Can We Use Linux Online?

Linux is an open-source, flexible, and robust operating system. As such, it is usually installed locally on your machine. However, with web technologies and cloud computing, it is now accessible online without installing it on your local machine. 

This knowledge base article reviews ways to use Linux over the Internet, its advantages and limitations, and its practical application.

Online Linux Options

1. Online Linux Terminals

Web-based Linux terminals

It is a virtual command-line interface for Linux within a web browser.

Examples:

JSLinux

Copy.sh

WebMinal

Advantages

No installations needed

Accessed via any device with a web browser

Suitable for small-scale command line work and learning

Disadvantages

Practically fewer functionalities than full-fledged distributions of Linux

Normally, without a GUI

The installation environment is somewhat limited

2. Virtual Machines in the Cloud

Cloud hosting providers offer virtual machines (VMs) running Linux that can be accessed remotely.

Examples:

Amazon EC2

Google Cloud Compute Engine

Pros:

Full Linux environment with root access

Scalable resources (CPU, RAM, storage)

Suitable for hosting applications and services

Cons:

Typically requires payment

More complex setup compared to web terminals

Requires SSH client or web-based SSH for access

3. Browser-Based Linux Desktops

Some services allow the execution of a full Linux desktop within a browser.

Examples

DistroTest

OnWorks

Advantages

Supports GUI

Multiple distributions available

Ideal for different flavors of Linux testing

Disadvantages

Performance-wise, it is slower than the installation on a local machine

Data usually does not persist between sessions

It may not be possible to install other software or variations of the operating system.

4. Linux-as-a-Service Platforms

These platforms share qualities both with web terminals and full VMs, presenting users with a more user-friendly interface through which to run Linux environments online.

Examples

Repl.it

Gitpod

CodeAnywhere

Pros

IDE

Collaboration

Perhaps it contains some form of version control integration

Cons

More dev-oriented than general Linux use

The usage of computational resources may be restrained

Some advanced features of Linux may be limited

Applications of Online Linux

Learning and Training Online Linux environments are ideal for learning Linux commands, shell scripting, and system administration without having to install anything locally.

Development and Testing One can use online Linux environments for cross-platform testing, testing various distributions, or for temporary development.

Remote Work One can have access to a work environment that behaves predictably, no matter where in the world they are located, making it even possible for remote teams or traveling.

Quick Tasks and Demonstrations: For presentations or quick problem-solving, online Linux terminals may be golden nuggets.

Resource-Constrained Devices: Users who have low-powered devices can use online Linux systems to perform tasks that would be pretty awkward on the local hardware.

Things to Have in Mind While Using Linux Online

Internet Connection: That is one thing that will ensure the smooth running of experiencing Linux online systems.

Security: You would feel pretty nervous about entering sensitive information or completing critical tasks in a public or shared online Linux environment.

Performance: The online Linux system will probably be slower than the local installation, particularly with resource-intensive work.

Data Persistence Many online Linux environments do not retain data between sessions. Have a strategy for saving and backing up your work.

Cost: Most of the primary online Linux options are free of charge, but if you require more advanced features or resources, they sometimes do not come for free.

Software Availability: The software that is installed on online Linux environments could be limited by the ability to install or run some applications.

Best Practices for Using Online Linux

Instead of passwords, use SSH keys to add security to remote Linux VMs.

Use cloud storage services to ensure data persistence across online Linux sessions.

Learn how some online Linux server hosting platforms vary from each other and are limited in their own right.

For building, utilize container technologies like Docker to ensure that the environments one develops locally are the same as the ones they will be deploying to, that being in the cloud.

Have your Linux systems online, patched, and updated at all times, especially when running long-running cloud VMs.

Conclusion

This ability to access Linux online brings a whole new set of learning, development, and remote computing opportunities. From simple web-based terminals to complete virtual machines in the cloud, there is almost no spectrum without some option suited to your need level. The use cases where an online environment would replace a local installation of Linux are not that common; instead, it is a complementary alternative for most cases - flexible, easily accessible, and powerful.

Online Linux will eventually get even closer to local Linux as web technologies mature further. The availability of highly sophisticated options for online Linux will make this gap significantly smaller between local and remote computing. Be a novice in Linux or an expert seeking a convenient environment to be accessed from elsewhere, web-enabled options for Linux are a great chance to explore and tap into the immense usability of this powerful operating system.