A very popular open source operating system that runs on a variety of hardware platforms including x86, Itanium, PowerPC, ARM and IBM's entire product line. Based on many design principles used in the Unix operating system, and thereby often called a "Unix clone" or "Unix variant," Linux is widely deployed as a server OS and as an embedded OS. For example, Linux runs in most of the servers on the Internet and in countless appliances and consumer electronics devices (see embedded Linux). In the desktop market, Linux has nowhere near the same penetration; however, it gains ground slowly and steadily.
Linux is a multitasking, multiuser operating system that is known for its stability. Although modified by numerous people, its robustness stems from its Unix-like architecture that keeps peripheral software components isolated from the core software (the kernel).
Licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), Linux is the flagship product of the open source community (see open source and GNU General Public License). Numerous groups work on their own flavor of Linux, modifying it for various purposes, and several commercial organizations "distribute" Linux for a fee (see Linux distribution). Linux is an outstanding success because it embodies the major features of Unix in a modifiable open source package, including its compliance with the POSIX standard (see POSIX).
Not Just One User Interface
Linux employs the X Window rendering system for displaying data on screen. Because X Window provides only the basic window creation, it relies on third-party user interfaces to provide the window borders and buttons, menus, icons and desktop that users see and manipulate. KDE and GNOME are two of the most popular (see KDE and GNOME). A Linux distribution may include more than one user interface, all of which appear on screen somewhat similar to the Windows and Mac interfaces. See X Window.
From Minix to GNU/Linux
In 1990, Finnish computer science student Linus Torvalds created the Linux kernel (see kernel). He was inspired by Minix, a popular classroom teaching tool that was very close to Unix. Although Torvalds created the kernel, many of the supporting libraries, utilities and applications came from the GNU Project, which is why Linux is often designated as GNU/Linux. Over the years, a huge number of programmers have contributed to the GNU/Linux system. For more information, visit www.linux.com and www.gnu.com.
Torvalds maintains the official Linux kernel, which continually integrates patches and enhancements from the Linux community. For more information, visit www.kernel.org.
Linux Is Really "Lee-Nooks"
If you lived in Finland, you would say "lee-nooks" because Linus is pronounced "lee-noose." Since the English pronounce Linus as "line-iss," some call it "line-icks." More common is "lynn-icks," which splits the difference. No matter how you say it, Linux is very popular. See embedded Linux, KDE, GNOME, X Window, Lintel, Minix, Ubuntu, SuSE Linux, UnitedLinux, GNU, open source, Linux Foundation, Trinux, SCO and Red Hat.
A Lot of Server
This innovative Linux appliance from Net Integration Technologies packs a lot into a small box. Running the Nitix OS, it includes built-in Web, e-mail, VPN and remote access servers, a firewall and file and print services for Windows, Mac and Linux. It connects two ISPs to the LAN and provides automatic failover if one goes down. (Image courtesy of Net Integration Technologies Inc., www.nitix.com)
A Linux Laptop
In 2005, System76 was the first hardware vendor to offer packaged Linux laptops, desktops and servers. This laptop comes with the Ubuntu version of Linux and a variety of applications that most people use all the time (see Ubuntu). (Image courtesy of System76, www.system76.com)
The Penguin Is Everywhere!
The Linux mascot happens to be a penguin, and the penguin is everywhere, even on an iPod. iPodLinux is an open source project that enables the iPod to boot up into a tiny version of Linux. (Image courtesy of the iPodLinux Project, www.ipodlinux.org)
Linux is a multitasking, multiuser operating system that is known for its stability. Although modified by numerous people, its robustness stems from its Unix-like architecture that keeps peripheral software components isolated from the core software (the kernel).
Licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), Linux is the flagship product of the open source community (see open source and GNU General Public License). Numerous groups work on their own flavor of Linux, modifying it for various purposes, and several commercial organizations "distribute" Linux for a fee (see Linux distribution). Linux is an outstanding success because it embodies the major features of Unix in a modifiable open source package, including its compliance with the POSIX standard (see POSIX).
Not Just One User Interface
Linux employs the X Window rendering system for displaying data on screen. Because X Window provides only the basic window creation, it relies on third-party user interfaces to provide the window borders and buttons, menus, icons and desktop that users see and manipulate. KDE and GNOME are two of the most popular (see KDE and GNOME). A Linux distribution may include more than one user interface, all of which appear on screen somewhat similar to the Windows and Mac interfaces. See X Window.
From Minix to GNU/Linux
In 1990, Finnish computer science student Linus Torvalds created the Linux kernel (see kernel). He was inspired by Minix, a popular classroom teaching tool that was very close to Unix. Although Torvalds created the kernel, many of the supporting libraries, utilities and applications came from the GNU Project, which is why Linux is often designated as GNU/Linux. Over the years, a huge number of programmers have contributed to the GNU/Linux system. For more information, visit www.linux.com and www.gnu.com.
Torvalds maintains the official Linux kernel, which continually integrates patches and enhancements from the Linux community. For more information, visit www.kernel.org.
Linux Is Really "Lee-Nooks"
If you lived in Finland, you would say "lee-nooks" because Linus is pronounced "lee-noose." Since the English pronounce Linus as "line-iss," some call it "line-icks." More common is "lynn-icks," which splits the difference. No matter how you say it, Linux is very popular. See embedded Linux, KDE, GNOME, X Window, Lintel, Minix, Ubuntu, SuSE Linux, UnitedLinux, GNU, open source, Linux Foundation, Trinux, SCO and Red Hat.
A Lot of Server
This innovative Linux appliance from Net Integration Technologies packs a lot into a small box. Running the Nitix OS, it includes built-in Web, e-mail, VPN and remote access servers, a firewall and file and print services for Windows, Mac and Linux. It connects two ISPs to the LAN and provides automatic failover if one goes down. (Image courtesy of Net Integration Technologies Inc., www.nitix.com)
A Linux Laptop
In 2005, System76 was the first hardware vendor to offer packaged Linux laptops, desktops and servers. This laptop comes with the Ubuntu version of Linux and a variety of applications that most people use all the time (see Ubuntu). (Image courtesy of System76, www.system76.com)
The Penguin Is Everywhere!
The Linux mascot happens to be a penguin, and the penguin is everywhere, even on an iPod. iPodLinux is an open source project that enables the iPod to boot up into a tiny version of Linux. (Image courtesy of the iPodLinux Project, www.ipodlinux.org)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Chrome OS - The good, the bad and the ugly, and how it fits in with Windows, Mac and Linux
- Chrome OS - The good, the bad and the ugly, and how it fits in with WindowsI gave it some thought too and realized that Chrome OS only has the bad and the ugly. There is nothing good about it. All data stored in the cloud, and on Google's...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-20
- Google Chrome OS has arrived as free VMWare download
- Somebody will make it available in a more public area, I'm sure.Being that it's open source, somebody's going to make it available in a more public area, I'm sure. I'll wait until then.RE: Google Chrome OS has arrived as free VMWare downloadthat's not the real release... that's a linux based...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-20
- Chrome OS - The good, the bad and the ugly, and how it fits in with Windows, Mac and Linux
- After yesterday's Google Chrome OS announcement I've had a little time to think about Google's vision for the OS and how it fits in with Windows, Mac and Linux. by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
- Blog posts 2009-11-20
- Ballmer: Windows 7 sales on a roll
- Oh boy... this should be a fun Talkback... ntntyeap...for sure we'll be hearing what everyone has already said "ad nauseum".BallSack is a MoronPlain and Simple.I'm sure Win7 sales are decent. After all, it's hard to get an OS-less computer.....It is easy enough to get linuxpre-installed.Or buy a MacHowever,...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-20
- Chrome OS will give Microsoft a run for their money
- SilverLight draws circles around Google's gimmickCompare SL's demo w/ that of ChromeOS and see it for yourself the truth: The former completely owns the latter.RE: Chrome OS will give Microsoft a run for their moneyWhat kool aid are you drinking? NOTHING is secure, and Google wants to take over everything....
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Pinned tabs? (Gallery: Chrome OS revealed)
- Easy to see why Google wants thisAll roads lead to Google and advertizing.RE: Pinned tabs? (Gallery: Chrome OS revealed)Aouch!! what is this crap os is??? Bad Bad Bad idea!!!RE: Pinned tabs? (Gallery: Chrome OS revealed)NO thanks. I am not in Kindergarten.RE: Pinned tabs? (Gallery: Chrome OS revealed)I think it...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Inside the Google Chrome OS security model
- The proof will be in implementationAll of these lofty goals are one thing. Making it happen in code is quite another. It sounds like they are just giving a laundry list of what people want them to say. I'm in the "believe it when I see it" camp. Good intentions...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Google makes Chrome OS open source today
- I like itThe ChromeOS demo looked pretty cool!I'm almost 100% webapp-based already, so I could see myself using a simple, fast & no maintenance OS like that the majority of the time.I like it too, but, for me, I need to compile and run programs locally. I would imagine that...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Google's Chrome OS: Will you give up desktop apps?
- I won't ntntI can'tI'm not online 24/7. I need local apps, as does everyone else. Say what you want. But network outages happen... Weather by forces of nature or human error, a network will eventually go down. It's only a matter of time. And knowing Google's past GMail outages, I...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Chrome OS: Some Early Preview Videos
- google should move away from linuxI suppose they could easily take away all those messes of the current os by doing that. Haha! Crummy-um "Chromium OS and Open Source" video-- the guy is calling it Crummy-um! Sounds about right.RE: Chrome OS: Some Early Preview VideosAnd ZDNet falls hook, line,...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Live from Googleplex: Chrome OS details revealed
- Ubuntu 9.10 has more immediate potentialMight I suggest trying Ubuntu 9.10? A phenominal OS with much more to offer then even Windows 7.Open source, free and ready to try today...http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1122http://www.tuxradar.com/content/vista-windows-7-ubuntu-904-and-910-boot-speed-comparisonhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYgWE6Svpaghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16-nad9N3pgNot that I have readI'd stick with 904immediate potential to sink in obscurityGoogle was Linux's last fleeting chance to turn...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- GIMP dropped from default Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx installation
- I use the GIMPThe user interface stinks, but the GIMP is a powerful application. I use it regularly for editing pictures. F-spot on the other hand, I don't like much. I use gThumb for organizing my photos (gThumb was F-spot's predecessor in early Ubuntu versions). gThumb also allows some simple...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- FAA hit with network glitch; Flight plans go manual
- Another glitch with a linux network? Its hard to believe people still use it for anything critical like the FAA and flight tracking. Its a toy OS and should not be used when the lives of people are dependent upon it.Cisco supplies the network backboneIt will be interesting to see...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Do we need a 'beautiful mess' in operating systems? Yup
- To make a good soup, you've got to stir the pot...Ok, sure - it turns cloudy, short-term. Just be sure to filter it or let it settle, before serving.Whereas the classic 'design-by-committee' model so often fails, its always useful to have multiple, talented teams working on similar projects, independently. With...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-19
- Mozilla locks out rogue Firefox add-ons
- Firefox has conquered IEIt is evident that Firefox free has conquered IE, plus the fact the majority of sites work regardless of browser.The days of this old bait & switch from MS are over.But I thought the whole point behind "open source"......was to allow ANYONE to put code in their...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- Microsoft Office 2010, SharePoint 2010 public betas now available for download
- Microsoft still firmly planted in the LAST century.NTLinux Kernel speaks?Hmmm, I'd fear for the future of Linux if this is what comes out of it. You'd think the "many eyes" would have caught such silly logic in the kernel years ago...and looking ready to dominate this oneas well.Google is...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- Google-Microsoft rivalry on with ChromeOS launch
- This will usher in an era of intense competition and innovation, as well aslower prices.This will be good for all concerned. Windows users will get lower prices and faster innovation. The Windows users should be Google's biggest fans here.Chorme OS could get 10% or more of the netbook market. That...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- Competition made Microsoft open source embedded .NET
- Hair line cracks?Is the "Kontrol" program from "Tron" beginning to crack?CE would be smart to go Linux.Less hassles, more reliability and no licensing costs.It's a no-brainer - Linux > Windows.LOL!"The handwriting was probably on the wall here years ago, when Linux bought Wind River, and when innovative start-up Cavium bought...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-18
- GeForce GT 240 - NVIDIA's sub-$100 DirectX 10.1 graphics card
- Nvidia's work great with Linux distro'sNvidia's cards work great with Linux distro'syou can have compiz desktop and runany game you want.The optimization is amazing!;)Who said anything about loser OSes?This is about OSes that actually offer great gaming experiences to users, not OSes that really want to play where the big...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
- Google to demo Chrome OS; Detail launch plans
- the windoze killer has arrivedChrome OS will put the final nail in M$ coffin!You really can't be seriousyou have to be a fake or something.Your posts are allways way off the mark.By like a continent or two.Windoze? Grow up, manI hope Chrome is good - because it will make...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-17
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- The more you simplify, the more you save
-
When you transition from your existing Red Hat environment to SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, you can recognize dramatic cost savings, perhaps as much 50%
- Learn more >>
- The best support in the Linux business
-
If Linux is going to power your mission-critical applications, you'd better have the best support known to business. Novell was rated the top provider of Linux technical support.
- Learn more >>
- Learn more about tools to grow your business
-
The Business Essentials Guide provides you useful tools and templates to help grow your business and save you time with automated shipping solutions.
- Save time with the UPS Business Essentials Guide
- The best support in the Linux business
-
If Linux is going to power your mission-critical applications, you'd better have the best support known to business. Novell was rated the top provider of Linux technical support.
- Learn more >>
-
-
Smart Tech
Expert advice on innovations in healthcare and the green technologies that make it happen.
Find out more
-
Smart Business
Discussion and advice on management issues that revolve around making your world smarter and more useful.
More Smart Advice
-
Smart People
The best and worst moves in the management and strategy trenches.
Learn More
