The Importance of Testing in Software Development

Effective testing prevents costly mistakes and detects critical issues during development or maintenance. It enhances reliability, security, and confidence in software-based solutions, speeding up deployment cycles.

Python’s Unittest Module and assertEqual()

Python’s unittest module provides a scalable framework for automated tests. assertEqual() is one of its assertion methods, checking if two values are equal in both value and type. Let’s explore this method further.

Understanding the assertEqual() Method

assertEqual() is commonly used in unittest. It checks if two values are equal; if not, it raises an AssertionError. The syntax is self.assertEqual(expected_value, actual_value), providing simplicity and readability.

Comparison with Other Assertion Methods

While unittest offers other assertion methods like assertTrue() and assertFalse(), assertEqual() excels in checking for exact values, offering more specificity.

Demonstration of assertEqual()

We’ll illustrate how to use assertEqual() with a simple arithmetic example:

Use Cases for assertEqual()

We’ll explore testing numerical values, strings, and lists/dictionaries using assertEqual(), covering common scenarios and best practices.

Testing Numerical Values

assertEqual() is ideal for comparing numerical values, ensuring expected results.

Testing String Values

Comparing strings for exact matches, including capitalization and punctuation, is straightforward with assertEqual().

Testing Lists and Dictionaries

assertEqual() extends to lists and dictionaries, allowing precise comparisons. However, remember that order matters.

Best Practices for Using assertEqual()

Choose appropriate values for comparison, consider edge cases, and use descriptive error messages to aid debugging.

Advanced Techniques with assertEqual()

Learn about custom comparison functions with assertAlmostEqual() and subclassing for complex objects, expanding your testing capabilities.

Comparison Table 

This table should help you choose the appropriate method for your specific test cases based on the required precision of comparison.

Video Guide 

In order to finally answer all your questions, we have prepared a special video for you. Enjoy watching it!

Conclusion

In this comprehensive exploration of Python’s assertEqual() method within the unittest module, we’ve delved deep into its syntax, applications across various data types, and best practices for effective testing. We’ve also ventured into advanced techniques like custom comparison functions and subclassing to tailor our testing needs. Python’s assertEqual() proves to be a powerful ally in ensuring testing accuracy, saving development time, and fortifying software reliability.

FAQ

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Unveiling Git Diff Stats

What Is git diff –stat?

git diff –stat is a handy command that condenses the complexity of Git changes into an easily digestible format. It succinctly displays the number of lines added, lines deleted, and the overall extent of modifications for each file. This summary empowers you to quickly grasp the magnitude of changes across your codebase.

The Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s embark on a journey through the practical usage of git diff –stat:

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

First, fire up your terminal or command prompt. This is where you’ll wield the power of Git.

Step 2: Navigate to Your Git Repository

Use the cd command to navigate to your Git repository’s directory. If your repository resides in a folder named “my-project,” the command will resemble this:

Step 3: Running git diff –stat

Now, the magic begins. To witness a summary of changes since the last commit, simply execute the following command:

This command performs a comparison between your current, uncommitted changes (the working tree and staging area) and the last commit (referred to as HEAD). What you’ll see is a list of altered files, along with the number of lines added and deleted within each file.

Deciphering the Output

The output might look something like this:

Breaking it down:

• file1.txt has seen 2 lines added (indicated by ++) and 2 lines removed (indicated by –);
• file2.txt witnessed the addition of 3 lines (+++).

The final line reveals a concise summary: “2 files changed, 5 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-).” This encapsulates the essence of your changes.

Step 4: Comparing Specific Commits

Should you desire to compare changes between two specific commits, Git has you covered. Utilize the following syntax:

In this structure, <commit1> and <commit2> serve as placeholders for the actual SHA-1 hashes that Git uses to identify commits. Executing this command unveils the summary of changes that occurred between these two distinct points in your Git history.

Remember to replace <commit1> and <commit2> with the actual commit hashes retrieved from your Git log, accessible via the git log command.

Video Guide 

In order to finally answer all your questions, we have prepared a special video for you. Enjoy watching it!

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the use of git diff –stat can greatly enhance your Git workflow by providing quick and efficient insights into code changes. Whether you’re interested in monitoring recent modifications or comparing specific commits, this command offers a concise summary at your fingertips.

By using git diff –stat, you’ll have a powerful tool to keep track of code changes, collaborate effectively with your team, and maintain a well-organized and efficient Git repository.

FAQ

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Understanding RPM (Red Hat Package Manager)

RPM Basics

RPM, an acronym for Red Hat Package Manager, is a versatile package management system extensively used across numerous Linux distributions. This system simplifies the installation, removal, and management of software packages. RPM packages are typically distributed in the form of “.rpm” files, encapsulating both the software binaries and metadata.

Why Update RPM?

Understanding why you should update RPM is essential:

• Security: Updates often encompass critical security patches, safeguarding your system against vulnerabilities and threats;
• Bug Fixes: Updates address software bugs, enhancing system stability;
• New Features: Updates may introduce new functionalities and improvements to your installed software.

RPM Update Basics

Table: RPM Update Process Flow

Advanced RPM Update Techniques

Downgrading RPM Packages

Sometimes, you may need to revert to a previous version of a package. Use this command to downgrade a package:

Locking RPM Packages

Prevent a package from being updated with this command:

Rolling Back RPM Updates

To undo an update that causes issues or conflicts, employ this command:

Troubleshooting RPM Update Issues

Updating software packages on a Linux system using the RPM package manager (Red Hat Package Manager) is a common task. However, sometimes you may encounter issues while updating RPM packages. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve some of the common problems that can occur during RPM updates.

Dependency Errors

Dependency errors occur when an RPM update requires packages that are either missing or incompatible with the update. Here’s how to address dependency errors:

• Identify Missing Dependencies: You can use the yum deplist command to list the dependencies of a package. Replace <package-name> with the name of the package you are trying to update.

• Install Missing Dependencies: Once you have identified the missing dependencies, install them using the following command:

Replace <dependency-package-name> with the name of the missing dependency.

• Update the RPM Package: After installing the missing dependencies, attempt to update the RPM package again:

Conflicts

Package conflicts can occur when two or more RPM packages have conflicting files or dependencies. To check for conflicts and resolve them:

• Check for Conflicts: Use the yum check command to identify conflicts between installed packages:

This command will list any conflicts found between packages.

• Resolve Conflicts: If conflicts are detected, you can try to downgrade one of the conflicting packages to a version that resolves the conflict. Use the yum downgrade command:

• Remove Conflicting Packages: If downgrading doesn’t resolve the conflict, you may need to remove one of the conflicting packages. Be cautious when removing packages, as it can affect the functionality of your system:

• Reattempt the RPM Update: After resolving conflicts, try updating the RPM package again:

Broken RPM Database

A corrupted RPM database can prevent successful updates. To address a broken RPM database, you can attempt to rebuild it:

• Rebuild the RPM Database: Use the following command to rebuild the RPM database:

This command will recreate the RPM database, which can resolve database-related issues.

• Retry the RPM Update: After rebuilding the database, retry the RPM update that was previously failing:

Conclusion

Maintaining a Linux system through regular updates is imperative for security and performance. Proficiency in updating RPM packages is an essential skill for Linux users. By following the steps, techniques, and troubleshooting tips provided in this exceptionally comprehensive guide, you are equipped to manage RPM updates with confidence. Ensuring that your Linux system runs smoothly, securely, and efficiently is now well within your grasp.

FAQs

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Methods to List Installed Packages

Using RPM Package Manager

The RPM package manager is a powerful tool for managing software packages in CentOS and Redhat Linux. To list all installed packages, open your terminal and execute the following command:

This command will display a list of all installed packages on your system. It’s a straightforward method to get a quick overview.

Yum Package Manager

Yum, or Yellowdog Updater, Modified, is another utility frequently used to manage packages in Redhat-based systems. You can use it to list installed packages by running:

Yum provides more detailed information and can be particularly useful when you need to search for specific packages or dependencies.

DNF Package Manager

Newer Redhat systems have transitioned to the DNF package manager. To list installed packages using DNF, enter the following command:

DNF is an improved version of Yum and offers better performance and dependency resolution.

Advanced Techniques

Sorting Packages

Sometimes, you may want to sort the list of installed packages alphabetically. You can achieve this by piping the output of the RPM command to the sort command:

This command will provide you with an alphabetically sorted list of installed packages.

Output to a File

If you need to save the list of installed packages for future reference, you can redirect the output to a text file:

This will create a file named installed_packages.txt containing the list.

Exploring Package Information

Detailed Package Information

To retrieve detailed information about a specific package, use the rpm -qi command followed by the package name. For example:

This command will display comprehensive information about the Bash package.

Filtering Packages

Filtering the package list can be helpful when you’re searching for packages related to a specific category or purpose. You can use grep to filter the results:

Replace keyword with the term you want to search for.

Comparison Table: RPM vs. Yum vs. DNF

Let’s compare the three methods we’ve discussed for listing installed packages:

Managing Package Updates

Keeping your installed packages up to date is crucial for system security and performance. Here are some methods to manage package updates:

Updating All Packages

You can easily update all installed packages using the package manager of your choice:

• RPM: sudo yum update;
• Yum: sudo yum update;
• DNF: sudo dnf update.

This will ensure that your system is running the latest versions of all installed software.

Updating Specific Packages

Sometimes, you might want to update only specific packages. Use the following command format:

• RPM: sudo yum update package-name;
• Yum: sudo yum update package-name;
• DNF: sudo dnf update package-name.

Replace package-name with the name of the package you want to update.

Alt:How to List Installed Packages on CentOS with Yum or RPM, Video

Checking for Updates

Before updating, it’s a good practice to check for available updates without actually performing the update. You can do this with the following commands:

• RPM: sudo yum check-update;
• Yum: sudo yum check-update;
• DNF: sudo dnf check-update.

This will display a list of packages that have updates available.

Package Management Tools

Linux offers various graphical and command-line tools for managing packages efficiently. Here’s a comparison table of some popular package management tools:

Conclusion

Managing installed packages in CentOS or Redhat Linux is a vital task for system administrators and enthusiasts alike. Whether you prefer the simplicity of RPM, the familiarity of Yum, or the efficiency of DNF, you now have the knowledge to list and explore your system’s software components. With these techniques, you can maintain your Linux system with confidence and precision.

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Unveiling the Pacman Package Manager

Pacman stands as a nimble, straightforward, and user-friendly package manager. Its primary domain is software package management within Arch Linux and its affiliated distributions. Pacman boasts capabilities such as package installation, updates, removals, and the management of intricate package interdependencies. Its elegant simplicity shines through a command-line interface, ensuring a seamless interaction between users and the package manager. Beyond this, Pacman maintains an efficient database, offering an accurate inventory of installed and absent packages, simplifying system administration.

Deciphering the Necessity of Cleaning the Package Cache

Pacman, as it retrieves packages, diligently stores them within a cache directory, facilitating swift access to previously downloaded packages. This ingenious caching mechanism streamlines the installation and update processes, as Pacman can readily access locally stored packages instead of re-downloading them from the internet. However, this cache-centric approach comes with its own set of challenges.

• Over time, this cache can burgeon in size, especially with frequent package installations and removals. Each package, once downloaded, remains in the cache, even if it’s no longer needed by the system. The swelling cache becomes a space-consuming issue, notably concerning systems with limited storage capacity. In extreme cases, the cache can monopolize a substantial portion of available disk space, leaving little room for essential files and data;
• Moreover, the cache can harbor outdated packages, potentially causing complications during future installation attempts. When you attempt to reinstall a package, Pacman may retrieve an older version from the cache, leading to compatibility issues or software conflicts. This scenario can be especially frustrating for users who expect their package manager to maintain a pristine collection of up-to-date software.

To mitigate these concerns, periodic Pacman package cache cleansing is highly recommended. By removing obsolete and unnecessary packages from the cache, you not only free up valuable storage space but also ensure that your system operates smoothly without the risk of outdated packages causing unexpected hiccups. This simple maintenance task is an essential part of keeping your Arch Linux or Arch-based system in top shape.

The Art of Cleaning the Package Cache

The process of cleaning the Pacman package cache proves to be a straightforward endeavor, accomplished through the adept use of the “pacman” command. This command offers a plethora of options for cache management. To purge the cache of redundant packages, the “pacman -Sc” command emerges as the solution. Users can also exercise caution by previewing the removal candidates via the “pacman -Scn” option before executing the elimination process. 

Let’s illustrate the process with a practical example:

```
$ sudo pacman -Sc
```

This command eradicates packages from the cache that are no longer necessary, accompanied by a confirmation prompt to ensure intentional action.

Additionally, users have the capability to impose limits on the cache’s package retention duration. This control can be asserted through the “MaxAge” option within the Pacman configuration file. For instance, configuring the MaxAge to 30 days ensures that solely packages younger than 30 days remain in the cache. Older packages gracefully exit the cache when the user invokes the “pacman -Sc” command.

To set the MaxAge option, include the following in the Pacman configuration file:

```
[options]
MaxAge = 30
```

The Art of Manual Cache Purge

In tandem with the automated “pacman -Sc” cache clearance, the user possesses the autonomy to manually remove packages from the cache. This practice becomes invaluable when dealing with specific package disposal or urgent space reclamation. Manually expelling packages involves a simple traversal to the cache directory, followed by the removal of unwanted packages.

Here’s an illustrative guide to manual package cache removal:

```
$ cd /var/cache/pacman/pkg
$ ls
```

This sequence reveals the inventory of cache-residing packages. Subsequently, removing a package entails executing:

```
$ sudo rm package_name.pkg.tar.xz
```

Replace “package_name” with the name of the targeted package. However, caution is essential when employing this method to prevent inadvertent deletion of essential packages. If uncertainty lingers regarding a package’s necessity, it is judicious to opt for the “pacman -Sc” approach.

In Conclusion

Pacman, the stalwart package manager, plays a pivotal role in the harmonious functioning of software packages within the Arch Linux ecosystem. Its reputation as a reliable and efficient manager has made it a linchpin for Arch Linux users and those who embrace its affiliated distributions. The smooth orchestration of software installations, updates, and maintenance tasks relies heavily on the diligence of Pacman.

• However, amid its commendable performance, Pacman’s cache management takes center stage in ensuring system health. The cache acts as both a boon and a potential bottleneck. While it accelerates package retrieval by storing downloaded files locally, it can, over time, grow to unwieldy proportions. This growth can significantly affect systems with limited storage capacity, potentially leading to operational woes;
• The paramount importance of cleaning the Pacman package cache cannot be overstated. It emerges as a critical chore that users must undertake to maintain their systems in optimal condition. By judiciously managing the cache size and expunging obsolete packages, users safeguard themselves against storage woes and potential software conflicts;
• Fortunately, the process remains accessible to all users, regardless of their technical expertise. Whether opting for the straightforward “pacman -Sc” command or choosing the more hands-on approach of manual package removal, the path to cache maintenance is clear and navigable.

In conclusion, don’t hesitate to take charge of your system’s performance. Regularly cleaning the Pacman package cache is a simple yet effective way to ensure a hassle-free software experience. By doing so, you optimize your system, maintain a lean storage footprint, and keep your Arch Linux or Arch-based distribution running smoothly.

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Uninstalling Packages

To bid farewell to a package using Pacman, one must invoke the following incantation in the third person: “sudo pacman -R [package_name].” The sacred name, [package_name], shall be replaced with the appellation of the package to be disassociated. For example, when the desire to expunge the nano text editor arises, the command shall be invoked thus: “sudo pacman -R nano.”

Pacman, in its wisdom, shall embark upon the journey of removing the designated package along with its faithful companions known as dependencies. When a package serves as a crutch for another, Pacman shall, in its benevolence, ask if the crutch too shall be cast away. In most cases, it is wise to assent, for the crutch loses its purpose when the package that leaned upon it is no more.

Removing Dependent Packages

In the case that a package’s existence hinges upon another, Pacman shall offer a choice: to part with both or retain one. This delicate decision often arises when a user considers the fate of a package and its steadfast companions. However, what if the decree is to sever ties with both the package and its entwined dependencies in a single stroke? Behold, the “pacman -Rs” command, a potent incantation that wields the power to obliterate not only the target package but also its redundant companions. 

The syntax is thus: “sudo pacman -Rs [package_name].” To illustrate this incantation’s formidable prowess, consider the case of the nano text editor. Should you desire to bid farewell to nano and its loyal dependencies, the incantation unfolds as follows: “sudo pacman -Rs nano.”

In this mystical world of package management, the “pacman -Rs” command stands as a bold decision, one that severs bonds with both package and dependencies, ensuring a clean slate for your digital realm. With this command at your disposal, you possess the power to sculpt your system with precision, retaining only that which serves your needs while shedding the rest like autumn leaves.

Cleansing the Package Cache

When Pacman ushers packages into your realm, it keeps copies of their essence in its secret cache. This, my friends, is for the day you wish to summon the same package once more, without embarking on the quest for download anew. But beware, for this cache can burgeon and consume precious disk space.

Pacman, being wise, offers a means to cleanse this cache. The “pacman -Sc” command shall purify the cache, retaining only the freshest forms of each package. The incantation is simply: “sudo pacman -Sc.” For those who desire more control, the “pacman -Sc –keep” command stands ready, allowing one to specify the number of cherished versions to retain. To keep the two most recent incarnations of each package, you would intone: “sudo pacman -Sc –keep 2.”

Eradicating Orphan Packages

Orphans, in the world of packages, are those who once served a greater purpose as dependencies but now find themselves bereft, their masters having departed. They linger on, consuming disk space, a burden to the realm. These forlorn packages, once essential to the harmony of the system, now exist in a state of abandonment, their purpose dissolved like mist in the morning sun.

To vanquish these orphaned souls, one beckons the “pacman -Rns” command, a potent spell in the repertoire of a Linux sorcerer. The incantation is scripted thus: “sudo pacman -Rns $(pacman -Qtdq).” This command embarks on a quest to identify and categorize these abandoned spirits, compiling a list of all orphaned packages using the mystical “pacman -Qtdq” incantation. Once this spectral roster is complete, the command’s true purpose unfolds, commanding the removal of these lingering phantoms with the unyielding “pacman -Rns.”

In this grand symphony of package management, the eradication of orphans is a necessary verse, ensuring that the system remains free of unnecessary burdens and clutter. The Linux sorcerer, armed with Pacman and its potent commands, maintains the balance of their digital realm, where only the essential packages find solace, and the orphans are ushered into the void.

Conclusion

Pacman, a mighty package manager, renders the task of installing, updating, and managing packages upon Arch Linux and its progeny an effortless endeavor. The art of package removal is equally facile. Pacman, with its arsenal of commands, ensures that packages and their dependencies can be dispatched with ease. Whether your goal is to liberate disk space or shed unneeded packages, Pacman stands as your unwavering ally.

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Benefits of Solutions Architecture Services

Solutions Architecture Services offer a plethora of advantages to organizations seeking technological excellence. Firstly, these services empower organizations to create customized solutions that precisely align with their specific needs and requirements. Secondly, Solutions Architecture Services assist organizations in developing solutions that are secure, reliable, and cost-effective, ensuring optimal resource utilization. Thirdly, these services enable organizations to build scalable and flexible solutions that can adapt to evolving business needs, promoting agility and growth. Fourthly, Solutions Architecture Services optimize solutions to achieve maximum performance, reducing operational costs and minimizing maintenance requirements. Lastly, organizations can leverage these services to enhance business processes, operational efficiency, customer experience, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Understanding the Components of Solutions Architecture Services

When evaluating and implementing Solutions Architecture Services, organizations should have a comprehensive understanding of the various components involved. Typically, Solutions Architecture Services encompass the following components:

Design: Solutions Architecture Services include the design of IT systems tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the organization. These designs prioritize security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation: Solutions Architecture Services encompass the implementation of IT systems, ensuring that they are secure, reliable, and cost-effective. The implementation is tailored to the organization’s unique needs and requirements.

Maintenance: Solutions Architecture Services encompass the ongoing maintenance of IT systems, focusing on ensuring their security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Maintenance efforts are aligned with the organization’s specific needs and requirements.

Types of Solutions Architecture Services

Organizations can choose from a variety of Solutions Architecture Services based on their specific requirements. The most common types include:

Application Architecture: This service focuses on developing and maintaining applications that cater to the organization’s unique needs and requirements. It encompasses activities such as designing, implementing, and maintaining applications.

Cloud Architecture: Cloud architecture services assist organizations in creating and maintaining cloud-based solutions. They encompass designing, implementing, and maintaining solutions that leverage the power of cloud technology.

Data Architecture: Data architecture services aid organizations in developing and maintaining data solutions. They involve designing, implementing, and maintaining solutions that optimize data management and utilization.

Security Architecture: Security architecture services assist organizations in developing and maintaining secure solutions. They encompass designing, implementing, and maintaining solutions that prioritize data and system security.

Solutions Architecture Services Case Studies

Several successful case studies highlight the positive impact of implementing Solutions Architecture Services. Here are a few examples:

Costs of Solutions Architecture Services

The costs associated with Solutions Architecture Services can vary based on the complexity and specific requirements of the solutions. These costs typically cover design, implementation, and maintenance of IT solutions, as well as training and support. When considering and implementing Solutions Architecture Services, organizations must factor in these costs. It is crucial to ensure that the services align with the organization’s budget and timeline. Additionally, organizations should prioritize cost-effectiveness, security, and reliability when choosing Solutions Architecture Services.

Challenges of Solutions Architecture Services

Organizations must be aware of the challenges associated with implementing and managing Solutions Architecture Services. These challenges include the need for specialized knowledge and expertise, the complexity of implementation, and the associated costs. To overcome these challenges, organizations should invest in ongoing training to enhance their IT team’s skills and knowledge. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices is vital. Effective resource management, careful planning, and efficient allocation of resources are essential for successful implementation.

By understanding these concepts and implementing effective strategies, organizations can unlock the full potential of Solutions Architecture Services. The advantages include optimized technology solutions that are secure, reliable, cost-effective, scalable, and flexible. With successful implementation, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and gain a competitive edge in the dynamic business landscape.

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Linux is efficient: many Linux distributions are based on years of experience in server rooms. System administrators often appreciate smooth, clean code that gets the job done without losing power. The extra five seconds to turn on the system is something many system administrators are not willing to put up with. Because of this harsh and demanding environment, Linux distributions have become the best of their kind. Although with software coming from many different sources, it’s not the case that every program will make the best use of system resources.

Linux is customizable: Linux allows users to customize every aspect of the computer’s functionality. Some distributions recommend choosing different components and building your own system. Most of them provide all the work, but allow you to change or modify parts as you wish. Many distributions encourage you to make your own adjustments, while setting up others (such as an elementary OS) may require more specialized knowledge.

Linux requires no investment: the vast majority of Linux programs are free to download and install. These programs are usually quite easy to use so you do not need to spend money on training courses or books. All you need to spend to revive an old computer with Linux is time.

Linux is modular and specialized: you can set up a computer which is specifically designed to meet your needs: remote video control, a database of food recipes, a control panel for an amazing laser projector which changes intensity in sync with the beat of the music. You can build anything you want. Proof of the quality of modular Linux design is the version of Red Hat Linux that was used to control the electromagnets inside the Large Hadron Collider. You will be surprised how many things your old computer can still do.

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What is Linux?

If you are new to Linux you may make the common assumption that it is an operating system. This is not quite true. Linux is really a kernel, the center of an operating system. The kernel is what lets the software (what you see on your screen) interact with the hardware (what you touch with your hands). Without the kernel, your system can’t work.

This is why, when you say Linux, you are most often referring to any operating system based on the Linux kernel, such as Ubuntu or Fedora. As a kernel, Linux does nothing on its own. It needs someone to link and distribute it with all the software needed to get the final result. When that happens, the resulting Linux operating system becomes known as a distribution (or “distro”).

What makes Linux different?

What makes the Linux kernel different? Like most applications that run on it, the kernel is actively supported by the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) community.

Open source software does not cost money and everyone can look at the source code and change it as they see fit. This means that experienced developers from around the world contribute their work either for free or through sponsorship from companies such as Canonical or Red Hat. However, you can also improve the software.

In contrast, Windows source code is not available to anyone but Microsoft employees, and it is a criminal offense to decompile or reverse engineer it. You cannot create your own Windows kernel, fix bugs, or distribute an improved version of Windows that you created.

Linux is different, and the GNU General Public License is part of the difference. This license provides the legal basis for your rights to the software. Originally written by Richard Stallman, it ensures that even when the work is modified or improved, Linux is still in the public domain for others to use and enjoy. It is the most widely used license in the FOSS community

The free and open nature of the license can be a double-edged sword. Without a clear revenue model, development can be inconsistent. Some programs receive regular investments, while others have been dormant for years. Nevertheless, Linux has now spread to become the backbone of the Internet and the most common operating system for supercomputers.

In the end, although using Linux is very similar to Windows and macOS, there are aspects that you will have to learn for the first time. We will encounter many of them as we move forward.

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Choosing a distribution

As a reminder, a distribution is a Linux Operating System which comes with all the software needed to give you the full picture. A kernel is provided along with hardware drivers and applications.

Distributions come in all shapes and sizes. Some are aimed at beginners, while others are aimed at the most ardent command line supporters. Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE are three general-purpose distributions suitable for people of all skill levels.

There are three basic ways to install most Linux distributions on a computer:

Replace an existing OS with Linux
Install Linux in conjunction with an existing operating system
Run Linux from a USB flash drive

Installing Linux without removing your existing operating system is called dual-booting. Whenever you start your computer you will be able to choose the operating system that you want to use. This stops you from getting rid of your old OS, but there is always the option to remove it.

Keeping a copy of Linux on a USB stick allows you to download a copy of Linux to a friend’s computer, in the lab or at the library. This method requires the least amount of commitment from you and your computer, since you do not affect your copies of Windows or macOS.

Finding additional software

There comes a time when you need more applications. Where de you get them? You may be used to going to the big store and buying software that you either install from a disk or download from the internet. You might get all of your applications by going to individual Web sites and downloading installers. You can even get all your software from app stores that sell you content, just like on your phone or tablet.

Windows-only software. The same goes for macOS software. You will need to find apps designed for Linux.

Most Linux software is now available through app stores filled with free programs. Using them is similar to using the App store on any other platform. Just find the app you want and click install.

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