This document provides an introduction to Linux, including: - What Linux is and where it came from, as an open source operating system created by Linus Torvalds in 1991. - How to get Linux through downloading a distribution like Red Hat and the packages it includes. - Why Linux has become significant due to its growing popularity, ability to run on multiple hardware platforms, and being free. - An overview of Linux commands and utilities for file management, processes, users and permissions.