This article was originally published in Turkish on and migrated from our previous website. This English version translates the archived article. Promotions, prices, product features, roles and service availability are historical information, not current offers or guarantees.
This article explores Linux, its origins, performance, security, distributions, users, advantages, disadvantages and the GNU philosophy. The Turkish source remains an unchanged historical archive; statistical and biographical claims below reflect the original article and are not a current fact-checked reference.
The source discusses Linus Torvalds and the 2012 Millennium Technology Prize shared with Shinya Yamanaka. It incorrectly associates both recipients with Linux development. That historical attribution is preserved in the Turkish source, but this translation does not present Yamanaka as a Linux co-creator. The linked biographies remain in the original references.
Linux is described as an open-source operating-system family originating with Linus Torvalds in 1991 and distributed under free-software licensing. Its Unix-like heritage connects it to other systems. Open development has enabled widespread contribution and numerous variations.
The original article gives these approximate figures without establishing them as current market-share measurements:
| Distribution | Source estimate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu | 34.1% | Accessible for beginners. |
| Debian | 22.4% | Stable and dependable. |
| Mint | 11.8% | A familiar interface for Windows users. |
| Fedora | 5.4% | Recent software. |
| Arch Linux | 3.7% | Customization for experienced users. |
| Manjaro | 2.6% | A more accessible Arch-based option. |
| Pop!_OS | 2.3% | User-friendly, with a gaming focus. |
| Zorin OS | 1.9% | Suitable for users moving from Windows. |
| Solus | 1.7% | Independent development. |
| openSUSE | 1.6% | An open-source SUSE-related distribution. |
The source references DistroWatch and the distributions’ download pages. When choosing, consider the intended workload, technical experience, community support and hardware compatibility.
The article emphasizes network and internet services, from household modems to firewalls. Its multi-user structure suits email, web, databases, proxies and security services. It describes resilience, while acknowledging that troubleshooting can take time. Programming tools for C/C++, Java, Lisp and Bash, text-based configuration and widespread free software are highlighted.
The source gives a historical estimate of more than 20 million users, noting that precise counts are difficult. It groups users into individuals, businesses and developers. Individuals value cost, security and customization; businesses value reliability, scalability and operating costs; developers value open code, tooling and portability.
The archive highlights open source, stability, flexibility, software choice and strong community support through forums, wikis and other resources.
These are historical examples from the source, not claims about today’s deployments. A linked list of Linux users provides further context.
The source names TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM and Pardus, the FATİH project’s interactive-board work, and a Ministry of National Defence/HAVELSAN Pardus migration, maintenance and support protocol. It cites a ceremony attended by Deputy Minister Alpaslan Kavaklıoğlu.
Other listed organizations are Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration, Çekmeköy, Eyüp, İzmit, Pendik, Tuzla and Üsküdar municipalities, Tusdata, Söke Fehime Faik Kocagöz State Hospital, Bursa Dr. Ayten Bozkaya Spastic Children’s Hospital, Bursa Muammer Ağım Gemlik State Hospital, Didim State Hospital, Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital, the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology, Manavgat District Education Directorate and the Press Advertisement Institution.
The article highlights accessible source code, voluntary communities, rapid responses to reported defects and distributions tailored to particular tasks. It mentions Kali Linux for security-related interests, extensive terminal control and stability in server environments.
Disadvantages include an unfamiliar command line, configuration work, possible driver issues and games designed primarily for Windows. These trade-offs depend on the distribution, hardware and workload.
GNU is a project for software that users can freely examine, modify, copy and distribute. Richard Stallman launched it in 1983. Its recursive name means GNU’s Not Unix: inspired by Unix while pursuing a free alternative.
The source lists the GNU C Library, Bash, GCC, Emacs and GDB as important components. It emphasizes freedom to run, study, modify and redistribute software, and transparency of source code. Its numbered freedom list is not a verified account of the official definitions; consult the original project documentation for precise wording.
The archive describes GNU’s influence on Linux and the broader free-software movement. It recounts Stallman’s concern that small modifications could be used to close source code and commercialize formerly open software, and his move away from MIT work to lead GNU. The related Richard Stallman article remains linked.
The source recommends its basic Linux SSH command guide. It closes by stating that HostTurka used CentOS in Linux reseller, Linux hosting and WordPress hosting services at the time. This is historical infrastructure information, not a statement about current service deployment.
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