Linux is a free, open-source operating system kernel originally created by Linus Torvalds in 1991. When people say “Linux” casually, they usually mean a full operating system built around that kernel — often called a “Linux distribution” or “distro.”
Key things to know:
- The kernel: The core piece of software that manages a computer’s hardware — CPU, memory, storage, devices — and lets other programs run on top of it.
- Distributions: Complete operating systems built using the Linux kernel plus other software (system tools, package managers, desktop environments, etc.). Popular ones include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux, and Linux Mint.
- Open source: The source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute, typically under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
- Unix-like: Linux was inspired by Unix and shares many concepts with it — a hierarchical file system, multi-user support, and a strong command-line interface.
Where it’s used:
- Servers: A huge share of the internet’s servers run Linux, including much of the infrastructure behind major websites and cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, etc.).
- Android: Android phones run on a modified Linux kernel.
- Embedded systems: Routers, smart TVs, IoT devices, and even cars often run Linux.
- Supercomputers: Nearly all of the world’s fastest supercomputers run Linux.
- Desktops: Less common for everyday consumer use compared to Windows or macOS, but popular among developers, system administrators, and open-source enthusiasts.
Why people like it:
- Free to use and modify
- Highly customizable
- Generally considered stable and secure
- Strong community support and vast software ecosystem via package managers (like
apt,dnf,pacman) - Allows for different workflows