Blair Armeau

What is Linux?

Linux is an implementation of the POSIX specification with additions from both System V and BSD. It is available under the GPL (General Public License), meaning that its source code is open and freely available to all without commercial constraint as long as the individual or company adopting its use abides by the GPL. See http://www.linux.org for more details.

Linux looks and runs like UNIX, but was built from an entirely different source code base. It is very different from other operating systems available today, not only because it is free, but also because the complete source code is distributed to anyone who wants it. It is actually illegal, as defined in the GPL, to distribute changes to the operating system without providing the source code to those changes.

One feature that makes Linux so compelling is that it is developed and maintained by a community of software developers around the world. These developers, both amateur and professional, revel in the idea of producing a stable and powerful alternative to expensive, closed operating systems. Rather than trying to hide problems, these developers enjoy openly discussing them and then teaming to implement the solutions as quickly as possible.

The operating system itself and an entire set of tools, utilities, and applications are available complete with source code. To many, this represents a level of security and stability unmatched by any commercial operating system. System problems, security issues, and future enhancements are discussed openly. Every user of Linux has access to every aspect of the software. For more information on Linux, see http://www.linux.org .

Why businesses are adopting Linux servers

Businesses are deciding to adopt Linux primarily because of its powerful economics. For many solutions ranging from high-availability Web applications to replicated business solutions, the program only needs to be designed once, then deployed many times and efficiently managed
from a central location. Linux fits this task in unique and powerful ways. But that’s not all: as an open source software environment, Linux lends itself to customization and special purpose tasks for which no other operating system offers a form as malleable. Until recently being embraced by Lotus and IBM, among other industry giants, some business people objected to the lack of applications for Linux.