I've been diving into Linux for about two months now and I'm really enjoying the experience! However, I'm a bit confused about what Linux really is. I know it's an operating system, but I've learned that there are various distributions, desktop environments, and all sorts of configurations under the umbrella of Linux. For instance, someone using Arch with Gnome seems to have a completely different experience than someone on Debian with KDE Plasma. What is it that ties all these different experiences together as a single OS? I'd also be grateful for any resources you could recommend for further research.
4 Answers
Linux is actually just the kernel, which is the core part of the operating system that interacts with the hardware. Think of it like the engine of a car. The various distributions, like Ubuntu or Arch, are similar to different car models that use that engine but come with unique features and experiences.
Honestly, you can think of Linux as a collection of similar operating systems that use the same kernel but come with different applications and configurations. While they might feel different based on the desktop environment or software, under the hood, they share a lot in common.
The beauty of Linux is its flexibility and modular nature. It's not limited to one setup; you can create your ideal working environment using various components. Each distro has its own mix of software, but they all revolve around the same Linux kernel, which is the unifying factor.
When people refer to Linux, it can mean different things. The "Linux the kernel" is the core that drives the hardware, while "Linux the OS" includes everything else like the desktop environments and applications. Each distribution packages these components differently, making each one a unique experience, but they all share that same underlying kernel.
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