What is Linux?

Background

Linux is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world. Developed under the GNU General Public License , the source code for Linux is freely available to everyone. The Linux kernel was first released to the public on 17 September 1991, for the Intel x86 PC architecture. Linux is now packaged for different uses in Linux distributions, which contain the kernel along with a variety of other software packages tailored to requirements.

Who uses Linux?

Well we seem to be in good company. Linux has gained the support of corporations such as IBM, Sun Microsystems, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Novell. Apart from the fact that it's freely distributed, Linux's functionality, adaptability and robustness, has made it the main alternative for proprietary Unix and Microsoft operating systems.

What's it used for?

Predominantly known for its use in servers due to its incredible stability and robust security, Linux is now starting to become more widely used as a desktop OS to replace Windows or OS X.

We use Linux in combination with the Apache web server software to provide the level of security and dependability that our customers expect from our reliable managed hosting. They can't afford to have unscheduled downtime and neither can we.

You can find out more information about Linux from linux.org.