What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system based on Unix known for its stability, security and flexibility. It powers a large percentage of the world’s servers and is found in many consumer electronics devices, including smartphones, TVs and smart home appliances. Its core components, the kernel and system libraries, manage hardware resources and facilitate software communication. The open source nature of Linux, combined with a strong community and commercial support, makes it a popular choice for server-side operations and custom application development environments.
Its roots go back to 1991, when Linus Torvalds began coding the kernel as a hobby in his spare time. Over the next decade, he and a team of contributors built upon this foundation, adding new functionality to Linux and making it easier for users to run graphical programs. Unlike most other operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows or macOS, Linux is free and open-source, meaning anyone can use it at no cost and modify it to suit their needs.
In 2000, the Linux Foundation was established to promote and support the development of the Linux operating system. This led to the creation of various distributions, which bundled together Linux and related tools into a functional OS. These include a package manager, a tool for installing additional software and configuring performance and security settings, an advanced text editor, and other utilities that make it possible to install and use Linux.
The most famous of these Linux-based applications is the smartphone Android, which now accounts for over 80% of the global mobile operating system market. It was also used by NASA in space robots and the LHC (Large Hadron Collider). Other applications of Linux can be found on most modern computers, including gaming consoles and Roku, as well as many industrial devices.
Unlike other operating systems, which are typically sold under licenses that require the user to pay for them, Linux is available for free and is supported by donations and commercial support. These contributions allow the Linux Foundation and other organizations to provide maintenance, security updates, training, and certifications. Linux is also widely used in educational institutions and is a common platform for computer science courses.
If you’re interested in contributing to the Linux project, you can join one of the Community Teams. These are organized by responsibilities, and you can find the list here. Each team has a wiki home page with links to the team’s leaders and communication tools.
It’s also easy to find a PC that comes pre-loaded with a Linux operating system. These PCs usually include the Intel processor you want and have been tested for compatibility with the OS. Some of these PCs are available from manufacturers that offer official support and can help you troubleshoot issues if you encounter them. If you decide to purchase a Linux PC, it’s important to choose models with decent expansion and upgrade options so that you can accommodate future changes in your computing needs. This may include adding more memory or switching to a faster CPU.
