About Linux
Linux is a free and open source operating system. The origin of Linux can be traced back to 1991 when Linus Torvalds, an engineering student at the University of Helsinki in Finland wrote Linux as a personal computer based implementation of UNIX. Linus released the source code of his kernel on the internet and invited other programmers to develop it further. With the contributions of volunteer programmers around the world, Linux has emerged as a feature rich operating system. Today, a team comprising hundreds of programmers worldwide, led by Linus is engaged in the development of Linux. Linux is constantly evolving and improving with newer versions of kernel getting released regularly.
The Linux movement also gained a lot from the GNU software effort, directed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF), in the form of system software and applications that are now bundled with Linux. A large number of applications are available for Linux with features which can easily compete with or surpass the other operating systems.
The Linux operating system is distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License, a special license created by the Free Software Foundation, which gives the user access to the source code, allows modifications to it and permits copying and redistribution of the software. The Linux kernel is usually packaged into distributions with added applications and utilities. These distributions are maintained by commercial companies as well as volunteers.
Linux is making a lot of NEWS. As a result of the great development effort, wide distribution and free availability, linux presents a real, viable and significant alternative to the commercially restricted operating systems. The rapidly rising user base of Linux has prompted even the largest players in the computer industry to support and deploy the operating system. Find out why you should use Linux.
For more information on Linux check out the resources section.
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