Linux (pronounced lɪnəks or / lɪnʊks /) [1] is the name given to the type of computer operating system Unix. Linux is one example of the development of free software and open source principal. Like the free software and other open source in general, Linux source code can be modified, used and redistributed freely by anyone. [2]
The name "Linux" comes from the name of the kernel (Linux kernel), which was made in 1991 by Linus Torvalds. The system, equipment and system libraries generally come from the GNU operating system, which was announced in 1983 by Richard Stallman. The GNU contribution is the basis of the emergence of the alternative name GNU / Linux. [3]
Linux has long been known for its use in servers, and backed by companies such as Dell's leading computer, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell, Oracle Corporation, Red Hat, and Sun Microsystems. Linux is used as the operating system in various types of computer hardware, including desktop computers, supercomputers, [4], and Embedded systems such as electronic book readers, video game systems (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and XBox [5]), mobile phones and router. Analysts believe the success of information technology Linux because Linux does not depend on the vendor (vendor independence), low operating costs, and higher compatibility than no free versions of UNIX, as well as safety factor and high stability compared to other operating systems like Microsoft Windows. These characteristics also be evidence of the benefits of the development model of open source software (opensource software).
Linux operating system known as Linux distributions (Linux distribution) or a general Linux distribution already includes device-support software such as web servers, programming languages, databases, desktop display (desktop environment) (such as Gnome and KDE), and office application packages (office suite) as OpenOffice.org, KOffice, Abiword, and Gnumeric.
