What is Linux?

Linux is an Unix based Complete Operating System. It is widely used as Server Operating system. It provides free open-source operating system to the users. It is originally written by Linus Torvalds at the University of  Helsinki in Finland. It has a reputation of  running efficiency and fast performing system.

Linux  source code is freely available to everyone under the GNU General Public License. Initially Linux was developed for x86, but now it runs on the various platforms such as Intel, PowerPC, Sparc, and  also available on IBM's S/390 platforms.

Linux has both the operating system graphical user interface and command user interface. Linux is distributed using the Free Software Foundation's copyleft  stipulations that mean any modified version that is redistributed must in turn be freely available. Some companies like   'Red Hat', 'Novell' distribute Linux commercially included auxiliary programs. Linux Desktop Operating System can be downloaded from CDs and DVD by paying some charges depending upon the company's  regulations. It can be also downloaded from the internet at free of cost from various Linux distributions.