Linux is, strictly speaking, a kernel (the core of an operating system) written by Linus Torvalds and later combined with tools from the GNU project. Today, when we say "Linux" we usually mean a complete operating system built on that kernel.
Why is it so popular?#
- It is open source: anyone can see, modify and redistribute its code.
- It is free and lightweight and runs well even on old hardware.
- It is stable and more secure than many alternatives, and can run on a server for months without a restart.
- It is highly customizable.
Where will you meet it?#
Most WordPress hosts and web servers run on Linux. Android is also built on the Linux kernel. If you have bought Linux hosting, you are working with it without knowing it.
Linux for an ordinary user#
You do not have to replace Windows with it. You can try it from a USB drive or install it alongside Windows. Choosing the right "distribution" matters, because Linux is not a single product and comes in different versions.
Common mistake#
Linux is not "just a command line". Desktop distributions such as Ubuntu have a complete graphical environment, although the command line is still useful for professional work.