What Is Linux?
A popular operating system that works on desktops, laptops and servers, linux is available for free from several different vendors. It is usually bundled with a suite of programs for word processing, email, image editing and other tasks. The system also includes a graphical user interface that can be used to manipulate files and other components. The linux kernel manages hardware resources, and software packages build the rest of the operating system.
The kernel controls low-level aspects of the computer, such as distributing CPU time to processes and managing memory. It also supports user-level applications that run atop the kernel, such as an init system that manages a list of scripts to start, stop and restart services according to user-defined schedules. Linux has a reputation for security and stability, with many systems running continuously for years without rebooting. It is less vulnerable to ransomware, malware and viruses than many other commercial systems.
Linus Torvalds created a version of linux in 1991 and released it under the GNU General Public License (GPL). It was originally designed to work with specific hardware, including Intel microprocessors. As the program grew, it became more versatile and was used to power everything from cell phones to supercomputers. Its popularity has grown, and it is now the most widely used operating system in the world.
Linux has a long history of community involvement. Thousands of people contribute to the development and support of the operating system, from coding code to writing documentation. Many companies offer commercial versions of the system and provide support for it. For example, Red Hat and Canonical both offer software support for their distributions. Other companies, such as MINIfree and RetroFreedom, pre-load linux on computers they sell to individuals or businesses.
In recent years, Linux has become more like a blue-chip tech company. Nominally a volunteer project, it now receives funding and programmers from some of the largest technology companies in the world. Intel, Google and Samsung are among the companies that have contributed to the Linux Foundation’s fifty-million dollar annual budget.
Depending on the survey, between one-third and two-thirds of webpages are generated by computers using Linux as their operating system. It is also used in large data centers, where it runs servers and other networked devices. It is a very fast operating system, and its reliability is well documented.
To learn more about linux, check out the articles below. They cover topics such as installation, user interfaces, and the benefits of a linux system. The articles include links to both official Gentoo documentation and community-contributed content. You can also find information in a more organized way by using the Documentation topic links above or searching by keyword in our search box. If you have questions about any of the articles, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
