An introduction to Fedora Linux

You are probably familiar with the Linux operating system, at least theoretically. If not, I recommend taking a moment to look it up online, as this article assumes you have some basic knowledge of Linux. Many different Linux distributions exist, and one of the most popular and versatile among them is Fedora Linux. In this article, we’ll explore what Fedora Linux is, who created it, who owns it, and how you can use it.

What is Fedora Linux?

Fedora Linux, also known simply as Fedora, is an operating system based on the Linux kernel. It can be installed on a variety of hardware and platforms, ranging from personal computers to servers, cloud environments, and even IoT devices. Let’s break down what these terms mean and how Fedora fits in.

1. Personal computers

   Fedora, just like Windows and macOS, can be installed on personal computers to provide a full desktop experience. It offers apps for almost everything you need, from browsing the web to creating documents and to playing games.

2. Servers

   Fedora can be installed on servers to provide a reliable and secure system for handling services like video storage and delivery, managing data, and more.

3. Cloud

   Fedora can easily run on virtual servers. For example: You could set up a virtual machine on Amazon Web Service or Google Cloud and then install Fedora on it and use it for purposes like running websites, managing databases, or deploying applications.

4. IoT (Internet of Things)

   Fedora can be run on IoT devices, especially in the case of small, low-power devices like Raspberry Pi or other embedded systems.

Who Created Fedora and Who Owns It?

Fedora is open source software and it is managed by the Fedora project. The Fedora project is a community of people across the globe who work together as a community to build Fedora Linux and related content like the Fedora Magazine. Anyone can contribute to the Fedora Project. You don’t need to be a Linux expert to get involved. People contribute in various ways, including:

• Writing code

• Reporting bugs

• Translating software

• Writing documentation

• Social media marketing

The Fedora community is open to everyone, and I’m personally contributing to the project through the Outreachy internship. One of my goals is to help create documentation and coordinate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts within the Fedora community. There are many other exciting projects as well, like improving local testing of Fedora packages or planning the release schedule.

Why am I interested in the Fedora project?

I use Fedora Linux on a virtual machine to practice and master Linux, as my goal is to switch to Linux as my primary operating system. I enjoy using Fedora because it always has the latest features, with new releases coming every six to eight months. However, getting started with Fedora can be a bit challenging due to its technical jargon—sometimes even I, as an engineer, find it difficult to understand. This is one of the reasons I want to contribute to the Fedora Project. I want to help create user-friendly documentation to make it easier for new users to understand the Fedora Project and Fedora Linux.

Are you interested in the Fedora project?

If you’re considering contributing to Fedora project through outreachy, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Understand Fedora’s Core Values

   You ought to understand and share these Fedora project values:

   • Freedom: Fedora community strives to provide software and content that is legally free to use, distribute, and modify. The community avoids proprietary or patented code in its contributions. So during contribution phase, please don’t use patented software or copy righted content.

   • Friends: The community is open to everyone. People of all skill levels are welcome, and Fedora is supported by Red Hat, an industry leader in open-source software. So, look for a project that fits your skill set and contribute to it.

   Features: The community is committed to providing excellent technical features to users.

   • First: The community is committed to innovation. This is evidenced in its timely and rapid releases every six to eight months.

2. Learn About Fedora:

   Before diving in, it’s a good idea to explore the official Fedora documentation to understand what the project is all about. I didn’t cover everything here, but these resources will help you:

   Fedora Documentation

   Fedora Outreachy

   Welcome to Fedora

   Fedora project documentation

   Fedora Wiki

3. Try Fedora:

   If you have a software background, you might want to install Fedora on a virtual machine to get a feel for it. Here’s a tutorial that will guide you through the installation:

   Fedora installation tutorial

4. Take Your Time:

   The contribution process may seem overwhelming at first, especially with many people competing for similar roles. Focus on doing quality work, and remember that learning is the most important part of the process. It’s tempting to use tools like ChatGPT, but always remember that doing the work yourself will lead to real learning and growth.

Conclusion

Fedora is an amazing open-source operating system with a global community behind it. You can use it on your personal computer, server, in the cloud, or on IoT devices. The Fedora Project is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to get involved in the open-source world, and I encourage you to explore it further!

If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with your friends, and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!