Definition: What is Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel and is a free GNU software. Linux was developed in 1991 by the Finn Linus Torvalds as an evolution of the UNIX operating system. Since then it has been further developed by many programmers around the world. It has been adjusted to the specific needs of users so that there are now a variety of versions and different applications. Popular Linux distributions are Suse, Debian, Red Hat, Ubuntu and Mandriva. Linux is mainly used as an operating system for servers and mainframe computers but also in many mobile devices such as Google's Android.