- Linux is an open-source operating system started in the early 1990s by Linus Torvalds that runs on many computer architectures. It allows collaboration on software development worldwide under the GPL license. - The Linux development model uses a community of contributors who develop, debug, and maintain code through peer review and integration by maintainers. This has led to high quality, secure software. - The document discusses examples of government agencies and organizations that are using Linux, including the US Department of Energy, NASA, state governments, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. It notes that adoption of Linux in government has been slow.