Introduction to Unix/Linux

Systems
Computer Science Department
University of Batna 2

Licence in Computer Science

 Plan
• Role and functions of an Operating System (OS)
– Position of OS in Computer System
– What is an OS?
– Key functions of an OS
• Overview of Unix/Linux systems
– What is Unix? What is Linux? Unix vs Linux
– Why Use Unix/Linux?
• Getting Started with Linux
– What does a Linux Distribution mean ?
– Popular Distributions
– Choosing the Right Distribution
– Human-Linux Interaction
– Use cases of Linux
– Linux Today : some statistics

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 2

 ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF AN
OPERATING SYSTEM

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 3

 Role and Functions of an OS
• Position of OS in Computer System
– is a combination of hardware, software that work together to
compute, store, and communicate data.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 4

 Role and Functions of an OS
• What is an OS ?
– is a software layer that acts as an intermediary between the
computer hardware and the user applications (software).
– It manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and
offers a platform for running application programs.

– Examples include Windows, Linux, Unix, macOS, iOS, Android,

MS-DOS, Solaris, etc.
Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 5
 Role and Functions of an OS
• Key Functions of an OS
– Booting the Computer: Initiates the startup process by
loading the OS kernel into memory and preparing the system
for use. This involves the initialization of hardware
components and system services.
– Resource Management: Controls and allocates hardware
resources such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory,
disk space, and I/O devices.
– Process Management: Manages the execution of processes,
multitasking, and coordination between active programs.
– Memory Management: Handles the allocation and
deallocation of memory to ensure efficient operation and
prevent conflicts.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 6

 Role and Functions of an OS
• Key Functions of an OS
– File System Management: Manages data storage,
organization, access, and permissions on storage devices.
– Device Management: Facilitates communication between
hardware devices and software applications through drivers.
– Security and Access Control: Protects system resources and
user data from unauthorized access and ensures system
integrity.
– User Interface: Provides interfaces, such as command-line
or graphical user interfaces (CLI or GUI), for users to interact
with the system.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 7

 Role and Functions of an OS
• Booting an OS
– It represents the critical function that prepares the
machine (computer) for operation.
– It refers to the process of starting a computer and
initializing its OS so it can manage hardware and
execute user programs.
– It is managed by the Firmware (BIOS or UEFI)
embedded in the motherboard.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 8

 Role and Functions of an OS
• Booting an OS
– BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified
Extensible Firmware Interface) contain some basic functions
as :
• Access to Basic System Devices:
– Performs Input/Output (I/O) operations on the disk.
– Reads input from the keyboard.
– Shows information on the screen
• Bootloader:
– Contains the code to load the bootloader.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 9

 Role and Functions of an OS
• Booting an OS

– GRUP 2 :GRand Unified Bootloader (Latest version)

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 10

 Role and Functions of an OS
• Booting an OS : Many steps in the booting process
– Power-On Self Test (POST) : Verifies hardware functionality and
initializes basic components.
– Initialize hardware : Detects and prepares hardware for
operation.
– OS Search and load : Locates the bootloader and loads the OS.
– Control Handover : Transfers control from firmware to the OS
(Kernel)

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 11

 Role and Functions of an OS
• Dual Booting
– When we have two different OSs (e.g., Windows and Linux)
on the same machine it is called Dual Booting.
– the Bootloader needs to load the OS which the user selects
from the menu that is being displayed on the monitor.
– If no action is performed within a few seconds, the default
OS is loaded.
– We can have multiple OS on the single bootable device by
Creating Partitions.
• Each partition can have its own OS and during run time
on selection of the OS from the user, that particular OS is
loaded into the memory.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 12

 Role and Functions of an OS
• Dual Booting
– Choose the OS with which you want to start the system

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 13

 OVERVIEW OF UNIX/LINUX
SYSTEMS

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 14

 Overview Of Unix/Linux Systems
• What is Unix system?
– UNICS : Uniplexed Information Computing System.
– Unix is launched in 1969 at the Bell Labs research center by
Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and others.
• Bell Labs is an American industrial research and development
(R&D) company. It was originally part of AT&T and now
operates independently under Nokia.

Ken Thompson Dennis Ritchie

– It was licensed from AT&T in the late 1970s for use outside the
company, leading to the creation of various Unix variants.
• AT&T stands for American Telephone and Telegraph Company.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 15

 Overview Of Unix/Linux Systems
• Variants of Unix
– Lots variants included both academic and commercial
versions developed by prominent organizations. Notable
variants include:
• BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) from the University
of California, Berkeley
• Xenix by Microsoft
• SunOS /Solaris by Sun Microsystems
• HP-UX by Hewlett-Packard Entreprise (HP/HPE)

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 16

 Overview of Unix/Linux systems
• What is Unix system?
– Unix (UNICS) : Uniplexed Information Computing System.
– A highly popular, multiuser and multitasking OS.

Multiuser

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 17

 Overview Of Unix/Linux Systems
• What is Unix system?
– Unix stands on a Kernel that integrates four fundamental
concepts:
• Files : Managed by subsystem called File Management
System.
• Processes : Concretizing a running program, where each
process is managed by the kernel for efficient execution
and resource allocation..
• InterProcess Communication: Allowing processes to
exchange data from each other.
• Access Control : Determining user permissions (read,
write, execute) to ensure the security and integrity of files
and processes.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 18

 Overview Of Unix/Linux Systems
• Birth of Linux
– By the early 1990s, home PCs became powerful enough to run
full-featured UNIX OS.
– Linus Torvalds, a computer science student at the University of
Helsinki, began developing a free academic version of UNIX.
(Linux : Linus Unix).

Linus Torvalds

University of Helsinki
– In 1991, Linux Released as Free Software under the GNU
General Public License (GPL), promoting free usage,
modification, and distribution.
Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 19
 Overview Of Unix/Linux Systems
• Unix vs Linux
Features Unix Linux
Developed in the 1970s Created in 1991 by Linus
Origin by AT&T Bell Labs Torvalds as an open-source
alternative
Proprietary, with Open-source, licensed under
Licensing various commercial the GNU General Public License
versions (GPL)
Compatibility Primarily used on Runs on a wide range of devices,
mainframes, from desktops to mobile and
workstations, and servers embedded systems
Highly customizable with various
More rigid, vendor-
Customization distributions (e.g., Ubuntu,
specific configurations
Fedora)

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 20

 Overview Of Unix/Linux Systems
• Why Use Linux? There are several reasons why one might
choose to use Linux:
– Open-source
• The source code is freely available for anyone to use,
modify, and distribute.
• This allows for a large and active community of
developers to contribute to the development and
maintenance of the OS.
– Stability and security
• It is more resistant to crashes and viruses than other OSs.
– Cost-effective
• For both individuals and businesses.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 21

 GETTING STARTED WITH LINUX

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 22

 Getting Started with Linux
• Linux Distribution : What does it mean ?
– Often abbreviated as "distro“
– It is a complete OS built around the Linux kernel,
– It includes a variety of other software components, such as:
• Shell, System Libraries, System utilities, Desktop
environment, Development tools, Networking tools

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 23

 Getting Started with Linux
• Linux Distribution : Popular distributions

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 24

 Getting Started with Linux
• Linux Distribution : Main Factors for Choosing
– The best distribution depends on our specific needs, such as
hardware compatibility, use cases, or technical expertise.
• Hardware Compatibility
– Older Hardware: Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Puppy Linux
– Modern Hardware: Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch Linux
• Purpose of Use
– Desktop: Ubuntu, Linux Mint
– Development: Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux
– Servers: CentOS, RHEL, Ubuntu Server
– Security: Kali Linux, Parrot OS
• User Skill Level
– Beginners: Ubuntu, Linux Mint
– Intermediate: Fedora, Manjaro
– Advanced: Arch Linux, Gentoo

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 25

 Getting Started with Linux
• Human-Linux Interaction

Human-Linux
Interaction

CLI: Command GUI : Graphical

Line Interface User Interface

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 26

 Getting Started with Linux
• Human-Linux Interaction
– Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Is a text-based interface for interacting with the Linux OS.
• It requires users to type commands to perform tasks.
• Why Use CLI ?
– Uses fewer system resources.
– Enables automation through scripting.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 27

 Getting Started with Linux
• Human-Linux Interaction
– Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• It allows users to interact with Linux using visual elements
like windows, icons, buttons, menus, etc.
• It requires users to type commands to perform tasks.
• Why Use GUI ?
– Makes Linux more convivial (user-friendly).
– Makes Linux more accessible for users unfamiliar with CLI
– Reduces the need for command-line knowledge.
• Examples : GNOME, KDE, XFCE, and more.
– GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment) is used
by default in several Linux distributions.
– GNOME 3.4 supports over 50 languages.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 28

 Getting Started with Linux
• Human-Linux Interaction
– Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• GNOME

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 29

 Getting Started with Linux
• Human-Linux Interaction
– GUI vs CLI
Features GUI CLI
Ease to use Easy, visual interaction Required command knowledge

Speed Slower due to Graphical Faster due to optimal use of

Components resources
Customization Theme and layout Advanced scripting and
modifications automation
Resources High use (CPU, RAM) Low use

Preferred for General users Administrators, developers

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 30

 Getting Started with Linux
• Use cases of Linux
– Servers : Linux is the dominant OS in server environments
due to its performance in terms of scalability, security, etc.
• Web severs, database servers, cloud servers, etc.
– Supercomputing & High-Performance Computing (HPC)
– Mobile & Tablet Devices.
– Embedded Systems : is widely used in embedded devices
due to its lightweight and customizable nature.
• Automotive Systems (cars), Medical Equipment (MRI),
Consumer Electronics (smartTV), etc.
– Satellites & GPS Systems: Many satellite networks operate
on Linux.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 31

 Getting Started with Linux
• Linux Today : Global Statistics for 2024

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 32

 Getting Started with Linux
• Linux Today : Global Statistics for 2024
– One of the most widely used OS worldwide (47%).
– 2.91% of desktop computers, over 91,5% of top
supercomputers and 70% of web servers run on Linux.
– Approximately 85% of mobile devices run on Android, which
is Linux-based.
– Linux runs on 92% of virtual machines in cloud platforms like
AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
– A large and active community of developers and users
contribute to its development.

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 33

 Thank You for Your Attention !
Any Questions or Comments?

Chapter : Introduction to Linux/Unix System 34