Evolution of Unix and Linux Operating Systems

Summary

This lesson delves into the history of Linux, tracing its roots back to the evolution of computers from large, expensive machines to affordable devices. It highlights the initial lack of a standardized operating system, leading to the creation of Unix in 1969 by Bell Labs to provide a common OS across different computers. The script then transitions to the story of Linus Torvalds, who developed Linux in 1991 as a free, academic Unix alternative. Linux's rise to ubiquity is attributed to its features like multi-user support, multitasking, portability, security, and open-source nature, making it a versatile OS for various platforms.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The evolution of computers began with large, expensive systems that were not affordable for the average person.
• 🏭 Initially, each company developed its own operating system tailored to specific hardware, leading to a lack of standardization.
• 🛠️ The UNIX operating system was developed at Bell Labs in 1969 to create a standardized OS that could be used across different computers.
• 🔠 The UNIX project aimed to use the C language for development, making the code reusable and understandable, which was a significant shift from assembly language.
• 💡 The concept of the 'kernel' emerged from UNIX, which is the recyclable code that interfaces between the hardware and the software.
• 🔄 The kernel is a core component of the operating system, allowing applications to communicate with the hardware through it.
• 🌟 Companies like IBM, HP, and Sun Microsystems created their own flavors of UNIX, leveraging the open-source nature of the kernel.
• 👨‍🎓 Linus Torvalds, a student in Finland, initiated the Linux project in 1991 to create a freely available, academic version of UNIX for personal use.
• 🆓 Linux was initially released with restrictions on commercial use but later, in 1992, it was released under the GNU General Public License, making it freely available for all uses.
• 🌈 Linux has become ubiquitous, being used in a wide range of devices from supercomputers to everyday appliances, highlighting its versatility and popularity.

Q & A

What was the initial size of computers and their affordability?

The initial computers were very large, as big as small houses, and were not affordable by a normal person. They were extremely costly and only companies could afford them.

How did the early computer systems differ in terms of operating systems?

Every company had a different operating system. They used to buy the hardware and create their own operating systems, which were used according to their company norms.

What was the main issue with the early computer systems?

The main issue was the lack of a standardized operating system across different computers and servers. Each system was developed for a specific purpose, and there was no commonality in operating systems.

Why was the development of a standard operating system necessary?

A standard operating system was necessary to reduce the cost of developing specific operating systems for each computer and to allow for easier use and development of applications across different hardware.

What was the role of Bell Labs in the development of operating systems?

Bell Labs played a crucial role by initiating the development of a standard operating system, which later became Unix. They also developed the C language, which was used to develop the Unix operating system.

What is the significance of the kernel in an operating system?

The kernel is the recyclable part of the operating system that communicates directly with the hardware. It allows for the development of the operating system and enhancement of its features by acting as a mediator between the hardware and the software or applications.

How did the Unix operating system help in creating different flavors of Unix?

The Unix operating system, with its open-source code, allowed companies to modify the kernel and create their own flavors of Unix, such as IBM AIX, HP-UX, and Sun Solaris.

Who is Linus Torvalds and what was his initial goal with Linux?

Linus Torvalds was a student in Finland who aimed to create a freely available academic version of Unix for his personal use since he could not afford the Unix operating system.

What is the difference between the Linux operating system and other Unix flavors?

While Unix flavors are often commercial and specific to certain hardware or companies, Linux was developed to be freely available and is now used across a wide range of devices and applications.

Why did Linus Torvalds initially restrict the commercial use of Linux?

Linus Torvalds initially restricted commercial use of Linux because it was designed for personal use and as an academic version of Unix. However, later he released it under the GNU General Public License, making it freely available for all uses.

What are some of the key features of the Linux operating system?

Linux features include being multi-user, supporting multitasking, being highly portable, offering strong security measures, having a good file system, and being open source.