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...Linux has several well-deserved reputations, including robustness, up-to-the-minute technology and fast, economical code... Bill Machrone, PCWeek


An Introduction To Linux

Linux is a freely available (GPL Licensed) operating system based heavily on the POSIX and UNIX API's. It supports both 32 and 64 bit hardware and provides a stable multiuser internet ready operating system.

Linux itself is not Unix, although many people call it that and you would be very hard pushed to tell the difference. Unfortunately the Unix trademark is specific to systems that meet a complex set of X/Open standards and has a cost. Some Linux vendors however are working on "Unix" branding.

Linux was originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world. Linux is an independent POSIX implementation and includes true multitasking, virtual memory, shared libraries, demand loading, proper memory management, TCP/IP networking, and other features consistent with Unix-type systems.

Linux uses internet and industry standard components and protocols giving a system with complete network integration. The operating system can act as a server for most major file serving protocols, and provide all the major internet applications. The X window system provides a networked and platform independent graphical interface that (unlike proprietary user interfaces) allows one desktop to access applications running on multiple machines across local and wide area networks.

Linux is normally obtained as a "distribution". This is a combination of the Linux operating system kernel and other tools, utilities and applications. Some of these are available for free over the internet, and others on CD-ROM. Because Linux itself is free software that can be freely copied, many distributions are available both over the internet and sold on CD-ROM with added convenience and support.

Here are some links to follow to more information about Linux.

Linux.org

Sunsite Linux information


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