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What is Linux?
- Linux is the kernel of a Unix-like operating system.
- Started as a hobby project by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
- Is fully Open Source, and runs on many, many processors (x86, Alpha,
SPARC, PPC, m68k, MIPS, StrongARM, etc.)
- Kernel development, still coordinated by Linus, now involves
several hundred programmers.
- Development process is completely open -- anyone interested and able
can read and participate with the other developers.
- Linux, by itself, is not a full Operating System.
- To be useful as a computing environment, other software must
be added to provide user interfaces, applications, etc.
- A lot of this work had already been done by the Free
Software Foundation's GNU project.
- Thus, some refer to a complete Linux Operating System as GNU/Linux.
- Linux and Linux systems are highly modular.
- Can be configured for optimal performance for particular applications.
- Running as a server? Don't bother installing the Windowing system.
- Firewall/Router? Shutdown all services not required. Harden those
that are.
- Running as a client? Shut down file sharing functions to improve
performance and lower security risks.
- Upgrading is easier. Bug tracking is simpler because of clearer demarcation of responsibility.
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