Linux is a free and open-source operating system that is based on the Unix operating system. It was originally developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 as a hobby project, and has since grown into a popular and widely-used operating system for desktop and server computers, mobile devices, and other embedded systems.
Linux is made up of a kernel, which is the core component of the operating system, and a set of user-space utilities and libraries that provide various functions and services. Because it is open-source, Linux is highly customizable and can be modified and extended by developers and users to suit their specific needs.
There are hundreds of different Linux distributions, or “distros,” that are based on the Linux kernel and use various combinations of software packages and configurations to create unique operating systems. Some of the most popular Linux distros include:
- Ubuntu
- Debian
- Fedora
- CentOS
- Arch Linux
- openSUSE
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- Linux Mint
- Gentoo
- Slackware
Each Linux distro has its own release schedule and versioning system. Some distros, like Ubuntu, have a regular release cycle with a new version coming out every six months or so, while others, like Debian, have a more sporadic release schedule. Most distros also have a “stable” version that is recommended for general use, as well as a “testing” or “rolling” version that includes newer, less-tested software packages.