What is Linux?

Linux (pronounced Lih-nucks) is a UNIX-like operating system that runs on many different computers. Although many people might refer to Linux as the operating system and included software, strictly speaking, Linux is the operating system kernel, which comes with a distribution of software.
Linux was first released in 1991 by its author Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki. Since then it has grown tremendously in popularity as programmers around the world embraced his project of building a free operating system, adding features, and fixing problems.
Linux is popular with today's generation of computer users for the same reasons early versions of the UNIX operating system enticed fans more than 20 years ago. Linux is portable, which means you'll find versions running on name-brand or clone PCs, Apple Macintoshes, Sun workstations, or Digital Equipment Corporation Alpha-based computers. Linux also comes with source code, so you can change or customize the software to adapt to your needs. Finally, Linux is a great operating system, rich in features adopted from other versions of UNIX. We think you'll become a fan too