Linux (commonly pronounced /ˈlɪnəks/) is a generic term
referring to Unix-like computer operating systems based on
the Linux kernel. Their development is one of the most
prominent examples of free and open source software
collaboration; typically all the underlying source code can
be used, freely modified, and redistributed by anyone under
the terms of the GNU GPL and other free licenses. Linux is
predominantly known for its use in servers, although it is
installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging
from embedded devices and mobile phones to supercomputers.
Linux distributions, installed on both desktop and laptop
computers, have become increasingly commonplace in recent
years, owing largely to the popular Ubuntu distribution and
to the emergence of netbooks. The name
"Linux" (Linus-linux.ogg listen
(help·info)) comes from the Linux kernel, originally
written in 1991 by Linus Torvalds. The rest of the system
usually comprises components such as the Apache.