Linux is an open-source operating system developed in 1991 by Linus Torvalds and is the foundation for various Linux-based operating systems. It has become one of the world’s most popular and widely used operating systems. Linux was created as an alternative to proprietary operating systems like Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS. Based on the Unix operating system and shares many of its design principles.

Known for its stability, security, and flexibility, Linux is widely used in servers, mobile devices, embedded systems, and personal computers. Linux is open-source, meaning that anyone can modify and distribute its source code. This has led to the development of numerous Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. Each distribution has its own features, software packages, and user interfaces, but they all share the Linux kernel at their core.

Linux offers a command-line interface (CLI) and graphical user interfaces (GUIs), such as GNOME, KDE, and Xfce. It provides flexibility and choice for users. It has a robust community of developers and users who contribute to its ongoing development, ensuring continuous improvement and frequent updates.