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What is Fedora ? Uses, Pros and Cons

Are you familiar with Fedora Linux? And do you have any information about it? Some people may be familiar with this term, or you may be hearing the phrase Fedora for the first time.Fedora Linux is an open-source Linux-based operating system that is freely available and is also one of the most popular Linux distributions after Ubuntu; This distribution is a showcase of the latest capabilities and features in the Linux world.

What is Fedora?

Fedora is a popular, open-source Linux distribution developed and maintained by the Fedora Project, which is sponsored by Red Hat. It is known for its cutting-edge features, regular updates, and strong focus on innovation, making it a preferred choice for developers, system administrators, and technology enthusiasts. Here are some key aspects of Fedora:

  1. Cutting-Edge Technology: Fedora often serves as a testing ground for new technologies that eventually find their way into Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It includes the latest versions of software packages and tools, providing early access to new features.
  2. Community-Driven: Fedora is developed by a large community of contributors who work together to improve the distribution. This community-driven approach ensures a wide range of features and support for various use cases.
  3. Editions: Fedora comes in several editions, each tailored to different use cases:
    • Fedora Workstation: Aimed at developers and desktop users, it provides a polished and easy-to-use desktop environment.
    • Fedora Server: Designed for server environments, offering the latest server technologies and tools.
    • Fedora Silverblue: Aimed at providing an immutable desktop OS, focusing on container-based workflows.
    • Fedora IoT: Tailored for Internet of Things devices and embedded systems.
    • Fedora CoreOS: Optimized for containerized workloads, providing a minimal, immutable operating system.
  4. Release Cycle: Fedora has a relatively rapid release cycle, with new versions typically released every six months. Each release is supported for approximately 13 months, providing a balance between stability and access to the latest software.
  5. Package Management: Fedora uses the RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) system for managing software packages. The dnf tool is used for package installation, updates, and management.
  6. Open Source Commitment: Fedora is entirely free and open-source, with a strong commitment to free software principles. It includes only free and open-source software by default, although users can add repositories that provide proprietary software if needed.
  7. Customization and Flexibility: Fedora offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their system to their specific needs. It supports a wide range of desktop environments, including GNOME (the default), KDE Plasma, Xfce, and others.

History of the Fedora

The history of Fedora is closely linked with the development and evolution of Linux distributions, particularly Red Hat Linux. Here are the key milestones in Fedora’s history:

  1. Origins in Red Hat Linux (1995-2003):
    • Red Hat Linux was one of the first Linux distributions, launched in 1995 by Red Hat, Inc.
    • It gained popularity for its ease of use, powerful features, and the backing of a commercial company.
    • Red Hat Linux versions were released until version 9 in 2003.
  2. Transition to Fedora (2003):
    • In 2003, Red Hat decided to split its product line into two separate projects: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) for commercial use and Fedora for the community.
    • The Fedora Project was created to continue the development of a community-supported, free and open-source Linux distribution.
    • Fedora Core 1 was the first release under the new Fedora branding, released in November 2003.
  3. Development and Growth (2003-2007):
    • Early Fedora releases were named “Fedora Core” and included only core packages.
    • Fedora Core 6, released in October 2006, marked significant improvements and a more polished user experience.
    • In 2007, with the release of Fedora 7, the distinction between “Core” and “Extras” repositories was removed, consolidating all packages into a single Fedora repository.
  4. Innovation and New Features (2008-Present):
    • Fedora continued to be a platform for innovation, often being the first to include new technologies such as SELinux, Systemd, Wayland, and GNOME 3.
    • Fedora 8 introduced the PulseAudio sound server, and Fedora 15 included the first implementation of the GNOME 3 desktop environment.
    • Fedora’s rapid release cycle, typically every six months, ensured that users had access to the latest software and technologies.
  5. Introduction of Editions (2014-Present):
    • With Fedora 21, released in December 2014, the project introduced different “editions” to cater to specific use cases: Workstation, Server, and Cloud.
    • Subsequent editions included Fedora Silverblue (an immutable desktop focused on container-based workflows), Fedora IoT (for Internet of Things devices), and Fedora CoreOS (optimized for containerized workloads).
  6. Community and Governance:
    • Fedora is governed by the Fedora Project, which includes a diverse community of developers, contributors, and users.
    • The Fedora Project Board and the Fedora Engineering Steering Committee (FESCo) oversee development, ensuring that the distribution aligns with the community’s goals and Red Hat’s objectives.
  7. Impact and Influence:
    • Fedora has played a crucial role in the development of Linux and open-source software, serving as a testing ground for technologies that later appear in Red Hat Enterprise Linux and other distributions.
    • It has influenced the broader open-source ecosystem through its contributions to software, development practices, and community engagement.

What are Fedora’s features and benefits?

The Fedora OS is a reliable and stable OS that supports multiple architectures. It is also feature-rich, flexible and easy to use by a wide spectrum of users. This general-use, multipurpose system includes many software packages, including basic desktop applications, games, development environments, web services and database services. Since it is open source, it is freely available to anyone who needs to build tailored solutions in a comprehensive and reliable way.

Fedora is constantly being updated by its vast and growing community. Anyone can join the community and contribute to the Fedora Project to advance Fedora and keep it open source, regardless of their skill levels or preferred languages.

Fedora incorporates multiple security features and technologies, including Exec Shield and Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux). SELinux implements many security policies that are missing in many Linux-based distros. These capabilities protect user systems from malicious software and threat actors without interfering with the user’s day-to-day task workflow.

Other key benefits of the Fedora Linux OS are the following:

  • includes many graphical and utilities tools;
  • supports multiple file formats;
  • supports virtualization;
  • supports many programming languages;
  • updates automatically;
  • incorporates new features released into other Linux distros by the Fedora community;
  • provides spinning tools so anyone can create their own Linux-based distro;
  • provides custom security enhancements that make Fedora suitable for web servers; and
  • supports ability to test new software versions before production deployment.

Advantages of Fedora Linux Operating System

There are numerous reasons why someone might select Fedora as their operating system. Among the many advantages of using Fedora Linux are:

  • Free and open-source: Fedora Linux is free to download and use, and the source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. As a result, it is a popular choice among users who prefer open-source software and value transparency and community involvement.
  • Stable and reliable: Fedora is well-known for its stability and dependability, and it is used as the primary operating system by many organizations and individuals. It is well-maintained and subjected to rigorous testing before new versions are released, which contributes to its stability and dependability.
  • Fast release cycle: Fedora has a fast release cycle, which means that new versions of the operating system are released to users regularly, usually every six months. This assists in keeping the operating system up to date with the latest software and technologies, as well as allowing users to easily access the latest features and security updates.
  • Wide range of software: Fedora includes a wide range of software tools and applications required for general-purpose computing, such as a web browser, an office suite, and media playback software. It also includes a comprehensive set of development tools and libraries, making it a popular choice among developers.
  • Strong focus on security and privacy: Fedora places a strong emphasis on security and privacy and includes several features and tools to assist users in protecting themselves from security threats. This includes SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux), a security feature that aids in the enforcement of access controls and the prevention of unauthorized access to system resources.

Disadvantages of Fedora Linux Operating System

Fedora Linux, like any other operating system, has some limitations that users should be aware of. Fedora’s main limitations are as follows:

  • Compatibility: Because Fedora Linux is based on the Linux kernel, it may be incompatible with software or hardware designed for use with other operating systems, such as Windows or macOS. This may limit the availability of certain software and devices for Fedora users.
  • Limited support for proprietary software: Because Fedora Linux is a free and open-source operating system, it does not include support for proprietary software by default. This means that users may have to manually install proprietary software or use alternative open-source software.
  • Short support lifespan: Fedora Linux has a short support lifespan when compared to other operating systems, with new versions released regularly and older versions phased out. This means that to continue receiving updates and support, users may need to upgrade to a newer version of Fedora more frequently.
  • Complexity: Fedora Linux is a powerful operating system designed for advanced users, and it may be more difficult to use and configure than other operating systems. This may make it more difficult for inexperienced users to install and use the operating system, particularly if they are unfamiliar with Linux.

Different versions of Fedora Linux

Fedora has 5 different editions, each of which will be explained below.

1. Fedora Workstation

This operating system version is focused on personal computers and adds beauty to its user interface by using the GNOME environment. This operating system is a good option for programmers interested in Linux.

2. Fedora Server

This version is for the server and is used to benefit from the latest software version on the server. Still, it is not recommended for enterprise servers due to its low stability and High probability of vulnerability.

3. Fedora IoT

This version provides a firm foundation for IoT ecosystems and is suitable for IoT devices.

4. Fedora CoreOS

This version offers a minimal operating system with basic packages from Fedora, which this operating system updates automatically; also, This edition focuses on Cloud computing.

5. Fedora Silverblue

This version is derived from Fedora Workstation, and its desktop environment is immutable; therefore, it is more stable. The design of this version has made it suitable for the development of container-based software.

all about fedora

Conclusion

Fedora stands out as a prominent and influential Linux distribution with a rich history rooted in innovation and community collaboration. Its transition from Red Hat Linux to an independent project marked the beginning of a new era in open-source software development, characterized by a commitment to cutting-edge technology and user-centric design.