Linux: What is it all about?
Like Microsoft Windows, Linux is an Operating System (OS); meaning it “communicates” between the hardware and the software on a computer. Unlike Windows, it is free. You do not have to pay to buy it. Most of you must be aware that at the time of buying a computer, the chap selling it to you will ask you if you want Windows installed (at a price) or you could make do with Linux (free). No doubt, for years now, Windows has been the more popular version. Slowly but surely though, especially in the last few years, Linux has started creeping into the consciousness of PC owners. Some have criticized Linux for not doing enough marketing before.
Actually Linux was developed by a 21-year-old student, Linus Torvalds, at the University of Helsinki,Finland, way back in 1991. Linus worked on developing the OS for 4 years, and in 1994 released the first version of the Linux kernel (kernel means the central component of any OS). It was released under the GNU General Public Licence. i.e. its code is available freely to everyone. Initially, Linux was used primarily in servers but as the years rolled by, it also got popular as an OS on desktops and laptops. Linux can also be directly loaded on to microchips; meaning it can be embedded, and so used in various devices.
Like Microsoft, Linux, too, has a logo – Tux the Penguin. Created by Larry Ewing, he drew the Penguin on his home computer using Linux. He, then, gave it away free to Linus to use as a logo.
©Ask Bob September 26, 2010
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