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
- Windows 7's default UAC bypassed by 8 out of 10 malware samples
- RE: Windows 7's default UAC bypassed by 8 out of 10 malware samplesyawnWho can I trust *now*....Even Ed Bott said '7' was more secure!The Windows Infect Season is not over yet.. Nothing's changed.... That people even USE Windows these days is quite remarkable.... It must be the power of habit...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Which antivirus is best at removing malware?
- Run a Linux distro or a MacIt is funny, when you 'weld' a web_browserinto an operating system and viruses/worms/malware/trojans and spyware come in from outside sources it is amazing how insecureit makes an Operating System.Say what you will, Linux distro's power theInternet with Bind dns, dhcp, routers/switchesand they do not...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Browser rivals to register official complaints about Microsoft's ballot screen proposal
- Opera"Browser rivals to register official complaints about Microsoft's ballot screen proposal". . . and by "browser rivals" you really mean Opera, who has been whimpering and whining the whole time. A browser that barely appears on anybody's charts, but still retains a cult following.I think Microsoft is improving with IE7...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- What would make you trust Microsoft?
- Flame on!Let me save a couple people the time of posting"Microsoft is the most evil thing on earth and should be destroyed" - Linux Geek, Ole Man, D.T, No More Microsoft Software ...."I trust Microsoft with my life" - Mike Cox, Loverock, ... "They are a company. I trust them...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Open source needs successful champions
- Open Source powers the Internet period!Open_Source powers the ENTIRE Internet withrouters/switches/servers you name it like Microsoft sitting behind caching Linux distroname servers.Now you tell me what does it need now???It is the FUTURE of smart devices, appliancedriven infrastructure, just like VMware using a Linux derived kernel and it is #1...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Skype plays footsie with open source
- Where to for SkypeIt's always tough to predict where something will end up in the future. Those unexpected little surprises tend to throw things off a bit. I think what Skype is trying to do is expand into a growing market, namely the Linux market. To do...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-04
- Walmart unveils 15.6" HP Pavilion G60 laptop for $298
- hmmfor once, i agree with you. why are they still making the celeron...? shouldn't the atom replace that?Intel Celeron?is Inhel still making this 10 year old crap?surplus maybe? ntnti feel 298 is bad for celron processor..but still good option for ppl who r new to these creepy labtops..RE: Walmart unveils...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-04
- Firefox 3.5 (Gallery: Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala)
- Re: Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic KoalaSome nice and welcomed touches but not enough on their own to get people to switch. - Especially me!I left the Ubuntu Family when upgrading to the next version failed on ALL levels! The biggest disaster was changing the repositories to point at the new version....
- Discussion threads 2009-11-04
- LiMo has a second phone
- Web appsWeb apps, based on HTML5, SVG, WebGL, etc., really need to be given some priority in the industry. Otherwise, app developers will go crazy trying to develop & support local apps, for all of the different mobile OS platforms out there.RE: LiMo has a second phoneI adore Linux and...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-04
- Chrome 4.0 gets beta release
- Just an observation -Google now joins those other browsers that seem to "borrow" some would say nick features of Opera, yet Opera remains, with a small seemingly never growing following. The addition of speed will end soon, as gains like this always meet their limits. When all of the...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-03
- Is Microsoft a dinosaur to Google's mammal?
- Random comments...How odd the mixed metaphors sound... "built from the ground up to work in the cloud"...The dinosaurs were around for tens of millions of years, and we mammals can barely say the same. The crown of creation can be wrested from the head of the wearer by something unforeseen--like...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-02
- Friday Challenge: What can your OS do that mine can't?
- My OS can break 5% global desktop market share!Sorry Mac and Linux! :PBetter/Larger Hardware/Software SelectionMy operating system Windows has a better and larger library of available applications, and a larger ecosystem of supported hardware.Why do you insist in behaving as an idiot?Hope what they're paying you is enough to compensate...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-30
- Windows 7 vs. Ubuntu 9.10 - Strengths and weaknesses
- Nice articleIts nice to see a balanced article like this. I consider myself an OS agnostic user as I used Windows for years and tried a Linux Desktop OS like Ubuntu a few times and only recently (last 2 years) has Ubuntu taken over as my primary OS.One of the...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-30
- Ubuntu 9.10 advances Canonical's cloud, enterprise goals
- RE: Ubuntu 9.10 advances Canonical's cloud, enterprise goalsSabayon Linux is a better linux and no one ever talks about it. You get up and running right after installing Sabayon Unlike Ubuntu. All of your plugin's are already in place and running from the jump. It's really good for people who...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-30
- Ubuntu 9.10 advances Canonical's cloud, enterprise goals
- Ubuntu 9.10 advances Canonical's ambitious push into cloud computing -- and the enterprise. Ubuntu is best known for its Linux desktop and there are several desktop improvements in this upgrade -- including a faster boot and login and enhanced audio and and 3G broadband connectivity. ...
- Blog posts 2009-10-29
- Ubuntu 9.10 = easiest, cheapest upgrade ever
- Worst OS ever! You should read what Dana Blankhorn had to say about your beloved linux! I'll give you a hint, its not good. I can't believe they would release a distro with known harddrive bugs. I'm going to laugh at you when you lose all your data due...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-29
- Facebook users targeted by Zeus banking Trojan
- Is it safe to assumethat this threat can happen on any OS/Browser desktop or mobile?Yes but...various Stallman cultist and Job cultist will try to argue that either Linux or MacOSX are immune to this because of a so called superior BSD security model or something along this line.Windows only?The Trojan...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-29
- Microsoft partners to allow Eclipse interop on Win7, WinServer 2008 R2, Azure
- Eclipse should decline the 'plug ins'M$ only ries to extend and extinguish here folks!Self interests always......Isn't that what most things revolve around? I'm sure that if Linux had a chance to extend and draw to its platform by working with Microsoft it would, unless they are too stupid to...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-28
- Firefox hit by multiple drive-by download flaws
- Thank god I am still using 3.0.xxxI still don't understand why the need to make all things software larger and more featured. Also I will never understand why people rush to use the latest larger, bloated package...Bigger is always better......that's why we're fat! =DIE still more secure than FF...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-28
- Infected sites rising at alarming rate
- A testament to...bad programmers and not bad software. Just more evidence that there are plenty of IT people that are no where qualified to be doing what they are doing.Hosted PHP Apps Like WordPress can be a DangerI used a plain vanilla install of Wordpress installed on a low cost...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-28
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
-
-
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
