 | |
| OS family | Unix-like |
|---|---|
| Working state | Current |
| Kernel type | Monolithic kernel |
| License | GNU General Public License and others |
Linux (commonly pronounced IPA: /ˈlɪnəks/ in English; variants exist[1]) is a Unix-like computer operating system family which uses the Linux kernel. Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development; typically all the underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone.[2]
Predominantly known for its use in servers, it is installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from embedded devices and mobile phones to supercomputers.[3]
The name "Linux" comes from the Linux kernel, originally written in 1991 by Linus Torvalds. The system's utilities and libraries usually come from the GNU operating system, announced in 1983 by Richard Stallman. The GNU contribution is the basis for the alternative name GNU/Linux.[4]
The creation of the Linux kernel
In 1991, Torvalds began to work on a non-commercial replacement for MINIX while he was attending the University of Helsinki,[5] which would eventually become the Linux kernel.
Contributions from GNU
Linux was originally dependent on the MINIX user space. With code from the GNU system freely available, it was to their advantage if this could be used with Linux. Code licensed under the GNU GPL can be used in other projects, so long as they also are released under the same or a compatible license. In order to make the Linux kernel compatible with the components from the GNU Project, Torvalds initiated a switch from his original license (which prohibited commercial redistribution) to the GNU GPL.[6] Linux and GNU developers worked to integrate GNU components with Linux to make a fully functional and free operating system.[7]
Commercial and popular uptake
Today Linux is used in numerous domains, from embedded systems[8] to supercomputers,[9] and has secured a place in server installations with the popular LAMP application stack.[10] Linux use in home desktop and enterprise desktop has been rapidly expanding and now claims a significant share of the desktop market.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17]
Linux has also become popular with the newly founded netbook market, with many devices such as the ASUS Eee PC and Acer Aspire One shipping with customized Linux distributions pre-installed.
Current Development
Torvalds continues to direct the development of the kernel. Stallman heads the Free Software Foundation, which in turn supports the GNU components. Finally, individuals and corporations develop third-party non-GNU components. These third-party components comprise a vast body of work and may include both kernel modules and user applications and libraries. Linux vendors and communities combine and distribute the kernel, GNU components, and non-GNU components, with additional package management software in the form of Linux distributions.
Design
Linux is a modular Unix-like operating system. It derives much of its basic design from principles established in Unix during the 1970s and 1980s. Linux uses a monolithic kernel, the Linux kernel, which handles process control, networking, and peripheral and file system access. Device drivers are integrated directly with the kernel.
Much of Linux's higher-level functionality is provided by separate projects which interface with the kernel. The GNU userland is an important part of most Linux systems, providing the shell and Unix tools which carry out many basic operating system tasks. On top these tools form a Linux system with a graphical user interface that can be used, usually running in the X Window System.
