Is Linux an opperating system

Answer 1

There are a range of versions of Linux - part of it's appeal is that it can be used for a wide range of computers, from phones to supercomputers.

Linux is based on the Unix operating system; both can offer real time, multitasking, multiuser, lightweight and flexible systems - although not necessarily all of these at the same time.

Answer 2

Yes, Linux is an operating system, though a lot of people will claim it is merely a kernel, ignoring the fact that the entire kernel space is centered around the kernel named Linux, which effectively upgrades Linux from "just a kernel" to "a fully supported operating system layer."

Linux fulfills all the requirements of an operating system: It manages hardware, processes, and resources, and provides a foundation for a userspace to run on.

Many also try to claim the operating sysem is actually GNU. They are incorrect, as GNU is simply a sizable chunk of Linux's userspace that, and a lot of FSF fans will hate me for pointing this out, can be completely replaced with 1:1 feature parity by non-GNU applications. This is why it is Linux and not GNU/Linux.

Answer 3

As a desktop operating system, yes. Linux has widespread support in the corporate and scientific world, however, and is the primary or only choice for many situations.

Answer 4

Colloquially speaking, "Linux" refers to the operating system distribution that includes the Linux kernel.

Answer 5

Yes, Linux is open source.