All Linux Operating System Downloads

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From smartphones to cars, supercomputers and home appliances, home desktops to enterprise servers, the Linux operating system is everywhere.

Linux has been around since the mid-1990s and has since reached a user-base that spans the globe. Linux is actually everywhere: It?s in your phones, your thermostats, in your cars, refrigerators, Roku devices, and televisions. It also runs most of the Internet, all of the world’s top 500 supercomputers, and the world’s stock exchanges.

But besides being the platform of choice to run desktops, servers, and embedded systems across the globe, Linux is one of the most reliable, secure and worry-free operating systems available.

In this video, we'll go over the basics of a Linux system - where Linux keeps all of its things - as well as basic commands to get around. Ubuntu is an open source software operating system that runs from the desktop, to the cloud, to all your internet connected things. Linux operating system free download - Operating System, The LoseThos Operating System, SAT Operating System For TI-89, and many more programs. Linux Lite is a free easy to use linux based operating system that is suitable for people who are new to linux. Linux Lite has been in existence since 2012. Each year it has become increasingly difficult to operate due to ad-blockers.

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It’s the alternative PC operating system. Linux comes in many different flavors, known as Linux distributions. Ubuntu and Mint are some of the most popular. If you want to install a non-Windows operating system on your PC and actually use it, you should probably pick Linux. Linux is a Unix-like operating system, and there are other open.

Here is all the information you need to get up to speed on the Linux platform.

What is Linux?

Just like Windows, iOS, and Mac OS, Linux is an operating system. In fact, one of the most popular platforms on the planet, Android, is powered by the Linux operating system. An operating system is software that manages all of the hardware resources associated with your desktop or laptop. To put it simply, the operating system manages the communication between your software and your hardware. Without the operating system (OS), the software wouldn?t function.

The Linux operating system comprises several different pieces:

  1. Bootloader – The software that manages the boot process of your computer. For most users, this will simply be a splash screen that pops up and eventually goes away to boot into the operating system.
  2. Kernel – This is the one piece of the whole that is actually called ?Linux?. The kernel is the core of the system and manages the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices. The kernel is the lowest level of the OS.
  3. Init system – This is a sub-system that bootstraps the user space and is charged with controlling daemons. One of the most widely used init systems is systemd? which also happens to be one of the most controversial. It is the init system that manages the boot process, once the initial booting is handed over from the bootloader (i.e., GRUB or GRand Unified Bootloader).
  4. Daemons – These are background services (printing, sound, scheduling, etc.) that either start up during boot or after you log into the desktop.
  5. Graphical server – This is the sub-system that displays the graphics on your monitor. It is commonly referred to as the X server or just X.
  6. Desktop environment – This is the piece that the users actually interact with. There are many desktop environments to choose from (GNOME, Cinnamon, Mate, Pantheon, Enlightenment, KDE, Xfce, etc.). Each desktop environment includes built-in applications (such as file managers, configuration tools, web browsers, and games).
  7. Applications – Desktop environments do not offer the full array of apps. Just like Windows and macOS, Linux offers thousands upon thousands of high-quality software titles that can be easily found and installed. Most modern Linux distributions (more on this below) include App Store-like tools that centralize and simplify application installation. For example, Ubuntu Linux has the Ubuntu Software Center (a rebrand of GNOME Software? Figure 1) which allows you to quickly search among the thousands of apps and install them from one centralized location.

Why use Linux?

This is the one question that most people ask. Why bother learning a completely different computing environment, when the operating system that ships with most desktops, laptops, and servers works just fine?

To answer that question, I would pose another question. Does that operating system you?re currently using really work ?just fine?? Or, do you find yourself battling obstacles like viruses, malware, slow downs, crashes, costly repairs, and licensing fees?
If you struggle with the above, 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.

That’s right, zero cost of entry… as in free. You can install Linux on as many computers as you like without paying a cent for software or server licensing.

Let’s take a look at the cost of a Linux server in comparison to Windows Server 2016. The price of the Windows Server 2016 Standard edition is $882.00 USD (purchased directly from Microsoft). That doesn’t include Client Access License (CALs) and licenses for other software you may need to run (such as a database, a web server, mail server, etc.). For example, a single user CAL, for Windows Server 2016, costs $38.00. If you need to add 10 users, for example, that’s $388.00 more dollars for server software licensing. With the Linux server, it?s all free and easy to install. In fact, installing a full-blown web server (that includes a database server), is just a few clicks or commands away (take a look at ?Easy LAMP Server Installation? to get an idea how simple it can be).

If zero cost isn’t enough to win you over? what about having an operating system that will work, trouble free, for as long as you use it? I’ve used Linux for nearly 20 years (as both a desktop and server platform) and have not had any issues with ransomware, malware, or viruses. Linux is generally far less vulnerable to such attacks. As for server reboots, they’re only necessary if the kernel is updated. It is not out of the ordinary for a Linux server to go years without being rebooted. If you follow the regular recommended updates, stability and dependability are practically assured.

Open source

Linux is also distributed under an open source license. Open source follows these key tenants:

  • The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
  • The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
  • The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others.

These points are crucial to understanding the community that works together to create the Linux platform. Without a doubt, Linux is an operating system that is ?by the people, for the people?. These tenants are also a main factor in why many people choose Linux. It?s about freedom and freedom of use and freedom of choice.

What is a “distribution?”

Linux has a number of different versions to suit any type of user. From new users to hard-core users, you’ll find a “flavor” of Linux to match your needs. These versions are called distributions (or, in the short form, “distros”). Nearly every distribution of Linux can be downloaded for free, burned onto disk (or USB thumb drive), and installed (on as many machines as you like).

Popular Linux distributions include:

  • LINUX MINT
  • MANJARO
  • DEBIAN
  • UBUNTU
  • ANTERGOS
  • SOLUS
  • FEDORA
  • ELEMENTARY OS
  • OPENSUSE

Each distribution has a different take on the desktop. Some opt for very modern user interfaces (such as GNOME and Elementary OS’s Pantheon), whereas others stick with a more traditional desktop environment (openSUSE uses KDE).

You can check out the top 100 distributions on the Distrowatch.

And don’t think the server has been left behind. For this arena, you can turn to:

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • Ubuntu Server
  • Centos
  • SUSE Enterprise Linux

Some of the above server distributions are free (such as Ubuntu Server and CentOS) and some have an associated price (such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Enterprise Linux). Those with an associated price also include support.

Which distribution is right for you?

Which distribution you use will depend on the answer to three simple questions:

  • How skilled of a computer user are you?
  • Do you prefer a modern or a standard desktop interface?
  • Server or desktop?

If your computer skills are fairly basic, you’ll want to stick with a newbie-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu (Figure 3), Elementary OS or Deepin. If your skill set extends into the above-average range, you could go with a distribution like Debian or Fedora. If, however, you’ve pretty much mastered the craft of computer and system administration, use a distribution like Gentoo. If you really want a challenge, you can build your very own Linux distribution, with the help of Linux From Scratch.

If you’re looking for a server-only distribution, you will also want to decide if you need a desktop interface, or if you want to do this via command-line only. The Ubuntu Server does not install a GUI interface. This means two things your server won’t be bogged down loading graphics and you’ll need to have a solid understanding of the Linux command line. However, you can install a GUI package on top of the Ubuntu Server with a single command like sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop. System administrators will also want to view a distribution with regards to features. Do you want a server-specific distribution that will offer you, out of the box, everything you need for your server? If so, CentOS might be the best choice. Or, do you want to take a desktop distribution and add the pieces as you need them? If so, Debian or Ubuntu Linux might serve you well.

Installing Linux

For many people, the idea of installing an operating system might seem like a very daunting task. Believe it or not, Linux offers one of the easiest installations of all operating systems. In fact, most versions of Linux offer what is called a Live distribution ? which means you run the operating system from either a CD/DVD or USB flash drive without making any changes to your hard drive. You get the full functionality without having to commit to the installation. Once you’ve tried it out, and decided you wanted to use it, you simply double-click the “Install” icon and walk through the simple installation wizard.

Typically, the installation wizards walk you through the process with the following steps (We’ll illustrate the installation of Ubuntu Linux):

  • Preparation: Make sure your machine meets the requirements for installation. This also may ask you if you want to install third-party software (such as plugins for MP3 playback, video codecs, and more).
  • Wireless setup (if necessary): If you are using a laptop (or machine with wireless), you’ll need to connect to the network, in order to download third-party software and updates.
  • Hard drive allocation (Figure 4): This step allows you to select how you want the operating system to be installed. Are you going to install Linux alongside another operating system (called “dual booting”), use the entire hard drive, upgrade an existing Linux installation, or install over an existing version of Linux.
  • Location: Select your location from the map.
  • Keyboard layout: Select the keyboard for your system.
  • User setup: Set up your username and password.

That’s it. Once the system has completed the installation, reboot and you’re ready to go. For a more in-depth guide to installing Linux, take a look at “How to Install and Try Linux the Absolutely Easiest and Safest Way” or download the Linux Foundation’s PDF guide for Linux installation.

Installing software on Linux

Just as the operating system itself is easy to install, so too are applications. Most modern Linux distributions include what most would consider an app store. This is a centralized location where software can be searched and installed. Ubuntu Linux (and many other distributions) rely on GNOME Software, Elementary OS has the AppCenter, Deepin has the Deepin Software Center, openSUSE has their AppStore, and some distributions rely on Synaptic.

Regardless of the name, each of these tools do the same thing? a central place to search for and install Linux software. Of course, these pieces of software depend upon the presence of a GUI. For GUI-less servers, you will have to depend upon the command-line interface for installation.

Let’s look at two different tools to illustrate how easy even the command line installation can be. Our examples are for Debian-based distributions and Fedora-based distributions. The Debian-based distros will use the apt-get tool for installing software and Fedora-based distros will require the use of the yum tool. Both work very similarly. We’ll illustrate using the apt-get command. Let’s say you want to install the wget tool (which is a handy tool used to download files from the command line). To install this using apt-get, the command would like like this:

The sudo command is added because you need super user privileges in order to install software. Similarly, to install the same software on a Fedora-based distribution, you would first su to the super user (literally issue the command su and enter the root password), and issue this command:

That’s all there is to installing software on a Linux machine. It’s not nearly as challenging as you might think. Still in doubt? Recall the Easy Lamp Server Installation from earlier? With a single command:

You can install a complete LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP) server on either a server or desktop distribution. It really is that easy.

More resources

If you’re looking for one of the most reliable, secure, and dependable platforms for both the desktop and the server, look no further than one of the many Linux distributions. With Linux you can assure your desktops will be free of trouble, your servers up, and your support requests minimal.

For more information to help guide you through your lifetime with Linux, check out the following resources:

  • Linux.com: Everything you need to know about Linux (news, tutorials and more)
  • Howtoforge: Linux tutorials
  • Linux Documentation Project: How-tos, guides, and FAQs
  • Linux Knowledge Base and Tutorial: Plenty of tutorials and in-depth guides
  • LWN.net: Linux kernel news and more

Linux isn’t the only alternative PC operating system out there. Some alternative operating systems are developed by large corporations, while others are small projects worked on by hobbyists.

We don’t recommend you install most of these on your actual PC. If you want to play with them, you may want to install a virtual machine program like VirtualBox or VMware Player and give them a whirl.

Linux, FreeBSD, and More

RELATED:What Is a Linux Distro, and How Are They Different from One Another?

No list of alternative PC operating systems could be complete without Linux. It’s the alternative PC operating system. Linux comes in many different flavors, known as Linux distributions. Ubuntu and Mint are some of the most popular. If you want to install a non-Windows operating system on your PC and actually use it, you should probably pick Linux.

Linux is a Unix-like operating system, and there are other open-source operating systems like FreeBSD out there. FreeBSD uses a different kernel, but it uses much of the same software you’d find on a typical Linux distributions. The experience of using FreeBSD on a desktop PC will be pretty similar.

Chrome OS

All Linux Operating System Downloads Instead Of Xp

RELATED:How Try Chrome OS in VirtualBox Before Buying a Chromebook

Google’s Chrome OS is built on the Linux kernel, but it replaces the desktop and user-level software with a specialized desktop that can only run the Chrome browser and Chrome apps. Download ansys cracked.

Chrome OS isn’t really a general-purpose PC operating system — instead, it’s designed to be preinstalled on specialized laptops, known as Chromebooks. However, there are ways to install Chrome OS on your own PC.

SteamOS

RELATED:What Exactly Is a Steam Machine, and Do I Want One?

Valve’s SteamOS is currently in beta. Technically, Steam OS is just a Linux distribution and includes much of the standard Linux software. However, SteamOS is being positioned as a new PC gaming operating system. The old Linux desktop is there underneath, but the computer boots to a Steam interface designed for living rooms.

In 2015, you’ll be able to buy PCs that come with SteamOS preinstalled, known as Steam Machines. Valve will support you installing SteamOS on any PC you like — it’s just not anywhere near complete yet.

Android

RELATED:4 Ways to Run Android on Your PC and Make Your Own “Dual OS” System

Android also uses the Linux kernel, but practically everything else on Android is very different from typical Linux distributions. Originally designed for smartphones, you can now get Android laptops and even desktops. It’s no surprised that a variety of projects exist to run Android on traditional PCs — Intel even develops their own port of Android to PC hardware. It’s not an ideal operating system for your PC — it still doesn’t allow you to use multiple apps at the same time — but you could install it if you really wanted to.

Mac OS X

RELATED:The How-To Geek Guide to Hackintoshing – Part 1: The Basics

Apple’s Mac OS X is preinstalled on Macs, but Macs are now just another type of PC with the same standard hardware inside. The only thing stopping you from installing Mac OS X on a typical PC is Apple’s license agreement and the way they limit their software.Mac OS X can run just fine on typical PCs if you can get around these restrictions.

There’s a thriving community of people building PCs that run Mac OS X — known as hackintoshes — out there.

Haiku

BeOS was a lightweight PC operating system ported to the Intel x86 platform in 1998, but it wasn’t able to stand up to Microsoft’s Windows. Be Inc. eventually sued Microsoft, accusing them of pressuring Hitachi and Compaq to not release BeOS hardware. Microsoft settled out of court, paying $23.5 million to Be Inc. without admitting any guilt. Be Inc. was eventually acquired by Palm Inc.

Haiku is an open-source reimplementation of BeOS that’s currently in alpha. It’s a snapshot of what might have been if Microsoft hadn’t used such ruthless business practices in the 90’s.

eComStation

All Linux Operating System Downloads For Pc

OS/2 was an operating system originally created by Microsoft and IBM. IBM continued development after Microsoft left it and OS/2 competed with MS-DOS and the original versions of Windows. Microsoft eventually won, but there are still old ATMs, PCs, and other systems using OS/2. IBM once marketed this operating system as OS/2 Warp, so you may know it by that name.

IBM no longer develops OS/2, but a company named Serenity Systems has the rights to continue distributing it. They call their operating system eComStation. It’s based on IBM’s OS/2 and adds additional applications, drivers, and other enhancements.

This is the only paid operating system on this list aside from Mac OS X. You can still download a free demo CD to check it out.

ReactOS

ReactOS is a free, open-source reimplementation of the Windows NT architecture. In other words, it’s an attempt to reimplement Windows as an open-source operating system that’s compatible with all Windows applications and drivers. ReactOS shares some code with the Wine project, which allows you to run Windows applications on Linux or Mac OS X. It’s not based on Linux — it wants to be an open-source operating system built just like Windows NT. (Modern consumer versions of Windows have been built on Windows NT since Windows XP.)

Linux 32 Bit Operating System

This operating system is considered alpha. Its current goal is to become compatible with Windows Server 2003, so it has a long way to go.

Syllable

Linux Operating System Download

Syllable is an open-source operating system forked from AtheOS, which was originally intended to be an AmigaOS clone. It’s a lightweight operating system “in the tradition of the Amiga and BeOS, but built using many parts from the GNU project and Linux.” Like some of the other smaller operating systems here, it has only a handful of developers.

SkyOS

Unlike many of the other hobbyist operating systems here, SkyOS is proprietary and not open-source. You originally had to pay for access so you could use development versions of SkyOS on your own PC. Development on SkyOS ended in 2009, but the last beta version was made available as a free download in 2013.

You can also install FreeDOS — an open-source version of DOS — to relive the old DOS years.

Image Credit: Travis Isaacs on Flickr, Theis Kofoed Hjorth on Flickr

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