 - Linux (often pronounced LIH-nuhks with a short "i") is a Unix-like operating system that was designed to provide personal computer users a free or very low-cost operating system comparable to traditional and usually more expensive Unix systems. Linux has a reputation as a very efficient and fast-performing system. Linux's kernel (the central part of the operating system) was developed by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki in Finland. To complete the operating system, Torvalds and other team members made use of system components developed by members of the Free Software Foundation for the GNU Project.
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Linux is a remarkably complete operating system, including a graphical user interface, an X Window System, TCP/IP, the Emacs editor, and other components usually found in a comprehensive Unix system. Although copyrights are held by various creators of Linux's components, Linux is distributed using the Free Software Foundation's copyleft stipulations that mean any modified version that is redistributed must in turn be freely available.
Unlike Windows and other proprietary systems, Linux is publicly open and extendible by contributors. Because it conforms to the Portable Operating System Interface standard user and programming interfaces, developers can write programs that can be ported to other operating systems. Linux comes in versions for all the major microprocessor platforms including the Intel, PowerPC, Sparc, and Alpha platforms. It's also available on IBM's S/390. Linux is distributed commercially by a number of companies. A magazine, Linux Journal, is published as well as a number of books and pocket references.
Linux is sometimes suggested as a possible publicly-developed alternative to the desktop predominance of Microsoft Windows. Although Linux is popular among users already familiar with Unix, it remains far behind Windows in numbers of users. However, its use in the business enterprise is growing.
Linux is a contraction for Linus' Unix; the short i sound preferred by most (including Torvalds) derives from the Swedish pronunciation of Linus.
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Getting started with Linux |
| To explore how Linux is used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources: |
| Unix to Linux learning guide: Whether you're boning up on Unix commands, migrating from Unix to Linux, or trying to get them to work together, you'll find helpful resources in our Unix learning guide. |
| Linux security guide: Linux, open source security tools and tips: Arm your enterprise Linux system using essential tools and applications including SELinux, AppArmor, Nagios, firewalls, intrusion detection software and more. |
| All-in-One Guide: Linux administration tips for Red Hat, SUSE, networks, security |
| All-in-One Guide: Linux and virtualization guide |
| Virtual Data Center e-Zine |
| Everything RHEL: News, guidance and support |
| LAST UPDATED: |
08 Dec 2008
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