🐧 Lecture 1: Introduction to Linux and OS Concepts

This lecture introduces the fundamental concepts of an operating system (OS) and the specific components of the Linux ecosystem.

What is an Operating System?

• An OS is a program that manages all of the computer's software and hardware. It is loaded by a boot program when the computer starts.
• It acts as a communicator between the hardware and the application software, allowing programs to run.
• The system is layered:
  1. Hardware (The physical components)
  2. System Software (The OS itself, like Linux, macOS, Windows)
  3. Application Software (Programs the user interacts with, like Chrome or games)
• The communication flow is: User <-> Applications <-> Operating System <-> Hardware.

The Linux System

• Linux is the general name for an operating system that uses the Linux Kernel.
• The Kernel: This is the core part of the OS. Its main job is to connect to and manage the hardware (like the CPU, Memory/RAM, and VGA).
• Modules: In Linux, hardware drivers (software for devices like the mouse, keyboard, or camera) are called modules. The kernel uses these modules to translate user-level software commands into signals for the hardware.

Core Parts of a Linux System

A complete Linux system (often called a "Distribution") is made of several parts:

1. Kernel: The core that manages hardware.
2. GNU & Tool Chain: These are the essential libraries and tools that allow applications to run and communicate with the kernel.
3. Graphical Environment: This provides the visual desktop, including menus, windows, and icons. Examples include:
   • Gnome: The most popular and simple environment.
   • KDE (Plasma): Easier to customize but can be more complicated.
   • Cinnamon and Mate.
4. Package Manager: This is the top layer used to install (setup) and manage applications and programs.

Why Use Linux?

Linux is widely used due to several key advantages:

• Costless: It is free to use and distribute.
• Open Source: The source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and improve.
• Stable & Reliable: Known for running for long periods without crashing.
• Highly Secure: The architecture and open-source nature make it less vulnerable to viruses.
• Extremely Powerful: It is efficient and widely used in servers and supercomputers.