What is Linux?

Linux, also know as GNU/Linux, is an easy to use, Unix-like computer operating system, that runs on devices ranging from mobile phones, to personal computers, to supercomputers and provides a viable an alternative to proprietary operating systems such Microsoft Windows, SUN's Solaris, and Apple Mac OS X. Here are a few examples of Linux applications:

• On the server,
• Linux + Apache serve more than 65% of the Internet's web pages.
  
• Samba provides File and Print services,
  
• Scalix is a replacement for MS Exchange functionality, and
  
• Sugar for CRM
  

Are just a few of the many network services available on Linux.

• On the Desktop,
  
• Linux + Gnome or KDE provide an easy to use desktop environment.
  
• Open Office for a complete office suite,
  
• GIMP/Inkscrape/Xara for Graphics, and
  
• Scribus for Desktop Publishing
  

Are just a few of the many thousands of applications for the Desktop.

Linux is 'free' software. You have the freedom to:

• install it as often as you want on as many computers as you want
  
• You have the freedom to give away copies of Linux to your friends and family All the source is available for anyone to use, modify and freely redistribute.
  
• The cost of acquisition (CAPEX) is very low. Usually only a few £/$/€ to cover the cost or the media and shipping charges.
  
• Linux is not public domain, nor is it 'shareware'. It is usually licensed under the GPL or similar license
  

Where does Linux come from?

The origins of the Linux operating system has many strands. The first version of the Linux kernel was written by Linus Benedict Torvalds while a student at the University of Helsinki and released in 1991. Many of the utilities, libraries, and applications that run on Linux, come from the GNU project, started by Richard Stallman in 1983. The Linux windowing environment is based on X-Windows from MIT and Samba, file and print system, is just one of the of the many services available on Linux. Many other individuals and companies have contributed to and continue to contribute to, the development of the Linux kernel and these utilities, libraries, applications, and services.

Who owns Linux?

The company that owns Linux.com does not own Linux. No one company or individual “owns” Linux although Linus Torvalds, the originator of the Linux kernel, owns the “Linux” trademark. Companies such as IBM, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and Novell support and contribute to the development of Linux as do thousands of volunteer programmers around the world. Companies, individuals, and groups, compile a selection of Linux components into a Linux Distribution commonly referred to as a Distro.

Next: Introduction to Linux Distributions