Originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers from around the globe, Linux (Pronounced lee-nucks) is a free open-source business-oriented operating system and its kernel, similar to Windows or Mac OS, but based on UNIX. Because of its robustness, stability and availability, Linux has gained popularity in the open source community, among commercial application developers and Independent Software Providers (ISPs) and is becoming popular as a powerful, low-cost operating system for running servers (including web servers).

Linux runs on a variety of hardware platforms including x86 PCs, Alpha, Intel, Sparc®, PowerPC, Alpha Processors and IBM's product line. Although Linux is open source software, which is freely available, the full distribution of Linux along with technical support and training are available for a fee from vendors such as Red Hat Software, SuSe and Caldera.

It was designed to provide personal computer users a free or very low-cost operating system comparable to traditional and usually more expensive UNIX systems. Linux has a reputation as a very efficient and fast-performing system.