Linux …. What technology runs on this? We might be astonished to know just how often we use it in your daily life. Linux runs almost everything nowadays, but many people are not aware of this aspect. Some people may be aware of Linux and may have heard that the operating system runs supercomputers. It powers the five-hundred fastest computers in the world.
NASA
We might not be aware that Linux powers NASA. Pleiades supercomputer of NASA runs Linux. The International Space Station changed, or you may say they switched from Windows to Linux six years ago due to the reliability of the operating system. NASA recently deployed three “Astrobee” robots—which run on the Linux—to the International Space Station.
eReaders
We read a great deal, and we go-to device is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, which runs Linux (though most people are entirely unaware of that fact). If we use Amazon’s services—from Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) to Fire TV—we are automatically running on it. When we ask Alexa what time it is, or for the score of our favorite sports team, we are also using it, since Alexa is powered by Fire OS (an Android-based operating system). Google developed Android as it for mobile handsets, and powers 76% of today’s mobile phones.
TV
If we have a TiVo, we are also running Linux. If we are a Roku user, then we are using Linux. Roku OS is one of the custom version of it, which is specifically for Roku devices. We may opt to use Chromecast—which runs on Linux—for video streaming. It likely runs smart TV. LG uses webOS, which is also based on the kernel of Linux. It doesn’t just power streaming devices and set-top boxes, though. Panasonic uses Firefox OS, which is based on the Linux kernel. Phillips, Samsung, and many use Linux-based operating systems to power devices.
Laptops and Smartwatches
If we own a smartwatch, it’s more likely that it is also running on it. School systems in the world have been implementing one-to-one systems where each child is provided their laptop—a rapidly increasing number of institutions outfit students with a Chromebook. The lightweight laptops use Chrome OS, which is also based on it.
Cars
The car driven by us might well be running Linux. Automotive-Grade Linux has enlisted manufacturers like Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Volkswagen in the project that sees it as the standard code base for most of the high priced automobiles. Our in-vehicle infotainment system and utilities likely run it.
Gaming
If we are a gamer, then we might be using SteamOS, which is a Linux-based operating system. Also, if we use any of Google’s myriad of services, then we are running on it.
Social media
As we start scrolling and commenting, we may realize what a lot of work these platforms are doing. Perhaps it is not so surprising that Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter all run on it. The new wave of social media and decentralized, federated nodes of connected communities like Nextcloud Social, Mastodon, GNU Social, microblogging platforms similar to Twitter, Peertube (distributed video sharing), and Pixelfed (distributed photo sharing) run on it. Being open-source, they can each run on any platform, which is influential precedence in itself.
Businesses and governments
The Stock Exchanges run on Linux, as does the Pentagon. The Federal Aviation Administration handles over 16 million flights a year, and they operate on it. The Library of Congress, Senate, House of Representatives, and White House use it.
Retail sector
That entertainment system placed in the seatback on our latest flight is likely running on Linux. The point of sale at our favorite store may be running it. Tizen OS, based on it, powers a long list of smart home devices. Many public libraries host their integrated library systems on Evergreen and Koha. Both systems run on it.
Apple
If we are an iOS user who uses iCloud, then we are using a system that runs on Linux. Apple Computer website runs on it.
Routers
The router that connects you to the internet in your home may be running Linux.
