What is Linux?

Linux is a free open-source operating system based on Unix. Linus Torvalds originally created Linux with the assistance of developers from around the world.

* Free
* Unix Like
* Open Source
* Network operating system

Also we can say Linux is a kernel.
Kernel: A kernel provides access to the computer hardware and control access to resources. The kernel decides who will use a resource, for how long and when.

Linux distribution: Linux kernel itself is useless unless you get all the applications such as text editors, email clients, browsers, office applications, etc. Therefore, someone came up with idea of a Linux distribution

Linux distribution = Linux kernel + GNU system utilities and libraries + Installation scripts + Management utilities etc.


A typical Linux distribution includes:

• Linux kernel


• GNU application utilities such as text editors, browsers


• GUI (X windows)


• Office application software


• Software development tools and compilers


• Thousands of ready to use application software packages


• Linux Installation programs/scripts


• Linux post installation management tools daily work such as adding users, installing applications, etc