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Linux

Adapted from Wikipedia ยท Explorer experience

Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer known for creating Linux.

What is Linux?

Linux is a special kind of operating system that helps computers run. It was created by a person named Linus Torvalds in 1991 while he was a student at the University of Helsinki. An operating system is like the boss of a computer. It tells all the other parts what to do.

Linux is different because anyone can see, change, and share its code. This is called free and open-source software. Many people around the world help make Linux better every day.

Where Do We See Linux?

You might not think about it, but Linux is everywhere!

  • On big computers: Many of the fastest and biggest computers in the world use Linux. These are called servers, and they help run websites and big businesses.
  • On phones: When you use an Android phone, you are using a kind of Linux! Android is based on Linux, even though it looks a little different.
  • On small devices: Linux can even run on tiny devices, like smart home gadgets and cars.

Why Do People Like Linux?

People like Linux for many reasons:

  • It is free: You do not have to pay for Linux. This makes it easy for anyone to use.
  • It is safe: Because many eyes look at the code, Linux is often very safe from bad things that can hurt computers.
  • It works on many devices: Whether you have a small phone or a huge supercomputer, Linux can work on it.

Fun Facts About Linux

  • There are thousands of versions of Linux. These are called distributions or distros. Some popular ones are Debian, Ubuntu, and Linux Mint.
  • Linux is used by many movie studios to help make special effects for films.
  • Some countries, like France, are starting to use Linux more in their schools and offices.

Linux is a wonderful example of how people can work together to create something useful and free for everyone.

Images

Screenshot of the Fedora Linux 40 operating system using the KDE Plasma desktop interface.
A white Nexus 5X smartphone, a popular mobile device released by LG Electronics.
Chromebooks on display at a Staples store.
A tiny Linux server from 2005, showing off early computer technology with a classic CRT monitor.
A screenshot showing the overview mode of the GNOME Shell computer interface.
Screenshot showing a computer screen with a tiling window manager interface.
A screenshot of the Cinnamon desktop interface on Linux Mint showing Mozilla Firefox and the Nemo file manager.
Screenshot showing the GnuCash financial management software on a Linux computer.

Related articles

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Linux, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.