Linux is a free and open source operating system that can be installed on many different computer hardware platforms. Linux is widely used around the world. Here is a background on the Linux operating system.
What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system that is very similar to the UNIX operating system. Linux is free and open source. Its source code can be modified and redistributed. Linux is available on many different computer hardware platforms such as desktop computers, mainframes, supercomputers and even mobile phones.
Who created Linux?
In 1991, Linus Torvalds created the first version of Linux. He announced his product on an online newsgroup. Torvalds stated that it was nothing more than a hobby. Since then, Linux has grown by leaps and bounds.
What is the Linux Kernel?
The Linux kernel is the component of the Linux operating system that bridges the software to the hardware. It is the communication layer between software applications and the computer’s resources.
What is a Linux distribution?
A Linux distribution is an operating system that is based on the Linux kernel. It is a version of the Linux operating system that targets particular platforms for specific purposes. RedHat and CentOS are two popular Linux distributions.
How popular is Linux?
Less than 1% of desktop computers run the Linux operating system. But that should not be a referendum on the usability of Linux. For most home users, Linux is more than capable. Linux may be less popular than other operating systems because it requires some technical savvy to install and use. Nonetheless, you will find some mainstream distributions of Linux. Some Dell computers come preinstalled with the Ubuntu Linux distribution.
How can I try Linux?
It is easy to try Linux. For example, the Ubuntu Linux distribution offers three ways to try Linux on your home desktop computer. You can download and install Ubuntu onto your desktop. If you do not want to affect your current system, you can download Ubuntu onto a USB stick or CD and run it from there. This allows you to try out Ubuntu without installing it onto your computer. Finally, you can install Ubuntu as a Windows application. In other words, you can run Ubuntu from within Windows. You can install/uninstall it just like any Windows application. Ubuntu Linux is just one distribution. There are other Linux distributions that have similar installation options.
Linux is a free and open source operating system that is similar to UNIX. It is a powerful operating system that is available on a variety of platforms. Linux takes a little time to learn but costs nothing to try. Give Linux a look and see what you are missing.
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