Sunday, October 13, 2013

open source: Linux

Generically, open source refers to a program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and or modification from its original design free of charge. Open source code is typically created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share the changes within the community. Open source sprouted in the technological community as a response to proprietary software owned by corporations. To me, the favorite open source program is Linux. There have couple reasons to define this.

First thing as a student it is low cost; I don’t need to spend time and money to obtain licenses since Linux and much of its software come with the GNU General Public License. I can start to work immediately without worrying that my software may stop working anytime because the free trial version expires. Additionally, there are large repositories from which I can freely download high quality software for almost any task I can think of.

The second is Stability; Linux doesn’t need to be rebooted periodically to maintain performance levels. It doesn’t freeze up or slow down over time due to memory leaks.

The last one is Security: Linux is one of the most secure operating systems. “Walls” and flexible file access permission systems prevent access by unwanted visitors or viruses. Linux users have to option to select and safely download software, free of charge, from online repositories containing thousands of high quality packages. No purchase transactions requiring credit card numbers or other sensitive personal information are necessary.


For my experience in this field, I have taken couple class relative to Linux Administration. Now I am trying to get red hat certification in this year. Also Mac has my favorite operation system Linux that is why I am a big fun of Mac.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Cun,
    I have same feeling about open source as you do. My favorite open source is Java. I took Linux course years ago, but I knew little about Linux. From your explanations of the merit of Linux, I learned that Linux is also a very useful open source which I can use in the future. Security, stability and low cost are the main points for me to use an open source program. From your blog, I can see, definitely, Linux is the one I will try to use.

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  2. It would be interesting to hear which Linux distro(s) (Ubuntu, Red Hat, etc.) you use regularly. As you may know, a user's experience with Linux can vary widely depending on which Linux distro they install. It would also be interesting to hear what you mean by "walls"; I haven't spent much time with Linux and I'm not sure what you mean by that.

    You definitely hit three of Linux's strongest assets, though. Security in particular is a strong point of Linux and many other open source programs. Proprietary software does not enjoy having its code so easily reviewed & improved by third parties.

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  3. Hi, Cun,
    You give us a detail introduction to open-source software Linux. It is well known that Linux is the successful model of open-source software. I never used it. I only know it is a stable operating system. Many engineers like it more than windows operating system. It is said that it is easy to find a good job if you are using Linux well. I agree with you that Linux is one of the secure operating systems. But I don't think it will be popular like windows operating system. You know, it is not easy to use for common people.

    Anyone, it is a good post. Hopefully see your new post.

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