Linux is an open source, or free, operating system. Unlike Windows and Mac OS, Linux is not proprietary software and all the computer code that is part of the operating system can be used and modified by any user. Linux was started in the 1990s when Linus Torvalds, a person interested in creating a free operating system, developed the Linux (pronounce lynn-ux) kernal, which is computer code that is a central part of an operating system.
As an open source software, any individual or company can take the Linux kernal and modify and add to it. Hundreds of companies and individuals have taken the Linux kernal and added additional computer programs to create various versions of the Linux operating system. These versions are known as distributions and are available to download for free.
Linux is extremely popular in businesses, especially for servers, because it is adaptable. According to Net Application statistics, Linux represents under 1% of the market share for home users, but it does offer an alternative to commercial operating systems.
Despite being used in many businesses for servers, you do not have need to have special programming skills to download and use Linux. In fact, if you want to try Linux, you don't have to actually install it on your computer. Several versions of the operating system can be downloaded and burned to a CD.
Two popular distributions of the software are Ubuntu and Red Hat. Ubuntu is completely free and is available in a version geared specifically for home users. Red Hat is a company that offers technical and training support for businesses that use its version of the operating system, Red Hat Linux.
As an open source software, any individual or company can take the Linux kernal and modify and add to it. Hundreds of companies and individuals have taken the Linux kernal and added additional computer programs to create various versions of the Linux operating system. These versions are known as distributions and are available to download for free.
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| Desktop of Ubuntu (A version of Linux) |
Linux is extremely popular in businesses, especially for servers, because it is adaptable. According to Net Application statistics, Linux represents under 1% of the market share for home users, but it does offer an alternative to commercial operating systems.
Despite being used in many businesses for servers, you do not have need to have special programming skills to download and use Linux. In fact, if you want to try Linux, you don't have to actually install it on your computer. Several versions of the operating system can be downloaded and burned to a CD.
Two popular distributions of the software are Ubuntu and Red Hat. Ubuntu is completely free and is available in a version geared specifically for home users. Red Hat is a company that offers technical and training support for businesses that use its version of the operating system, Red Hat Linux.
To learn more about Linux and how this open source software works, visit Linux Online.
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