What makes Linux such a long-lasting operating system?
Linux is an environmentally friendly operating system since it helps to bridge the digital gap and increase the life of technology. Fighting the pandemic has resulted in a shortage of microchips, which are required to build new computers. Furthermore, some modern proprietary operating systems come with stricter minimum requirements.
To begin with, he claims that because Linux uses less processor power and less complex technology than Windows or Mac OS X, you may keep your hardware for much longer. This means fewer landfill issues and less new equipment manufacturing overall. He cites a 2004 research conducted by the UK Office of Government Commerce, which asserts that Windows users must upgrade their computers twice as often as Linux users. “Typical hardware refresh length for Microsoft Windows systems is three to four years,” according to the research, “while a large UK manufacturing group claims six to eight year hardware refresh interval for Linux systems.”
Wallen also claims that Red Hat Linux consumes less energy than Windows Server 2008, citing a research that claims Red Hat Linux servers outperformed Windows Server 2008 in 13 of 16 energy consumption tests.
Many of his other arguments, on the other hand, aren’t always valid, and some of them aren’t really comparisons of Linux to other operating systems, but rather tips on how to make Linux more environmentally friendly. He cites netbooks as proof that Linux is more environmentally friendly than other operating systems, but these days, 80 percent or more of all netbooks come preloaded with Windows, so the argument falls flat.
FreeGeek and the Kramden Institute, for example, have made it their fundamental purpose to cross the digital gap. These organizations have repurposed obsolete computers, keeping them out of landfills and placing them in the hands of people who require them. Those programs would not be possible without Linux.
DD-Wrt, OpenWrt, and Tomato are all Linux-based router solutions that keep obsolete network hardware out of landfills while also improving security, privacy, and performance.
Linux has opened up doors that would not have been possible otherwise. Thanks to principles learnt on ancient machines, students and enthusiasts alike have launched successful careers in computer science with no investment. These systems run enterprise-grade software, such as the LAMP stack, which aided the “Web 2.0” shift. It was one of the first web-based open source software stacks. It now powers installations of WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. In fact, Linux is used by 96 percent of the top one million web servers on the planet. Embedded systems, e-readers, smart televisions, smartwatches, and other devices are all managed by Linux. Over 70% of smartphones use Linux as their operating system. Linux is also used by NASA’s Perseverance Rover, which made history on Mars this year.
