Linux is a free and open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel first released in 1991 by Linus Torvalds. It was developed to be compatible with Unix and includes components from the GNU Project to form a complete operating system. Linux has grown in popularity for use in servers, supercomputers, embedded systems, and is also used widely as the base for many operating systems on devices like phones and game consoles. Development continues to be led by Torvalds with support from the Free Software Foundation for GNU components and contributions from individuals and companies.

2. WHAT IS LINUX?
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system
assembled under the model of free and open
source software development and distribution.
The defining component of Linux is the Linux
kernel, an operating system kernel first released
on 5 October 1991 by Linus Torvalds.

3. HISTORY
The GNU Project, started in 1983 by Richard
Stallman, had the goal of creating a "complete Unix-
compatible software system" composed entirely of
free software.
In 1985, Stallman started the Free Software
Foundation and wrote the GNU General Public License
(GNU GPL) in 1989.
By the early 1990s, many of the programs required in
an operating system were completed, although low-
level elements such as device drivers, and the kernel
were stalled and incomplete.
Richard Stallman

4. MINIX was an inexpensive minimal Unix-like
operating system, designed for education in computer
science.
In 1991, while attending the University of Helsinki,
Linus Torvalds became curious about operating
systems. He began to work on his own operating
system which eventually became the Linux kernel.
Later, Linux matured and further Linux kernel
development took place on Linux systems. Developers
worked to integrate GNU components with the Linux
kernel, making a fully functional and free operating
system.
Linus Torvalds

5. PRESENT
DEVELOPMENT
 Torvalds continues to direct the
development of the kernel.
 Stallman heads the Free Software
Foundation,which in turn supports
the GNU components.
 Finally, individuals and
corporations develop third-party
components.

6. POPULARITY
Today, Linux systems are used in every domain, such as:
 Embedded systems
 Supercomputers
 Servers
 Use of Linux distributions in home and enterprise desktops has been growing.
 Linux is a widely ported operating system kernel. The Linux kernel runs on a
highly diverse range of computer architectures like PDAs, video game consoles,
portable music players, and mobile phones.
 Specialized distributions exist for less mainstream architectures.

9. GUI DESKTOP
ENVIRONMENTS
UNITY DESKTOP KDE PLASMA 4.9 GNOME 3.8
CINNAMON XFCE 4.10 PANTHEON

10. LINUX VS WINDOWS
LINUX
• Most versions are free. Enterprise
versions are cheap.
• Linux variants have improved
dramatically in ease of use, over
time.
• The majority of Linux versions are
notoriously reliable.
• Open Source – code can be
modified and customized, even
that of other software.
• Linux is and has always been a
very secure operating system.
WINDOWS
• A copy can cost between $50 -
$150.
• It is still easier than Linux.
• Microsoft Windows cannot match
the reliability of Linux.
• Microsoft Windows is not open
source and the majority of
Windows programs are not open
source.
• Windows continues to be the
most vulnerable to viruses and
other attacks.

11. SOME INTERESTING FACTS
o 90% of the world’s most powerful supercomputers are using an operating
system based on GNU/Linux. In fact, the top ten of supercomputers use
Linux. Linux was also selected as the operating system for the world's most
powerful supercomputer, IBM's Sequoia, which became operational in 2011.
o The name of the penguin, i.e. the Linux mascot is Tux. How it got the name
isn’t clear though.
o The Linux kernel is now the most widely ported operating system, running
on a great variety of operating systems.
o Linux is present in highly critical applications such as Japan’s bullet trains,
traffic control of San Francisco, the New York Stock Exchange, CERN,
submarines and warships.
o Renowned companies such as Google, Cisco, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin
etc. use Linux as their main operating system.