Linux

Linux is an open-source, free, and a multi-user operating system. This means that as an open-source OS, the code for Linux is publicly available, and as a multi-user system it allows multiple users to access the system at once. Linux is also a highly secure system with enhanced authentication features, especially providing controlled access for its files.

Linux Kernel and Distributions

Linux operating systems exist in different forms. The term Linux actually refers to the Linux kernel, which is a core part of an operating system. It controls everything in the system, creates, kills, and manages the processes in the system, and also enables them to access the devices of the computer.

Most Linux operating systems are based on this Linux kernel. They are termed as Linux distributions (also known as Linux distros). Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora are famous Linux distributions.