- Purpose
Linux has different versions that are free to distribute and use. The liberty accorded to the distribution of Linux operating system has created a situation where the users have developed their own versions of the operating system. It is this public access and modification that is referred to as distributions.
Linux distributions are made for various purposes and are tailored to solve and address several issues and problems. Some Linux distributions were developed to be used in network servers that receive heavy traffic this include web servers. Others were developed to be used by networks that require high security. Sensitive information in these networks is only accessed by the privileged.
Linux distributions have been used for various purposes, but most importantly, the distributions have been used to solve desktop operating system problems associated with other operating systems. It provides efficient security measures for networks including firewalls that minimize virus attacks.
The two main distributions for this purpose are the Fedora and Ubuntu.
Fedora provides a secure and reliable platform that is reliable for desktop applications. It also has provision for networking environments and businesses. Additionally, it is had excellent stability with a well-organized user interface.
Ubuntu, on the other hand, is widely used as a desktop operating system that provides an environment with stability. Its development is active and allows quick identification and fixing of bugs. Additionally, the system is secure. Its latest development has an improved user interface.
- Background
Linux operating system is an easy to install and also relatively easy to use operating system. It is easy to use and operate. It does not require any given set of skills. It has been perceived as an operating system for people with exceptional skills, but that is not the case. It is even easier to install and use the Linux operating system than the use of Windows operating system or MacOs. Initially, the system seemed complex because I was used to the common Windows and MacOS. However, this changed after a short while on using the system. Its simplicity enhances usability and allows each user to experience the same feeling.
Apart from installation and improved usability, the system is quite fast and reliable. The installation and running of programs is fast compared with the other operating systems. This aspect is because it occupies a small space in the internal drive. Additionally, it comes with its open source version of word processing application known as Openoffice.org. It is designed to handle all the processing that is handled by Microsoft office suite. Additionally, the operating system allows installation of other programs that are used by users for different purposes.
The best experience with Linux Operating system is its low susceptibility to virus attack. Unlike other operating systems that can easily be attacked by viruses and malicious codes, Linux provides you a safe and hustle free environment where user is not subjected to constant antivirus update and system scanning. The operating system is also an open source operating systems hence allowing a higher magnitude of user customization as compared to other operating systems. This scenario relatively increases user experience and enhances usability of the system.
- Testbed Description
The operating system can be installed on any desktop personal computer. For the purpose of testing and comparison for this report, I used a laptop machine with the following specifications.
Processor:
The system is composed of an Intel processor with the following specifications;
Intel® Core(TM) 2 Duo CPU T7250 2.00 GHz
Installed memory (RAM)
The Machine has a RAM has a capacity of 2.0 GB
It also supports a 32-bit Operating System.
Additionally, the system has 200 GB internal hard disk.
The system also has installed Bluetooth connectivity, 1.3 Megapixel web camera and 17” display. It also comprises of 802.11b/g Wireless LAN and an inbuilt speaker.
- Comparison of the Distributions.
This section will provide a detailed comparison of two distributions, Fedora, and Ubuntu. The comparison will be based on distribution, in this context the comparison will be based on factors such as the installation process and the features inherent in each distribution.
- Fedora
Fedora is a Linux operating system distribution that is installed on desktop computers. It is used to serve as an operating system or used, in addition to other operating systems. It is free of costs and can be shared freely. The operating system is sponsored by Red Hat, which is the leading trusted provider of open source technologies. The review of the system can be easily understood in the following subtopics
- Installation
Distribution of Fedora operating system is achieved in several ways including;
Full distribution on DVD: this is a DVD image that contains all the features.
Minimal Boot media: used for installation over the network.
Live Image: this is a DVD image that can be used for installation to hard disk.
In this case, the live Image distribution option was used to install the operating system in the computer Hard disk. The installation process is guided by the installation wizard. It is much easier and straightforward than other operating systems.
The installation also comprises of pre-installed software for word processing, spreadsheet and database that is referred to as the Libre office. Additionally, the system is pre-installed with Firefox for internet browsing.
- Features
Apart from the pre-installed software, the systems comprise of several other features that make a preferable operating system.
Flexibility
The operating system is based on open-source Linux platform hence it is supported by a large base of system developers. It allows for easy installation of programs and customization of the system to suit the needs of the user. Additionally, the open source platform allows flexibility of the system.
Security
Fedora is a secure operating system that provides security and eliminates the need for continuous antivirus update and the system scanning. The system was created with the foundation comprising of firewalls that can be easily configured using a graphical user interface. Fedora also is one of the major promoters of the security Enhanced Linux (SELinux) that is used to implement security policies that are not available in the other Linux based distributions.
Usability
The system is made of relatively attractive, easy to use and user friendly graphical user interfaces. This simplified user interface improves the system usability.
- Ubuntu operating system
This is a desktop operating system that is freely available to users and has both professional and community support. The Operating system is developed with its fundamental design based on the notion that the operating system should be free, usable by any individual, and should have adequate freedom for customization. The term Ubuntu is an African word meaning humanity to others. Thus, the distribution incorporates the spirit of humanity into the software world.
- Installation
The Ubuntu distribution is available for installation in a live CD/DVD. This installation comes with a fully functional Ubuntu environment. The standard installation process utilizes the graphical user interface in the form of an installation wizard. This process helps the user to install the system through simple steps.
The Ubuntu distribution does not require any uncommon hardware and system specifications. As long as the system has the basic hardware requirements, then the Ubuntu software can be installed successfully. The system also comes with pre-installed applications for word processing and spreadsheet, referred as Openoffice.org and the Firefox for internet browsing.
- Features
Flexibility
The system is an open source platform system that allows enhanced user customization to user requirements. It is a platform that allows modification by users to meet and suit their needs. It allows easy download and installation of additional programs and applications that re needed by the users of the system.
Usability
The system is far simpler, faster, more user friendly and efficient than any other distribution. It is convenient for beginners in Linux. Additionally, it offers quality support to the users. The system is getting a large number of community users hence community support is readily available compared to other distributions.
Its graphical user interface is more users friendly and easy to use than Fedora. Right from installation to its general use, the system has incorporated user friendly interaction through its interface.
Security
Ubuntu is one of the most secure desktop operating systems that eliminate the need to, continuously, update inefficient antiviruses and system scans. It is a platform that maintains efficient control checks that enhances system security. However, its security system is not as advanced as that depicted by Fedora distribution.
- Conclusion and Recommendation
Linux operating system has been viewed as a lesser operating system for a long time. However, with its consistent increase in the number of users, it has become evident that it is one of the best operating systems for use as desktop and server operating systems. This aspect is mainly attributed to its focus on usability by ensuring some of its distributions such as Fedora and Ubuntu are freely available for installation. It has enhanced graphical user interface and support.
It has been proved to be the most secure operating system for use in network environments. It is used by many government agencies and organizations due to its security focus and its flexibility.
Form a personal experience, I find the operating system easy to use and it is much faster compared with the Windows 7 and 8 operating systems. The Ubuntu distribution provides the user with the necessary tools and programs to ensure user friendliness and satisfaction. Its security is also a main feature that makes suitable for the desktop operating system. I recommend this Linux distribution for any beginner trying out the Linux operating system.
Work cited
Linux.com. Fedora. 2012. 29 May 2014 <http://www.linux.com/directory/Distributions/popular-distributions/fedora>.
—. Ubuntu. 2012. 29 May 2014 <http://www.linux.com/directory/Distributions/popular-distributions/ubuntu>.
