Is Linux an Open Source Operating System?

What is an Open-Source Operating System?

Open source refers to computer software or programs that permit users or third parties to use view, and alter the product's source code because of the permission of the owners or copyright holders. An open-source operating system's source code is viewable and changeable by anybody. Most operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Apple's Mac OS, and Apple's iOS, are closed platforms. It is legal to make as many copies of and use open-source software anywhere you choose because of the way it is licensed. Because it lacks any code for licensing, advertising, promoting other products, authenticating, attaching advertisements, etc., it typically utilizes fewer resources than its commercial counterpart.

In 1997, the first piece of Open-Source software was released. Despite the industry, every Software program now has an Open-Source alternative. Numerous Open-Source Operating Systems have been developed since the start of the twenty-first century as a result of technological improvements and achievements. Under the provisions of open-source licenses like the MIT, GNU Public License, and Apache 2.0, the code that powers open-source operating systems is not only freely available for anyone to read, but also to modify, learn, and share.

The open-source operating system permits the use of publicly accessible, freely distributable code for commercial endeavors. Being an open-source program or application, an open-source OS's source code is available. According to their needs, the user can alter or edit those programs and create new apps. Open-source operating systems include Free RTOS, Open Solaris, Minix, Free BSD, Open BDS, etc but are not limited to these.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of an Open-Source Operating System

The following are some of the open-source operating system's advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

• Cost-efficient Most open-source operating systems can be downloaded for free. Additionally, some of them cost far less than commercially available goods.
• Genuine and effective The most genuine and effective operating systems are open-source ones. These are watched by thousands of people since the source code is available. As a result, the world's top coders work to correct any faults or errors that may exist.
• Flexibility The fact that you may modify it to meet your needs is a huge benefit. There is also room for creativity.

Disadvantages

• Security Hazards Even though the flaws have been found, attacks are still a possibility because the attackers have access to the source code.
• No customer assistance If you encounter a problem, there is no one to turn to for help.
• Complex In comparison to the ones that are closed, it is less user-friendly. You need to have a fundamental understanding of technology to utilize this software.

What are the Examples of Open-Source Operating Systems?

The majority of open-source operating systems are based on Linux. The top open-source operating systems include the ones listed below:

1) Fedora Another well-liked Linux-based OS is Fedora, which is regarded as the second-best open-source OS after Ubuntu. The Fedora Project community created this all-purpose operating system with the support of Red Hat. Its goal is to create and freely distribute cutting-edge open-source technologies. Because of this, Fedora developers favor upstream enhancements over fixes made particularly for Fedora. Updates provided by Fedora developers are accessible to all Linux distributions.

It has a customizable desktop built on the GNOME platform. A customizableGNOME-based desktop is included with Fedora. You may run and configure a variety of desktop environments using its Fedora Spins functionality.

2) React OS Another free and open-source operating system, ReactOS, has been downloaded about 1 million times across more than 100 nations. This open-source operating system is a great substitute for Windows because it can execute Windows applications. ReactOS is still developing, but consumers who prefer operating systems with lots of customization options can choose it. The operating system, however, is geared toward developers.

3) Linux Kernel

Linus Torvalds created the Linux kernel. It offers the core functionalities required by an operating system, including memory processing, device interfacing, and data removal. Because it is open-source software, many programmers have studied the source code and created a wide range of practical plug-ins and operating systems to suit their needs.

4) Solus

The operating system Solus is open-source and also free and is used on PCs. It is a brand-new Linux operating system that was introduced in 2012. Currently, the software is being used by several thousands of users registered. Solus comes pre-installed with Transmission, XChat, OpenShot Video Editor, Thunderbird, the Budgie desktop environment, the LibreOffice Suite, etc.

Solus 3 was the latest version of Solus and was released in year 2017.

5) Linux mint

Linux Mint is a potent operating system built on the Linux platform that radiates power and modernity. It is an open-source operating system that is user-friendly since it is straightforward to use and has full multimedia features. It is a distribution built on Ubuntu that is well-liked by both newcomers and seasoned users. It has one of the most potent software managers and is based on the Debian platform. Compared to Ubuntu, it is more stable and has superior looks.

6) Chrome OS

Chrome OS is a partially open-source operating system with several appealing features. It belongs to the Chromium and Linux families and has features including enhanced security, support for supported Android and Chrome apps, the Aura window manager, Google Cloud Print, an integrated media player, access to virtual desktops, and cloud-based management. The operating system's sole drawback is that it only works with Nexus hardware or devices. Because of this, Google lovers will like using a Chromebook with Chrome OS.

7) Linux Lite

Another free and open-source operating system that can function on less expensive hardware is Linux Lite. It's a simplified operating system made for users who aren't familiar with Linux-based ones. The operating system comes with all the necessary desktops, tools, applications, and capabilities. It is based on the Ubuntu operating system and features a simple UI. The operating system has been reliable and updated frequently during the past five years. Soon after installation, it is effectively operational. Users are not required to install any further drivers after the initial installation. Choose Linux Lite if you want an open-source operating system that isn't too heavy for your PC.

8) Android

Android is a well-known open-source operating system that is built on a modified Linux kernel. The problem is that what most people consider Android to be is not open-source. The Android Open Source Project, which is open as its name implies, is the foundation of the Android operating system, yet closed-source Google-branded apps are based on it.