Linux is a family of open-source
Unix-like operating systems based
on the Linux kernel, an operating
system kernel first released on
September 17, 1991, by Linus
Torvalds.
Linux is typically packaged in a
Linux distribution. Distributions
include the Linux kernel and
supporting system software and
libraries, many of which are
provided by the GNU Project.
Many Linux distributions use the
word "Linux" in their name, but
the Free Software Foundation
uses the name GNU/Linux to
emphasize the importance of
GNU software, causing some
controversy.
Popular Linux distributions include
Debian, Fedora, and Ubuntu. Commercial
distributions include Red Hat Enterprise
Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
Desktop Linux distributions include a
windowing system such as X11 or Wayland,
and a desktop environment such as GNOME
or KDE Plasma. Distributions intended for
servers may omit graphics altogether, or
include a solution stack such as LAMP.
Because Linux is freely redistributable,
anyone may create a distribution for any
purpose.
Linux was originally developed for personal
computers based on the Intel x86 architecture,
but has since been ported to more platforms
than any other operating system. Because of the
dominance of Android on smartphones, Linux
also has the largest installed base of all
general-purpose operating systems.
Although it is used by only around 2.3 percent
of desktop computers, the Chromebook, which runs
the Linux kernel-based Chrome OS, dominates the
US K–12 education market and represents nearly
20 percent of sub-$300 notebook sales in the US.
Linux is the leading operating system on servers
(over 96.4% of the top 1 million web servers'
operating systems are Linux), leads other big
iron systems such as mainframe computers, and is
the only OS used on TOP500 supercomputers (since
November 2017, having gradually eliminated all
competitors).
Linux also runs on embedded systems, i.e. devices
whose operating system is typically built into the
firmware and is highly tailored to the system.
This includes routers, automation controls, smart
home technology (like Google Nest), televisions
(Samsung and LG Smart TVs use Tizen and WebOS,
respectively), automobiles (for example, Tesla,
Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Toyota all rely
on Linux), digital video recorders, video game
consoles, and smartwatches. The Falcon 9's and the
Dragon 2's avionics use a customized version of Linux.
Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free
and open-source software collaboration. The source code
may be used, modified and distributed commercially or
non-commercially by anyone under the terms of its
respective licenses, such as the GNU General Public
License.
90% of all cloud infrastructure is powered by Linux
including supercomputers and cloud providers. 74% of
smartphones in the world are Linux-based.