What is Linux?
GNU/Linux (Ususally referred to as Linux) is a free, open source operating system, released under the GNU General Public Licence. It typically consists of the Linux kernel (originally created by Linus Torvalds) along with many applications and libraries, many created by the GNU project. Detailed information and history about Linux can be found at Wikipedia. Linux provides a free operating system, as an alternative to proprietary systems. It is suitable for desktops, laptops, servers and embedded devices, as it is fast, flexible, secure and reliable. Another, vey important, feature is that it is free and open source, allowing anyone to make changes to it, leading to faster bug fixes, better security and newer features. What this means is that anyone can access the source code and personalise his own software.Changes to the kernel (core operating system) are still evaluated by Linus Torvalds and included in new editions on his say-so. |