Linux OS

Introduction to Linux

Linux is a free operating system. The idea of a free operating system began with Richard Stallman in 1984, but it was Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer, who finally created the Linux kernel in 1991.

Thousands of programmers have worked on developing Linux, and as such it has always been seen as the domain of geeks. In addition, there are so many versions of Linux - usually called distributions or distros - that it's easy to become intimidated if you're not in the know.

A distribution is a Linux package which includes the Linux kernel, a desktop environment, libraries, utlities and a variety of applications.

Ubuntu is a distribution that may turn the tables for Linux. It was first released in 2004, and is funded by Mark Shuttleworth, a South African entrepreneur. Its interface is much closer to what ordinary computer users expect, so it's no surprise to learn that it has become the largest distribution by far.

Linux is not yet a major challenge to either Windows or MacOs as a desktop operating system: it currently holds around 1% of the market. As Linux does not belong to anyone - it is open source - there is no advertising or marketing department to promote it. The new releases of Ubuntu make Linux more and more accessible, and it will be interesting to see how it grows as word gets out.

Linux: Is it right for you?

by Puller

I have been using Linux as my main computer for only four years now, and love it. I do not have one regret about wiping my system of Microsoft and making the switch to Ubuntu Linux. Everything I used Microsoft windows for I can do faster on Linux. A... More>

Why you should embrace Linux

by Caryna St. John

Maybe you've heard of it: the free operating system called Linux. It has been around for a while and it isn't going anywhere. We live in a world full of computers, and most of these computers run Microsoft Windows. However, Microsoft has a competito... More>

Linux distributions: What you need to know

by Muhammad Fahd Waseem

Many people who regularly use computers have heard of the Linux operating system, and that it is something a bit like Windows but a lot harder to use. What they do not know is that Linux is actually a 'kernel' - a core - around which the full operat... More>

The differences between Linux RedHat and Fedora

by Jeff Barron

Red Hat is an American company that sells commercial operating system software Red Hat Linux such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Red Hat also provides premium services for their open source software. Fedora is derived from Red Hat Linux and is develop... More>

All about the Linux OS

by Rainier Wong

Linux is an operating system based on UNIX. However, both are not exactly the same. UNIX was conceived in 1969 by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie and Douglas McIlroy at Bell Laboratories. Linux, on the other hand, was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991.... More>

The benefits of Linux

by Josiah Miller

If you have a slow computer, or you want to be rid of all virus threats, and annoying anti-virus software, then Linux is for you. Linux has a very customizable interface which runs way faster on slow computers, plus since Linux has a ... More>

How to install Linux

by Henry C. Gernhardt III

If you're reading this, then you're definitely interested in looking at Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) not only for end-user applications, but as an operating system for your own, or perhaps your clients', computers. Take heed, however. Ins... More>

Suggested software options for Linux

Desktop publishing
Scribus, like Quark Express and Adobe InLine, is software for designing books, magazines, newsletters and similar items which need to be printed.
Photo Editing
GIMP is a program like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Photopaint, that lets you edit photographs and other images.
Drawing
Inkscape, like Illustrator or Coreldraw, allows you to create drawings and designs.
Video Editing
Ubuntu comes with a simple video editor, but if you want more, or if you use a different distro, this overview of five video editors will help you decide which one is best for you.
Windows Software Equivalents
Linux has much to offer Windows users who have particular program needs. Here is a good list to help you find equivalents in Linux.

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Quick Facts about the Linux OS

Linux is also called GNU/Linux, as it provided a working kernel for the GNU project started by Richard Stallman at MIT in 1984. GNU is an acronym of GNU's Not Unix.
The Linux mascot is a penguin named "Tux', designed by Larry Ewing using GIMP. Some people say the name derives from (T)orvald's (U)ni(X). The name is also short for tuxedo, often called a penguin suit.
Linus Torvald created Linux in response to the inadequacies of Minix, a Unix-inspired operating system he used at University. He began by writing a terminal emulator, then wanted to be able to transfer and save files. He uploaded the first version of Linux in September 1991.
Linux was nearly called Freax (pronounced like freaks).
Microsoft has contributed 20,000 lines of code to Linux!
You can try out the Ubuntu version of Linux without making changes to your current system

Helpful links

Ubuntu: Linux for the layman
The official website of the most popular Linux distribution. Get your download from here to try Linux for yourself.
The most popular Linux distros
A nice overview of what's good and what's bad about the most popular Linux distributions.
How big is Linux?
Market shares of the main operating systems.
How to run Windows programs under Linux
Open-source (free!) software lets you run Windows programs your Linux computer.
Linux Online
For information, courses, news, projects, events and more.

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Linux Pronunciation

Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux, explains how the word should be pronounced. This clip taken from a longer interview from Revolution OS. Buy the DVD! :)

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