What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system. The easiest way to understand an operating system is to look at other popular operating systems including Microsoft Windows and Windows NT, Apple Mac/S and Sun Microsystems UNIX. An operating system is the guts of any computer or microprocessor. It tells a computer how to do basic tasks such as save or share files, print documents, add users to a network, receive input from a keyboard, display information on a monitor and numerous other tasks.

An operating system is the foundation on which useful applications are built to allow individuals and organizations to be more productive. Examples of applications include word processors, personal finance managers, enterprise resource planning packages and countless others.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.