What’s Linux?#
Linux is an open-source operating system that dates back to the early 1990s. Its journey began in 1991, when Linus Torvalds, a Finnish computer science student, embarked on creating a kernel based on Unix principles.
Key Events in Linux History#
August 25, 1991:
Linus posted a now-famous message on the Usenet groupcomp.os.minix, stating:“I’m doing a (free) operating system (just a hobby, won’t be big and professional like gnu)…”
October 1991:
Linux version 0.02 was released, containing the basic core components that would eventually evolve into the modern Linux kernel.
The Role of the GNU Project#
Linux combined with GNU (a project started by Richard Stallman to create a free Unix-like operating system) formed the basis of what is now called GNU/Linux. The GNU tools, such as the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) and Bash shell, were integral to the success of Linux.
Linux Today#
Today, Linux is everywhere:
Servers
Linux powers over 90% of the servers that run the internet.Cloud Computing
Linux is at the heart of major cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.Embedded Systems
Linux is used in devices ranging from smartphones to IoT gadgets.
Did You Know?#
The Linux mascot, a penguin named Tux, was chosen by Torvalds after he was once bitten by a penguin at a zoo. 🐧
Linux Kernel Version Table#
| Version | Release Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | March 1994 | First stable release of the kernel. |
| 2.4 | January 2001 | Added support for USB, IPv6, and more. |
| 3.0 | July 2011 | Improved scalability and ARM support. |
| 4.0 | April 2015 | Introduced live patching capabilities. |
| 5.0 | March 2019 | Better hardware support, energy efficiency improvements. |
Conclusion#
From its humble beginnings as a hobby project, Linux has grown into a global phenomenon. Thanks to the power of open-source collaboration, it has become the backbone of modern computing, shaping the internet, cloud services, and even smart devices.
