What is Linux?

Posted April 11, 2022 by Josh ‐ 2 min read

Introducing Linux, to the world!

Quick Overview

Linux is an operating system for computers and its core. It is one of the most famous examples of free software and development through open source. Unlike other operating systems (such as Windows and Mac OS), its code is available to the public and everyone has the right to freely use, modify, and redistribute it.

The Linux name strictly refers to the Linux core but is often used for the entire operating system (also GNU / Linux) based around that core and the number of libraries and tools from the GNU project. Over 300 Linux distributions are packaged with various software along with the GNU / Linux system.

The Beginning

In the early days, Linux served as an experimental system used by students, hackers, programmers, and, in general, people very much focused on working with computers. There was no wider commercial use. This has changed with the emergence of Apache Web Server, which, along with Linux, has provided a reliable and free solution to drive a large number of websites. Thus, in a few years, Linux has expelled many other systems similar to Unix, and to a large extent Windows NT from the server market. The advancement of Linux on the desktop goes much slower, and Linux is still a rare phenomenon on home and office computers.

Over time, many new Linux programs (but also other UNIXs) have been created for various purposes: office packages, all kinds of Internet programs, PDFs, viewing and editing images, multimedia, CD / DVD burning, and many specialized programs. It can be said that for Linux today there are all necessary programs for an average home and office user that does not play too much and do not use their computer for a highly specialized professional purpose.

Initially, Linux was developed and used by enthusiastic individuals. Since then, Linux has been supported by large corporations such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Novell for use in servers and is starting to be used on personal computers. Promoters and analysts argue that this success is due to its independence from any central producer, low cost, security, and reliability.

Linux originally developed for Intel 386 microprocessors, and today supports a variety of microprocessors and computing platforms. It is used in the range from personal computers to supercomputers and integrated systems such as mobile phones and personal video recorders.