answersLogoWhite

0

Linux is the generic name for a UNIX-like operating system that can be used on a wide range of devices from supercomputers to wristwatches. The Linux kernel is released under an open source license, so anyone can read and modify its code. It has been modified to run on a large variety of electronics. Although estimates suggest it is used on only 0.5-2% of all personal computers,[8] it has been widely adopted for use in servers and embedded systems[12][13] (such as cell phones). Linux has superseded Unix in most places[which?], and is used on the 10 most powerful supercomputers in the world[14].

The GNU project is a mass collaboration of programmers who seek to create a completely free and open operating system that was similar to Unix but with completely original code. It was started in 1983 by Richard Stallman, and is responsible for many of the parts of most Linux variants. For this reason, Linux is often called GNU/Linux. Thousands of pieces of software for virtually every operating system are licensed under the GNU General Public License. Meanwhile, the Linux kernel began as a side project of Linus Torvalds, a university student from Finland. In 1991, Torvalds began work on it, and posted information about his project on a newsgroup for computer students and programmers. He received a wave of support and volunteers who ended up creating a full-fledged kernel. Programmers from GNU took notice, and members of both projects worked to integrate the finished GNU parts into the Linux kernel in order to create a full-fledged operating system.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is best operating system for database management system?

Linux


Is Linux a operating system?

Yes. Linux is a computer operating system.


What is the best operating system for student in faculty?

Linux RedHat


Which is the best operating system of novel company?

SUSE Enterprise Linux


Is Mobile Linux Operating System powerful and Why?

Linux is not an power full Operating system XP is the most powerfull operating system


Which is the best operating system for hackers?

The best OS for hackers is Backtrack Linux 5.


What are the functions of the three system components in the Linux operating system?

1. There is no the Linux operating system.2. Only one component is strictly necessary to make a Linux operating system - the kernel.


What is the difference between Linux and an operating system?

Linux is an operating system kernel. It is a portion of the software that makes up a complete operating system.


What is a Linux based operating system designed by Google?

No, it is not OS is not a Linux based operating system. Giggles is a search engine and created Chrome Operating system. Linux is its own brand of operating system.


What is the current version of Linux operating system and the name of its distro?

there is no "linux operating system". linux is merely a kernel that operating systems can be built upon, of which there are dozens if not hundreds


What is the best operating system in the world?

Linux is the best operating system in the world, Linux is Open Source, Secure, Stable, License Free and also multi platform supported OS and shipped with thousands of FREE applications.


What's the best free version of Linux for a beginner?

Red hat linux is the best to learn and use if you want a stable operating system.