.com/2016/10/27/anade-la-opcion-hibernar-sistema-ubuntu/
Its differential is the famous YaST (Yeah Another Setup Tool), a software that centralizes the
entire installation, configuration and customization process of the Linux system. We can say
that this is where SuSE stands out the most, since it can be compared to the Windows control
panel.

YaST is perhaps the most powerful Linux environment management tool. It is an open source
project sponsored by Novell and actively under development.

Development of YaST began in January 1995. It was written in C++ with an ncurses GUI by
Thoamas Fehr (one of the founders of SuSE) and Michael Andres.

YaST is the installation and configuration tool for openSUSE, SUSE Linux Enterprise, and legacy
SuSE Linux. It has an attractive graphical interface capable of quickly customizing your system
during and after installation, and can also be used in text mode

YaST can be used to configure the entire system, such as configuring peripherals such as video
card, sound cards, network, configuring system services, firewall, users, repositories,
languages, installing and removing software, etc.

Debian

Debian is one of the oldest and most popular distributions. It served as the basis for the
creation of several other popular distributions, such as Ubuntu and Kurumin. As its most
outstanding characteristics we can mention:

 .deb packaging system

 Apt-get, which is the most practical installed package management system among the
existing ones (if not the most)

 Its stable version is thoroughly tested, making it ideal for server security and stability

 It has one of the largest repositories of distribution packages (precompiled programs

available to install)

Slackware

Slackware, along with Debian and Red Hat, is one of the “parent” distributions of all the
others. Devised by Patrick Volkerding, Slack (nickname adopted by the user community) has
clarity, simplicity, stability and security as its main characteristics.

Although it is considered by many to be a difficult distribution to use, aimed at expert users or

hackers, it has a simple package management system, as well as its installation interface,
which is one of the few that is still in text mode, but that is not why It becomes difficult.

If you're looking for a server-oriented distribution, want to deepen your Linux knowledge, or
are looking for a desktop without unnecessary bells and whistles, Slack is for you.

Slackware was created by Patrick Volkerding in 1993 (some sources say 1992). It is based on
the SLS (Softlanding Linux System) distribution and was supplied in the form of images on 3.5-
inch floppy disks.
It is the oldest and still active distribution. Until 1995 it was considered the default Linux, but
its popularity has greatly declined after the emergence of friendlier distributions. Likewise, the
distribution remains a highly appreciated and respected distribution, because it has not
changed its philosophy, remains faithful to UNIX standards and is composed only of stable
applications.

In 1999 the version of Slackware jumped from 4.0 to 7.0. A marketing play to show that the
distribution was as up to date as the other distributions. It happens that many of the
distributions had very high versions, and this could cause the impression that Slackware was
outdated. The delay in releasing new versions of Slackware also contributed to this.

In 2004, Patrick Volkerding became seriously ill from an infection and the development of
Slackware became uncertain. Many thought he was going to die. But it improved and
development resumed.

In 2005, the GNOME graphical environment was removed from the Slackware project, which
displeased many users. Patrick's justification was that it took too long to package the binaries.
However, many communities developed GNOME projects for Slackware. Some examples of
projects are: Gnome Slackbuild, Gnome Slacky and Gnome Dropline. Therefore, high-quality
Gnome is what the distribution does not lack, despite not being a native environment.

In 2007, version 12.0 of Slackware was released, an innovative version that somewhat caused
some controversies. It was the first version of Slackware to go somewhat against its own
philosophy. Firstly, because it started to mount devices automatically, secondly, because some
old packages were no longer compatible with the new version due to the new GCC 4.1.2. and
finally, because the first version came with the latest version of the Kernel.

It should also be noted that version 12.0 worked with Compiz installed, but due to the lack of
graphical tools for configuration, many users did not know how to use it.

fedora

Fedora is one of the most popular and stable distributions that currently exist. This was, in
principle, a fork for the community, released and maintained by the giant Red Hat, which at
that time was closing its system and concentrating on the corporate market.

This means that, from the beginning, Fedora already had the latest in software technology, as
well as one of the most competent and dedicated development teams. If what you are looking
for is a distribution with the power to be a stable server, but with the facilities of graphical
configuration tools, or if you simply want a more robust desktop, Fedora will be your best
choice.

It has a rapid development cycle. Every six months, on average, a new Fedora is released by
the Fedora Project to the community. The community itself is one of the most active on the
internet, and Fedora has a lot of online help, even without offering direct technical support
from Red Hat.

Package management is done intelligently and automatically with the help of YUM, which
takes care of updates and resolves dependencies for all packages, downloading whatever is
necessary for the system from repositories and installation management. All types of
applications are available for Fedora, from powerful office suites such as OpenOffice.org to
video and audio players (MPlayer and Amarok) running almost all known formats and also a
generous collection of games, all installable with a few simple clicks or a single command line.
CentOS

CentOS is an Enterprise-class distribution derived from free source codes and distributed by
Red Hat Enterprise Linux and maintained by the CentOS Project.

Version numbering is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux numbering. For example, CentOS 4 is
based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4. The basic difference between one and the other is the
provision of payment assistance in the acquisition of a Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

CentOS offers great access to industry-standard software, including full compatibility with
software packages prepared specifically for Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. This gives you
the same level of security and support, through updates, as other Linux Enterprise solutions,
but at no cost.

It supports both server environments for mission-critical applications and workstation

environments, and has a Live CD version.

CentOS has numerous advantages, including: an active and growing community, rapid
development and testing of packages, an extensive network for downloads, accessible
developers, multiple support channels with support in Spanish, and commercial support
through partners.

Linux Mint

The Linux Mint proposal is a desktop distribution with an elegant, pleasant, comfortable to use
and always updated visual design.

The distribution was initially released as a variant of Ubuntu, which had the media codecs
already in the installation. The evolution was rapid, and today it is a complete and well-
resolved distribution, with its own configuration tools, the web-based package installation
application, custom menus, among other unique features and always with a clean and elegant
appearance.

The founder, leader and main developer of the distribution is called Clement Lefebvre, who
started using Linux in 1996 (Slackware) and lives in Ireland.

Some of the reasons for Linux Mint's success listed on the project page are:

 The speed with which the community responds to requests from a request posted on
the website's forum, and which may already be implemented in the update in less
than a week

 Because it is derived from Debian, it has all the solid base of packages and the Debian
package manager

 It is compatible with Ubuntu repositories

 It has a desk prepared so that the common user feels comfortable

 Endeavors to ensure that features, such as multimedia support, video resolution, Wi-Fi
cards and cards, and others, work well
With the exception of Mandrake, this was the first distro to be successful with users for the
following reasons: ease of installing programs, automatic installation and configuration of
devices, and the like.

Mint added these facilities and incorporated others, being considered a more polished
Ubuntu, with an excellent selection of software, great performance and design.

Applications for GNU/Linux

GNU/Linux has an incomparable wealth of applications, offering more than one solution to
certain needs. The biggest difficulty is finding an application that suits your needs. There are
countless applications for the same functions that present certain characteristics, among
which they adapt or not to the user's taste, which is why we have such a variety of applications
available today.

The fact that almost 100% of the applications are open source helps this list grow more and
more. Among other things, the applications can be modified according to the needs of the
users.

GNU/Linux applications for desktop

Openoffice.org

One of the most popular and complete office suites is OpenOffice.org. It is a suite of free,
cross-platform office applications, distributed for Microsoft Windows, Unix, Solaris, Linux and
Mac OS X. The suite uses the ODF (OpenDocument) format and is compatible with the
Microsoft Office format.

OpenOffice.org is based on an older version of StarOffice: StarOffice 5.1, acquired by Sun

Microsystems in August 1999. The source code of the suite was released, starting an open
source software development project on October 13, 2000, OpenOffice.org. The main goal was
to provide a low-cost, high-quality, open source alternative. OpenOffice.org supports Microsoft
Office file formats.

The design and software are commonly known as “OpenOffice,” but due to a trademark
dispute, Sun was forced to rename the software to “OpenOffice.org.”

Abiword

If you prefer lighter software or do not use the advanced formatting functions that
OpenOffice.org offers, perhaps the best solution is to use Abiword, a text editor as good and
lighter than the previous one.

AbiWord is an open source word processor, therefore, free software licensed under the GPL. It
works on Linux, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, ReactOS, SkyOS and other platforms. AbiWord
was initially created by the SourceGear Corporation with the AbiSuite component. SourceGear
moved on to financial interests and left the AbiWord project to a team of volunteers. Now,
AbiWord software is part of GNOME Office, which is a suite of integration applications.

AbiWord's interface is reminiscent of the pre-2007 Word interface.

The fact is that many users feel more comfortable in that interface than in the new “ribbon” of
the Microsoft tool. AbiWord offers all the necessary resources for those who have simple text
editing needs.
Gnumeric

Gnumeric is open source spreadsheet software that is part of the Gnome desktop, and has
installers available even for Windows. It was created with the intention of being an alternative
to the proprietary Microsoft Excel software. Gnumeric was created and developed by Miguel
de Icaza, but since he was transferred to other projects, the current person in charge has
become Jody Goldberg.

Gnumeric has the ability to import and export data in various formats, including CSV, Excel,
HTML, LaTeX, Lotus 1-2-3, OpenDocument and Quattro Pro. Its native format is the Gnumeric
file format (.gnm or .gnumeric), an XML file compressed with bzip. It has all the Excel
spreadsheet functions and many other functions of its own