Linux is a robust, modern, 32 bit operating system, based around a modern concept known as OpenSource or free (as in freedom) software. Originally started by LinusTorvalds a student in Finland, in the early 1990s, it has experienced massive growth, and today is used by millions of people worldwide, on millions of computer systems.

The Linux computer operating system is free, stable and extremely versatile. Linux is now a mainstream business tool, used worldwide in a multitude of situations from running small offices to hosting and protecting large international commercial installations.

Linux is a general purpose operating system, meaning that it is suitable for both workstations and servers. Linux supports many advanced features such as; 32 bit (64 bit, in some situations) hardware, pre-emptive multitasking, protected memory, multiple users and TCP/IP networking. Linux runs on a large variety of hardware architectures, including the x86 family, Alpha, Sparc, PowerPC, and even the unreleased Intel Itanium. Linux even runs on low power embeddable chips such as the StrongARM. Flexibility is one of Linux's strongest attributes.

The development of Linux was started in the ’80s to a provide Unix compatable operating system that took advantage of cheaper, PC hardware. It now runs on everything from hand-helds to Macs.

Millions of developers are developing Linux and OpenSource software – without their efforts, the Intenet simply would not run – and Linux is being adopted by the mainstream. Both IBM and Sun have made major commitments to the development and support of open source software, and Apple’s new operating system, OS X, is based on another open source Unix variant, FreeBSD.

Linux on the server
As a server platform, Unix systems are reliable, secure and robust. They are the systems of choice for Internet service providers and large IT installations in government, corporate and educational institutions. OpenSource developers are constantly improving support for proprietary software, such as Windows file sharing and Front Page extensions.

Linux on the desktop
Linux is getting to the point where it is a viable desktop system. There are many office applications available, from the Open Office suite to calendar and productivity tools. Linux desktops have been adopted by several large organizations.

Linux