Linux is an operating system that emerged in 1991, created by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish computer science student. It is inspired by the UNIX system, developed in the 1970s, which was designed to be portable, multitasking and multi-user.
Linux was made available under a free license (the GPL license) allowing anyone to modify, share and use it for free. This encouraged the creation of a large community of developers and users.
Linux is based on the principles of free software:
These ideas are part of a broader movement called "open source", which values collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Linux itself is a kernel, that is, the central part that manages hardware and resources. To create a complete system, we assemble this kernel with software. This gives what we call a "distribution".
You might already be using Linux without knowing it! It's present in Android smartphones, many web servers, and even connected objects like Internet boxes.
Linux is not just an operating system, it's also a way of thinking about computing, based on sharing, freedom and collaboration. As NSI students, you'll have the opportunity to discover an environment that encourages exploration and learning.