Linux is an open-source operating system based on UNIX. It differs from Windows in that its source code is publicly available and it cannot run Windows software. Its popularity is growing, and it is estimated that there are millions of users worldwide. Linus Torvalds started building the kernel in 1991 and continues to develop it with the help of volunteers.
Linux® is an open-source, UNIX®-like computer operating system.
An operating system is an infrastructure of linguistic code that interfaces with computer system hardware. It recognizes hardware and makes it available to software programs so that the software runs smoothly on your computer. The software is then written, taking into account the protocols of a specific operating system. An operating system in turn generally only recognizes software written to interface with it.
Although UNIX® is the granddaddy of operating systems, the most recognizable example of an operating system for most users today is Microsoft Windows®. But there are fundamental differences between Microsoft Windows® and Linux® operating systems.
First, Linux® is an open source operating system. This means that the source code is publicly available for inspection and even improvement. The benefits of open source products range from the benefits of creative input from programmers around the world to security. With source code readily available in the public domain, open source products can be tested vigorously by programmers around the world. This is much more difficult with a closed system like Microsoft Windows® because the source code is not publicly available.
Another important difference is that Linux® is based on the UNIX® operating system, while Windows® is a proprietary or standalone operating system.
Many people who are considering upgrading to Linux® wonder if their current Windows® software will work on the system. The short answer is no. The operating system was not designed or intended to run Windows® software. That said, some free and paid interfaces provide various types of solutions for running Windows® software on Linux® machines with varying results. However, enthusiasts hope that people will switch to alternative software designed for Linux® as more applications are written for the environment.
It is unknown how many Linux® users exist because registration is not required, but the number is estimated to be in the millions.
Linus Torvalds started building the kernel of this operating system in 1991 when he was a university student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. He continues to develop it with the help of volunteer programmers. The Linux® license allows the user to freely copy and distribute the software with its source code.
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