Linux is a free and open-source operating system based on Unix. It is widely used for servers, supercomputers, smartphones and more due to its reliability, security and flexibility. Linus Torvalds began developing Linux in 1991 as a student project due to the lack of free operating systems. Linux and Unix both use a kernel to control hardware/software resources. Linux is highly modular and customizable as an open-source OS. It is commonly used for servers, desktops, embedded systems, and research.