Things To Know Before Using Linux

Linux & The GNU

Linux is the name usually given to any Unix-like computer operating system that uses the Linux kernel. Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development: typically all underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone.

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.

GNU is a computer operating system composed entirely of free software. Its name is a recursive acronym for GNU's Not Unix; it was chosen because its design is Unix-like, but differs from Unix by being free software and containing no Unix code. Development of GNU was initiated by Richard Stallman and was the original focus of the Free Software Foundation (FSF).


Linux is considered as an Operating System though Linux in itself is not an OS ! Linux basically known as Kernel which works as a heart of the OS. Linux combined with Gnu/Foss Software and Desktop Environment constitute to a Full functional Operating System.

Linux has gone through radical changes .. and with some heavy development and improvements Linux has emerged as a usable Desktop now. Linux now has started dominating other fields too like use of Linux in mobile phones has drastically increased, and within no time Vendors have started shipping Linux based phones over Windows Mobile .. Mobile giants like Nokia, Motorola has adopted Linux/Gnu as they had been shipping Linux based Mobiles and after Symbian goes Open Source you can expect a lot from upcoming Nokia phones