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Chapter 1.2 - Why Linux?

Learning Objectives​

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Identify the concrete advantages of Linux
  • Understand the problems that Linux solves
  • Compare Linux with other operating systems
  • Justify the adoption of Linux in an organization

Introduction​

Now that you know what Linux is, let's explore why you should use it. What are the concrete advantages? What problems does it solve?

The 7 Main Reasons to Use Linux​

1. Free and No Licensing Costs​

Linux allows you to save thousands of dollars in licenses:

Comparison:

  • Windows Server: ~$500-6000 per license
  • Linux: $0
  • Savings: Thousands of dollars per server

2. Open Source and Transparency​

Advantages:

  • Accessible source code
  • Possible security audit
  • Unlimited customization
  • Developer community

3. Stability and Reliability​

Linux is renowned for its stability:

  • Uptime: Linux servers can run for years without rebooting
  • Fewer crashes: Robust architecture
  • Maintenance: Updates without rebooting (often)

Example:

Linux Server: 5 years of uptime without issue
Windows Server: Regular reboots necessary

4. Enhanced Security​

Security advantages:

  • Secure-by-default architecture
  • Fewer exploited vulnerabilities
  • Rapid security updates
  • Fine access control

5. Optimal Performance​

Linux efficiently uses resources:

  • Lightweight: Runs on old hardware
  • Fast: Optimized for servers
  • Efficient: Fewer resources consumed
  • Scalable: From Raspberry Pi to supercomputers

6. Flexibility and Customization​

Choices:

  • Distributions: Hundreds available
  • Interfaces: GUI or command line
  • Configurations: Infinitely customizable
  • Tools: Vast open-source ecosystem

7. Community Support​

  • Documentation: Abundant and free
  • Forums: Active communities
  • Commercial support: Available if needed
  • Training: Numerous resources

Comparison with Other Systems​

Linux vs Windows​

CriterionLinuxWindows
CostFreePaid
Source CodeOpenClosed
StabilityExcellentGood
SecurityVery goodGood
CustomizationUnlimitedLimited
ServersStandardLess used

Linux vs macOS​

CriterionLinuxmacOS
CostFreePaid (with hardware)
HardwareAllApple only
ServersExcellentLimited
CustomizationUnlimitedLimited

Typical Use Cases​

1. Web Servers​

  • 96% of web servers use Linux
  • Apache, Nginx, popular web servers
  • Performance and stability

2. Cloud Computing​

  • AWS, Azure, GCP: majority of Linux instances
  • Docker, Kubernetes: based on Linux
  • Cloud-native infrastructure

3. Development​

  • Development tools (Git, compilers)
  • Development environments
  • CI/CD pipelines

4. Supercomputers​

  • 100% of the top 500 supercomputers
  • High-performance computing
  • Scientific research

Summary​

In this chapter, you learned:

7 Reasons: Free, Open Source, Stable, Secure, High Performance, Flexible, Support
Savings: No licensing costs
Security: Secure architecture, auditable code
Performance: Optimized, lightweight, scalable
Flexibility: Distributions, customization
Use cases: Servers, cloud, development, HPC

Next Steps​

Chapter 1.3: History and Evolution
Chapter 1.4: High-Level Architecture

Chapter created on: December 2024