Introduction of Fedora, Linux-based operating system

History and Concept

Fedora, the go-to Linux operating system for most users is well known for its innovative
ideas and constantly emerging technology over the years. The version that was chosen is
the latest version, Fedora 38 which was introduced on the 18 th of April 2023. It was
established by a group of developers, testers and users called the Fedora Project back in
2003 which was fully supported and funded by Red Hat Incorporation.

Diagram . Fedoras’ Logo

Red Hat Inc. is an American software developmental company that provides servers with
developed software tools, supplies detailed software development tasks and also provides
the basic and necessary software training for users. It is responsible for the growth of Fedora
throughout the years as its open-source characteristics are the reason that drives Red Hat to
continuously provide them with the latest software tools. Despite Red Hat being acquired by
IBM in 2019 and being under their ownership, Red Hat still allows Fedora to be completely
free and open-sourced (Abby, 2023).

Diagram . Red Hat Inc. Logo

One of the main purposes Fedora created is an attempt to build a community-led model,
promoting open-source licensing for all users. With Fedora allowing users to have the
freedom to modify or run the software by their will, it significantly improves the lives of
users through its open-sourced software. Not only that, but Fedora with its versatile and
innovative characteristics will also encourage more participation from users all around the
world to engage and use the platform, thus they will be able to build a collaborative
community that will help to maintain and develop the platform.

Fedora was also created to act as a proving ground for Red Hat Enterprise
Linux(RHEL), one of Red Hat’s Linux distributions. Fedora is being used as a platform
where Red Hat will test and develop its latest features or technologies before eventually
integrating the refined updates back into the more stable and commercially supported RHEL
(Dillon, 2021).

Diagram . Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Features

Fedora also prioritizes its operating system by constantly updating and implementing new
and useful features for users to use such as :
 Fedora Server, a more secure and assured platform that provides an
implementation of the newest technology for users so that they can easily utilize the
server for their daily practical use (Boy, 2023)
 A GNOME 44 Desktop Environment that simplifies the interface for users

Diagram . Gnome 44 Desktop Environment

 Red Package Management (RPM Packages), which allows users to swiftly install
and manage the software packages
 Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux), which enhances security by constantly
mandating access control

Diagram . SELinux

 Fedora Modularity, which allows users to be more flexible with which software they
are opting for as various software versions are available at once
Advantages

Developer-Friendly Environment

Fedora is such an eye-catching system to use as not only it is free and open-source, but its
developer-friendly environment with its wide package of repositories such as development
tools and library has also allowed individuals to have the right tools and platform for them to
modify solutions in a comprehensive and robust way. Thus, its’ right environment makes
Fedora the operating system to go for developers who want to build and test applications
(Nonis, 2023).

Providing Cutting-Edge Software

Besides, Fedora also has a constant release cycle with new versions coming out every six
months. Thus, this allows users to always get immediate hands-on experience with the
latest features and technology that can be provided. With a total of 38 versions of Fedora
having been released as of the date 2 nd August 2023, each version provides inventive
solutions and new features before they are going to be widely accepted by other operating
systems (abhishekaslk, 2022).
 Diagram : Releases of Every Version of Fedora

Limitations
Short Lifespan Support

Despite Fedora as an operating system being constantly praised and widely used all around
the world, there are still certain limitations that are holding back the system. One of them is
each version only has a short lifespan support which only lasts around 13 months before
the users are encouraged to move towards the latest version. It is due to new versions of
Fedora consistently being released on a regular basis whereas the old versions are slowly
getting phased out. Thus, this may not suit users who normally prefer an operating system
with long-term support and stability (abhishekaslk, 2022).

Takes Time to Adapt to New Operating System

Another limitation that also usually occurs is some users will spend a long time trying to get
up to speed with the Fedora operating system. As Linux operating systems are quite distinct
from other operating systems like MacOS such as system setup and command line, users
might face some difficulties in terms of transitioning in-between operating systems. Not only
that, Fedora constantly updates and comes out with new versions will also pose a difficulty
for users who want stability in their operating system as they are required to always adapt to
the new features every 6 months (Nonis, 2023).

Not Every User is Suitable for Fedora

Besides, Fedora only has a specific target customer of desktop and developer users which
therefore heavily limits the type of individuals from being able to use Fedora. Individuals
with special requirements for enterprise features will have to look elsewhere as Fedora is
unable to fulfill their demands in terms of vendor support, long-term support etc.
According to Fedora's official website, a 2GHz dual-core processor, 2GB System Memory
and 15GB unallocated drive space are the absolute minimum required for Fedora to be
installed in devices. If it is based on the recommended system configuration, a 2GHz quad-
core processor, a 4GB System Memory, and 20GB unallocated drive space are the ones
that suit the most and be able to enhance the general performance of Fedora.