Tag Archives: linux

What is Linux and Why is it Popular?

Everyone knows about the Windows and Mac operating systems, as they are the most commonly used on computers. And while Linux has been heard of, not many people comprehend what all their operating system does.

So here’s the scoop:

Linux is an open-source OS. Open-source means that someone can change and monitor the system. This allows users, particularly programmers to directly access its operations and add or remove desired features, along with creating what they need. Security is a benefit, allowing the user to fix errors without requesting authorization.

“Should you have a problem on a Linux system, finding a solution online is much easier than on Windows or Mac. Instead of submitting support tickets and waiting days for a reply, there are many online forums — notably askubuntu.com —  providing support. Answers are quicker and more personalized. The Linux community as a whole has a great understanding of Linux, it is difficult to encounter a problem that can’t be solved.”

Source: Red and Black
Point of View

Linux at its core is very simplistic and barebones. It doesn’t assume anything about the way the machine will or will not be used. This leaves the user a LOT of freedom to install what they want, how they want. That’s why it makes a good platform for servers. Server installs don’t even have a GUI (like windows with a mouse and icons and such). It’s all command line.

Not having a GUI running on top of everything keeps the hardware running at optimal speeds without wasting resources on things we don’t need running on there. It’s also incredibly stable and will run darn near indefinitely (baring any hardware failures) without ever breaking or failing.

Should you make the switch?

If you prefer to have more freedom and control over your operating system, Linux might be a great idea to look into. Those interested in computer programming would also benefit from working through this operating system.

If you are having security problems or any other issue with your computer and would like some assistance, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Green Valley Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Green Valley, AZ please call the local office at (520) 526-9940.

New Chromebooks run Linux

Google just announced at their Google I/O event something amazing. Starting immediately, all new Chromebooks will include Linux and ChromeOS.

Even though Chrome OS is based on Linux, it is not a native Linux desktop environment. Chrome OS started as a fork of Ubuntu Linux. Later on Google forked Gentoo Linux and that is their current kernel base.

I thought we had Linux previously?

Last year, Google released a way to run desktop Linux within Chrome OS. There have also been methods for years to run different Linux distros with Crouton in a chroot container. But this is different, Linux will now come pre-installed and ready to launch with any new Chromebook.

What does Linux bring to Chromebooks?

Allowing Chrome OS to natively run Linux applications means more things you can do on your Chromebook. You will be able to run Linux applications directly from Chrome OS. Linux applications will now become like any other Android or Chrome OS application.

Previously, your inexpensive Chromebook that was limited to Web applications, now it can be a full fledged power house laptop. Almost any application available for Windows or MacOS have an equivalent Linux application.

Which Linux distros will be supported?

Google has already said Debian Stretch is going to be the first Linux distro. You can already get a near production version of this out. Subscribe to the Beta or Dev channel release of Chrome OS for the PixelBook and you can play with this new feature.

Google says security will still stay at the forefront of Chrome OS. Chrome OS uses Linux’s kernel based VM. All Linux distros will run in VM sandboxes. This will block Linux applications from accessing or controlling your chromebook. This means you can now use your Chromebook for more serious use like software development or security testing.

The mainstream Chrome OS release channel should support Linux distros by end of July 2019. You can switch to the Beta or Dev release channel if you would like to experience this today. You can expect to be using Linux applications some time soon!

For help with your Chromebook or any other Linux computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Phoenix Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call the local office at (602) 445-9862.