Linux
Also known as: GNU/Linux, Linux operating system, Linux kernel
Linux is a free, open-source operating system kernel, the core software that manages a computer's hardware, first released by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
Combined with other tools, it forms operating systems called distributions, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Linux Mint. Linux runs most of the internet's servers, every top supercomputer, Android phones, smart TVs, routers, and cars. While Linux is everywhere behind the scenes, it remains a small share of desktop computers, mainly because popular commercial software and games often target Windows.
Linux, explained at three levels
At home
Linux is like a free recipe that anyone can use, change, and share. Different groups cook their own versions, called distributions, each with its own flavour.
At work
Many business systems, websites, and cloud services run on Linux, even if staff use Windows or Macs.
At home
You can try Linux from a USB stick without installing it. Beginner-friendly versions such as Linux Mint and Ubuntu can give older computers a second life.
At work
Enterprise distributions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu LTS offer long-term support. Linux servers are managed through the command line, SSH, and automation tools.
At home
Some apps, like certain Microsoft Office versions and some games with anti-cheat software, don't run on Linux. In my opinion, check your must-have apps before switching.
At work
Track distribution support lifecycles, patch kernels and packages promptly, use configuration management, and harden servers. Linux skills are valuable for anyone managing cloud infrastructure.
Real-world examples
At home
Jerome's old laptop couldn't run Windows 11. He installed Linux Mint, and it ran smoothly for web browsing, email, and documents.
At work
Nadia manages cloud infrastructure for a Toronto e-commerce startup. All of its web servers run Ubuntu Linux, with security patches applied automatically.
How it compares
| feature | Linux | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually free | Licence fee, often included |
| Source code | Open | Closed |
| Server use | Dominant | Common in businesses |
| Desktop app support | Narrower | Widest |
Linux rules servers and devices. Windows rules desktops.
For analysts
When reviewing technology stacks, I'd note where Linux runs critical services. Those systems need patching and skills plans, even in Windows-centric organizations.
History & origin
Richard Stallman launched the GNU project in 1983 to build a free Unix-like operating system. In August 1991, Linus Torvalds, a student in Helsinki, announced a hobby kernel that became Linux, later released under the GNU General Public License. Companies such as Red Hat, founded in 1993, built businesses around Linux, and IBM invested heavily from around 2000. Canonical's Ubuntu, launched in 2004, made desktop Linux friendlier. Android, released in 2008, used the Linux kernel, putting Linux in billions of pockets, and since 2017 every one of the world's 500 fastest supercomputers has run Linux. Valve's Steam Deck in 2022 brought Linux gaming to many players. In my view, Linux is the most successful collaborative project in computing history.