Linux (operating system): Difference between revisions

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'''Linux''' is a [[Unix-like]] computer [[operating system]] family that uses the [[Linux kernel]]. A Linux system which includes [[system utility|system utilities]] and [[Library (computer science)|libraries]] from the [[GNU Project]] is sometimes referred to as '''GNU/Linux'''.
'''Linux''' is a [[Unix-like]] computer [[operating system]] family that uses the [[Linux kernel]]. A Linux system which includes [[system utility|system utilities]] and [[Library (computer science)|libraries]] from the [[GNU Project]] is sometimes referred to as '''GNU/Linux'''.
Initially developed and used primarily by individual enthusiasts on [[personal computer]]s, Linux has since gained the support of corporations such as [[IBM]], [[Sun Microsystems]], [[Hewlett-Packard]], and [[Novell, Inc.]], and has risen to prominence as an operating system for [[server (computing)|server]]s; [[Netcraft]] reported in September 2006 that eight of the ten most reliable internet hosting companies run Linux on their [[web server]]s.
Linux has been more widely [[port (computing)|port]]ed to different computing platforms than any other operating system.It is used in devices ranging from [[supercomputer]]s to [[mobile phone]]s, and has a foothold in the personal computer and business desktop markets.
== History ==
{{main|History of the Linux kernel}}
[[Image:Richard Matthew Stallman.jpeg|thumb|left|[[Richard Stallman]], founder of the [[GNU project]] for a free operating system.]]

Revision as of 05:36, 24 January 2007

Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system family that uses the Linux kernel. A Linux system which includes system utilities and libraries from the GNU Project is sometimes referred to as GNU/Linux.

Initially developed and used primarily by individual enthusiasts on personal computers, Linux has since gained the support of corporations such as IBM, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and Novell, Inc., and has risen to prominence as an operating system for servers; Netcraft reported in September 2006 that eight of the ten most reliable internet hosting companies run Linux on their web servers.

Linux has been more widely ported to different computing platforms than any other operating system.It is used in devices ranging from supercomputers to mobile phones, and has a foothold in the personal computer and business desktop markets.


History

For more information, see: History of the Linux kernel.
File:Richard Matthew Stallman.jpeg
Richard Stallman, founder of the GNU project for a free operating system.