A large majority of Internet Web servers are powered by using Linux and the Apache Web server. This combination is an excellent choice as it has proven to be stable, secure, and reliable for many years. To increase interoperability between operating systems, programmers have created a program called Samba that allows Linux to communicate with Microsoft Windows environments. These are only a few of the services available on a Linux server but it does demonstrate that Linux can compete in any environment and provide the services needed for a diverse user base.

Linux fails?

Like any operating system, Linux has some limitations and issues. For example, it is not the best operating system in every environment; other operating systems seem to handle new technologies quicker than Linux, due to the fact that Linux can only support emerging technologies as drivers are written for them. For users in the non-corporate world, this means they are programming these drivers for Linux in their spare time. With some manufacturers and companies not releasing their hardware specifications in time, it can take a very long time for a newer technology to be supported under Linux.

Summary

In this chapter, I explore what Linux is, why it was created, how it was created, and what standards it uses. I also list the licensing of Linux and compare it to the other methods of licensing software. Finally, I illustrate the growth of Linux in various environments. For the exam, keep these key points in mind:

Know the differences between the types of licensing

Be able to describe the differences between Linux, Unix and other operating systems

Know the strengths of the Linux platform, and why its usage is growing so fast

STUDY GUIDE

The Study Guide section provides you with the opportunity to test your knowledge about Linux. The Assessment Questions will help you to understand the basics of Linux, and the Scenarios provide practice with real situations. If you get any questions incorrect, use the answers to determine the part of the chapter that you should review before continuing.

Assessment Questions

1.What operating system inspired Linux?

A.Minix

B.POSIX

C.UNIX

D.GNU

2.Who created the first Linux kernel?

A.Andrew Tannebaum

B.Linus Torvalds

C.Ken Thompson

D.Dennis Ritchie

3.Linux was originally created to run on what platform?

A.Sparc

B.PowerPC

C.Intel x86

D.Alpha

4.AT&T Bell Laboratories, General Electric, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology worked together under what project?

A.MULTICS

B.GNU

C.Open Source

D.BSD

5.The Linux kernel is distributed under which licensing method?

A.Artistic

B.GNU GPL

C.Closed Source

D.Freeware

6.What does GNU mean?

A.It is free

B.It is not UNIX

C.It is Open Source

D.It is Linux

7.What does GPL mean?

A.General Public License

B.Generic Public License

C.GNU Public License

D.Good Public License

8.What may be seen as a drawback of the GNU GPL?

A.It is too restrictive

B.It is free to use

C.It costs too much

D.It is ambiguous

9.The Open Source Initiative differs from the GNU GPL by?

A.Allowing changes to the GNU GPL

B.Accepting any licenses

C.Accepting certain licenses

D.Remaining Open Source

10.Open Source and GNU GPL both seek to?

A.Guarantee the ability to change, add to, and redistribute software

B.Guarantee that the software is always free

C.Provide copyright licensing to prevent distribution

D.Provide all software for no charge

11.Closed source software is meant to?

A.Never be updated

B.Always be purchased

C.Prevent others from access to the software code

D.Prevent others from writing code for the software

12.Freeware is not always Open Source because?

A.It is Open Source because it is free

B.It doesn’t always allow redistribution

C.It is always Closed Source

D.It is under the GNU GPL

13.What is an advantage that Linux offers by remaining POSIX-compliant?

A.UNIX compliance

B.Minix Standard

C.MULTICS compliance

D.GNU standard

14.Which of the following uses an Artistic license?

A.GNU

B.UNIX

C.Linux

D.Perl

15.What does POSIX stand for?

A.Portable Operating System Interface for Computer Environments

B.Portable Operating System Interface for UNIX

C.Portable Operating System Interface for LINUX

D.Portable Operating System Interface for Experience

16.Is all Shareware protected by a Closed Source License?

A.No, Shareware can be Open Source or Closed Source; it just requires a fee for its use.

B.No, Shareware is Open Source but requests a fee for its use.

C.Yes, Shareware is Closed Source and requires a fee for its continued use.

D.Yes, Shareware is Closed Source unless you pay the fee.