What is a Linux server?
Linux is a Unix operating system that was initially created by Linus Torvalds as a hobby. Linus had decided to develop a system that surpassed the Minix standards (a small Unix system).
In 1991 Linus released version 0.02 and then in 1994 version 1.0 of the Linux Kernel was released.
The kernel is at the heart of all Linux server systems. The source code is available to everyone and is developed and released under the GNU (General Public License).
The kernel is the base around which a Linux operating system is developed. Hundreds of companies and individuals have now released their own versions of operating systems based on the Linux kernel.
The current full-featured version is 2.6 (released December 2003) and development continues.
A Linux server is the main alternative for proprietary Unix and Microsoft operating systems as it is freely distributed and offers enhanced functionality, adaptability and robustness.
Linux hosting has been adopted worldwide primarily as a server platform and many major companies have embraced Linux and support its ongoing development.
The use of Linux as a home and office desktop operating system is increasing. It can also be incorporated directly into microchips in a process called "embedding" and is increasingly being used this way in appliances and devices.
Who is Tux? (The Linux Penguin!)
The Penguin is the mascot of the Linux server community. One point of interest is that the beak of the Linux penguin is yellow instead of the black beak normally found on a penguin. It most resembles an Adelie penguin. The Penguin's name is Tux. The name came from the amalgamation of Torvalds UniX.
During the early days of its existence IT people dismissed Linux’s potential, thinking it was unsuitable for the general public's computing needs.
But through the efforts of developers of desktop management systems, there is now a wide range of applications that run on Linux and it can be used by anyone regardless of his/her knowledge of computers.
Click on the link for tips on how to be successful with a Linux server.
