The Linux computer operating system family is a Unix-like operating system and one of the best known examples of free open source software. This operating system uses the Linux kernal, which is the name given to the central aspect of an operating system which allows and manages communication between hardware and software. However the term Linux is also sometimes applied to other Linux distributions which are built to run on top of this operating environment. The special thing about the Linux operating system is that it operates as a piece of open source software, meaning that it is not only free to use but free to modify and distribute as well. Linux systems are predominantly used today in servers, although they are also common in home computing and even in mobile phones.

Linux was originally written and named in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, but in order to put it in context we need to go back a lot earlier into computing history. The Unix operating system was first birthed in the 1960’s and released in the 70’s, and it has contributed a huge role to the history of computing. Linux behaves in a similar manner to a Unix system, but is still a unique environment of its own. Minx is another Unix-like system that was released in 1987, and originally Linux was dependent on the Minx user space. Linus Torvalds continues today to develop the Linux kernal and there is a huge body of third party modules and applications that add to the Linux experience.

Linux is controlled by either a command line interface, a graphical interface or sometimes even through dedicated device controls that lie on the device itself. This last controlling mechanism only really exists on embedded machines and the vast majority of Linux computer users use either a command line or graphical environment in a personal computing or server context. The number of Linux applications roughly equals the number available on Windows and Macintosh machines, however there are some obvious shortfalls with professional media applications. What is incredible about Linux applications is that there are thousands of free programs that are ready and waiting to be downloaded and installed at the click of a mouse button.

Because of the link between Linux and the open source and free software scenes, there is a great community of users that are more than happy to share their knowledge and experience regarding Linux. A lot of community based Linux work is done on a volunteer basis by dedicated Linux users, there are even free demonstrations and support for new users. The Linux community seems to get richer through involving the community as much as possible. While Linux is free of charge many big corporations have developed business models based around the selling and support of these free systems. Linux is a powerful alternative to the major operating systems, and it is getting even more popular all the time. When doing almost anything on a computer, from web design to word processing, there will most likely be a Linux solution to help you fix your problems.