About Linux Operating Systems
Linux operating systems are used in a wide range of contexts, from education to business. A Linux operating system is any one using the Linux kernel, which provides the basis for system software by managing communication between it and the computer's hardware components. Linux is one of the major examples of open source software in use, as are many of the operating systems based on it, meaning that their source code can be accessed freely.
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History
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The Linux kernel dates back to 1991, when computing student Linus Torvalds created it. The UNIX operating system had been around for two decades and many of the other operating systems being developed were based on it, as was Linux. The initial development of the kernel was carried out on MINIX, another UNIX type operating system in use at the time. Initially the licensing used for Linux meant it was not possible to use it within commercial systems, but there was a change in the license being used in the early days of the project to allow this.
Free and Open Source
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The Linux kernel was designed to be freely available and still is today. The license used for it is the GNU General Public License, although this was not the original license. Operating systems using the Linux kernel can access and modify the source code in any way, a fundamental principle in the open source movement. The license also states that any systems produced using the kernel must also provide access to their source code, but unlike Linux they do not have to be freely distributed, so can be sold commercially.
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Distributions
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A great variety of operating systems are based on the Linux kernel, aimed at many different sectors and contexts. These are known as Linux "distributions." Within the Web, the Linux operating system plays a major role, as Linux systems are used on more Web servers than any other system. For desktop use, Debian forms the basis for Ubuntu, which is among the most popular distributions along with Fedora. Linux has also formed the basis for a variety of mobile platforms such as Android and is therefore a major ingredient in a fast growing sector of mobile technology.
Contexts
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The use of Linux operating systems varies across sectors. The Internet has continued to be one setting in which Linux is the dominant player, with an estimated more than half of all servers using a Linux system. Because Linux is designed to accommodate a wide variety of computing hardware, it can be used in many different types of device, including desktop and mobile. As well as smartphones, Linux is used on other mobile phones, plus games consoles and other gadgets such as music players. The full range of personal computers can be used via Linux operating systems, including everything from powerful desktop machines to laptops and tablet PCs.
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References
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