Week 6

Monday February 15

Topics: PRESIDENTS DAY NO SYNCHRONOUS CLASS BUT SEE READINGS AND ASSIGNMENT

  • GNU + Linux

Readings (4):

As you learn about F/OSS, you will repeatedly be turned to the topic of Linux-based operating systems, collectively referred to as Linux. As you know, creating a wholly Free operating system was the goal of Stallman’s GNU project. Many developers prefer working in a F/OSS operating system for flexibility, simplicity, and technical advantage in addition to Stallman’s perspective of computer use “without dishonor “. You will find that proponents of F/OSS and fans of proprietary operating systems have radically opposing opinions, and you can find gobs of critique for both approaches anywhere on the internet. In this lesson, we’ll cover enough for you to continue exploring your options with Linux if you find it interesting and/or useful for your professional goals.

The Story of Linux (video, 3:39)

A fun introduction to Linux, on it’s 20th anniversary (2011), you’ll recognize some of the names. See also, the info-graphic 20 Years of Linux.

FOSS: A General Introduction

  • Linux

The term “Linux” is commonly understood to mean any of several operating systems that are based on the Linux kernel*. Mainstream media typically uses “Linux” in this way. Some F/OSS enthusiasts use the terms “GNU/Linux” or “GNU plus Linux” to acknowledge that only the kernel is actually Linux and that enormous contributions to these F/OSS operating systems came from GNU and others. Be aware, however, that Linux collectively references many separate but related operating systems – called “distributions” (because each is the Linux kernel, distributed with a set of many additional applications).

There are Linux distributions that are aimed at desktop computing, and others that are not. Built on the Linux kernel, Google’s Android mobile operating system is a Linux distribution. Recently popular in many schools, Chromebooks are based on Chrome OS which is also a Linux distribution. Finally, there are server variants of most desktop distributions. These typically don’t include window managers or userland applications that aren’t required on servers. Major desktop Linux distributions include:

  • Red Hat Enterprises (RHEL)
    • Fedora – the bleeding edge community version of RHEL
    • CentOS - the unbranded version of RHEL, without Red Hat corporate support
  • Debian
    • Ubuntu
    • Ubuntu variants such as Edubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Mint

*A kernel is the software that manages basic system resources such as CPU, memory, and physical devices like a disk drive or keyboard. Users are generally unaware of the kernel. Userland refers to all application software that runs in user space, ie the various programs and libraries that the operating system uses to interact with the kernel.

How Linux is Built (video, 3:13)

Linux operating systems dominate in server, mobile, and supercomputer markets – but typical consumers are unaware. In desktop computing, where marketing has direct and massive influence on consumer purchasing decisions, Linux desktop computing is relatively small. There avenues to purchase supported and pre-installed Linux desktop computers, but these enterprises are dwarfed by mainstream retail offerings of Windows and OSX computers. Luckily for F/OSS advocates, Linux distributions can be installed easily onto systems that shipped with another operating system.

Nearly 10,000 developers from over 1,000 companies have contributed since 2005. There is a new major kernel release every 2-3 months, growing in size as new hardware support and features are added. Over 75% of development is done on paid time.

Each Linux distribution has a development community behind it. Many of these communities have corporate sponsorship, such as Canonical or Red Hat. Others are simply developer groups who have coalesced around a vision for their ideal operating system. Users must select a distribution that fits their needs. For many, the backing of a stable company and/or a large and active development community are important criteria. These are indicators that the distribution will continue to be stable and supported.

Linux Adoption (Wikipedia)

  • Measuring desktop adoption
    • Reasons for adoption
    • Barriers to adoption
  • Advocacy

Linux adoption refers to the use of Linux in homes and organizations; migration refers to changing from the use of other operating systems to using Linux. Reasons for adoption include system stability, malware protection, low or no cost, included application software and hardware drivers, simplified updates, free software licensing, and access to the source code. It is commonly held that the greatest barrier to desktop Linux adoption is that few PCs come with Linux pre-installed.

Linux is frequently hailed as very secure. There are some who argue the validity of this claim, however, there has never been a widespread Linux malware infection. While proprietary OS users depend on a specific company to identify and fix problems, worldwide Linux communities can identify and patch vulnerabilities quickly. All operating systems create and eventually patch security threats, but this Red Hat “Days of Risk” report demonstrates how fast this happens with Linux.

Assignments:

Blog post #4

There are many vendors that sell Linux computers, despite the paucity of marketing or public awareness. Most Linux users install Linux on computers that originally shipped with other operating systems. This installation is generally painless because Linux has extensive hardware and peripheral support. There are, however, occasional surprises – such as a component (fingerprint reader, for instance) that needs some extra set-up. There are resources to verify hardware compatibility in advance, such as Canonical’s Ubuntu’s hardware certification site or community-based review sites. However, pre-installed Linux can avoid any extra set-up or surprises.

Shop for a new computer with Linux pre-installed. How does it compare with the price and capacity of a similar Windows or Apple computer?

Describe your experience shopping for a Linux computer. Use your current laptop/workstation as the baseline, locate at least two comparable Linux-running options available through the vendors listed above. What sacrifices would you have to make in order to switch your own hardware out for a machine that runs FOSS exclusively? Do you feel this is something you could accomplish yourself, or that you would support others in transitioning to? There are no wrong answers here, but your decision should be supported by evidence.

Additional Resources:

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