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| What Is Linux: An Overview of the Linux Operating System |
| The Future of Linux |
| The Birth of Linux |
| The Code |
| Licensing, Community, and Development |
| The Business of Linux |
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What is Linux?
Linux is, in simplest terms, an operating system. It is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. The operating system (OS) relays instructions from an application to, for instance, the computer's processor. The processor performs the instructed task, then sends the results back to the application via the operating system.
Explained in these terms, Linux is very similar to other operating systems, such as Windows and OS X.
But something sets Linux apart from these operating systems. The Linux operating system represented a $25 billion ecosystem in 2008. Since its inception in 1991, Linux has grown to become a force in computing, powering everything from the New York Stock Exchange to mobile phones to supercomputers to consumer devices.
As an open operating system, Linux is developed collaboratively, meaning no one company is solely responsible for its development or ongoing support. Companies participating in the Linux economy share research and development costs with their partners and competitors. This spreading of development burden amongst individuals and companies has resulted in a large and efficient ecosystem and unheralded software innovation.
Over 1,000 developers, from at least 100 different companies, contribute to every kernel release. In the past two years alone, over 3,200 developers from 200 companies have contributed to the kernel--which is just one small piece of a Linux distribution.
This article will explore the various components of the Linux operating system, how they are created and work together, the communities of Linux, and Linux's incredible impact on the IT ecosystem.
Where is Linux?
One of the most noted properties of Linux is where it can be used. Windows and OS X are predominantly found on personal computing devices such as desktop and laptop computers. Other operating systems, such as Symbian, are found on small devices such as phones and PDAs, while mainframes and supercomputers found in major academic and corporate labs use specialized operating systems such as AS/400 and the Cray OS.
Linux, which began its existence as a server OS and Has become useful as a desktop OS, can also be used on all of these devices. “From wristwatches to supercomputers,” is the popular description of Linux' capabilities.
An abbreviated list of some of the popular electronic devices Linux is used on today includes:
 Dell Inspiron Mini 9 and 12 |  Garmin Nuvi 860, 880, and 5000 |  Google Android Dev Phone 1 |
 HP Mini 1000 |  Lenovo IdeaPad S9 |  Motorola MotoRokr EM35 Phone |
 One Laptop Per Child XO2 |  Sony Bravia Television |  Sony Reader |
 TiVo Digital Video Recorder |  Volvo In-Car Navigation System |  Yamaha Motif Keyboard |
These are just the most recent examples of Linux-based devices available to consumers worldwide. This actual number of items that use Linux numbers in the thousands. The Linux Foundation is building a centralized database that will list all currently offered Linux-based products, as well as archive those devices that pioneered Linux-based electronics.
Comments
Subscribe to Comments Feedphanikumar Said:
it is a nice matter
zoya Said:
really it helped me a lot
RAJU.R.K Said:
dis is a very important to made up use the people and hence i think its a superb operating system of a computer........ Thank u......
sujit Said:
what cloud computing?
AlagZ Said:
Cloud computing is nothing but storing the data in a central pool where multiple users can store and retrieve their data through the internet. This system is useful to store confidential data and also to reduce the space used in the personal system .
Abhishek Said:
Hi I am confused for totaly for linux. and what is future of linux
choji F.D. Said:
Wow! linux. What an amazing OS!
rohit soni Said:
Chutiya hai........
surya Said:
how to operate it?
chris adkins Said:
ask lil b, lil b is all knowing and is based as fuck and knows the based god, ask him...
KOBI Said:
LINUX IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roberto Pizano Said:
Linux may be good but, is not so easy to understand at the beginning, be honest is not a piece of cake.
Junior. Ombi Said:
I want to know the procedures to install ,Configure and Use it
Alve Said:
How can i get Linux operating system
jayant Said:
tooooooooo short.................
HARSHALA Said:
hmmm.........gud ya
ammrin Said:
cloud computing doesn't relate to the content published above but fr the sake of knowledge , it is a service provided 2 u through internet based on pay as u go paradigm
Don 1 Said:
Hmmmm dis people wll kill as wth their Technology oo
b Said:
yes interesting
Zoix Said:
Zoix: It is nice that you include examples on where to use Linux OS.
johnny Said:
Will have to try this Linux out, sounds like you have more control of your device or PC, maybe I could get to enjoy PCs again, so fed up with that other system.
deenachandra kshetri Said:
ITZ 2 SHOT.................. I WAN MORE DETAILS
pamodya Said:
good
supun sudarsha batuwaththa Said:
boruwadA GANDA APA
ali raza Said:
it is general os
me Said:
"In THE simplest terms" it is an operating system kernel, the most important component of an OS. But it isn't a whole operating system yet.
amit Said:
Its a nice operating system to work on....
HITESH BANASURE Said:
Excellent pltform for network......
Darshan Ram Said:
The problem with linux is they have too many version unlike windows.They also need to brighten up by advertising or something.Create something that windows or mac doesnt have and for sure it will be a sucess.
aditi singh Said:
whats the difference between linux and unix..?
Bazza Said:
Is Linux an operating system? I thought it is the KERNEL.
Aizenmyou Said:
@Bazza Stallman likes to confuse people. Linux is by definition the operating system layer. GNU's programs are the userland or application layer.
Jimmy Said:
Differencies between linux and unix
andraexs Said:
live freedom with linux.. i love it
mani Said:
gud1
Deepak Bawa Said:
Ubuntu E-mail this Term A community-developed Linux-based operating system that can be used on desktops, laptops and servers. The operating system includes a variety of applications including those for word processing, e-mail applications, Web server software and also programming tools. Ubuntu is free of charge, including enterprise releases and security updates. It also comes with full commercial support from Canonical. Ubuntu is available in both a desktop and server edition. here's the link http://thepiratebay.se/torrent/7739177/
hitesh vora Said:
thek have....maja no aavi.....
Akanksha Kalla Said:
I found some more relevant questions with their appropriate answers on linux. http://blog.oureducation.in/linux-os/ this site is really helpful. I suggest you all to just check this site once.
lori38 Said:
First of all I have a Samsung Tablet 8.1 and alot of applications that I'd like to download just wont happen. I click on the "download" button, but when I go to open the app./file it tells me "cannot open file". My first question is WHY? Why will it not open, cause i know it downloaded cause when I go into my account before the download it shows me my data usage and after the download is complete I recheck my data usage and its exactly the amount of the app. more. Second ques. I went to download a tool bar from swagbucks and at the top of the page it says "wont work on Linux". What does this mean? I've tried downoading toolbars when I first got my tablet but they just never took. I never could figure out why. Maybe someone out there can help me with my dilema. Plz and Tk U.
abzgal'z Said:
I want more about LINUX for my report. about their capacity, and how many application can apply or install... thank you!
Ratiranjan nayak Said:
LInux is very good . I like linux very much............ I want to know much more about u.......................
sonu Said:
linux is very good
LEIGH BARTON Said:
LINUX is what an operating system is supposed to be, bootable from a live operating system disk, easily installed, the newer versions have graphical user interfaces that make them manageable for unaccustomed users like me, that were taught on basic dos systems. The inclusion of the technically minded in the development approach may hopefully lead to the standardization of operating system function to permit normal people the opportunity to improve the potential of their own computers, and by extension the capability of personal computers in general, unlike Windows, which seems bent on making it impossible for even the best technicians to keep the boat-anchors from sinking. I've already used the live operating system disk to repair failed windows systems for people that would otherwise not have been able to afford the necessary technical support. Windows keeps failing more frequently, and getting progressively more expensive to service. LINUX seems to be the TIMEX of operating systems, ("takes a licking and keeps on ticking") and seems to be the next step in the chain if people like me are going to be able to keep using computers without a million dollar bankroll. It's a premium technical asset, and it seems a lot of catching-up is on my own plate in order to learn how to use it properly. To the creators of LINUX, well done, that's one small step for man, and one giant leap for mankind. compliments.
granpa Said:
Dear leight, will you be so kind and explaine ,,I have OS windows 7 can i dowloded OS. Linux and whot I can got? Thanks. Trgards.Andrew
TechTr Said:
Since when linux is a OS? even though this is for newbies but you should not mislead people. Linux is only the kernel, the other things which makes up the OS is not linux!
durjan rathore barmer Said:
explain the concept of linux its components ?
haddey.hms Said:
oh my god am totally confused..,1 wat z the purposes of linux
Aizenmyou Said:
As I said above, Stallman likes to confuse people. Linux is by definition the operating system layer. GNU's programs are the userland or application layer. Anyone who is not a newb knows this. (People with actual computer science degrees)
Spanzy Said:
I am kinda confused down here
fast1 Said:
Linux is great...I've just bought a 10inch tablet running Linux. 64bit. SW