What is Linux?

History of Linux:

• 1984, Free Software Foundation is formed by Richard Stallman.
• FSF starts the GNU project with the goal of creating a free version of UNIX
• GNU GPL copyright (called copyleft) is created.
• GNU GPL guaranties three freedoms (besides the obvious freedom to run the program):
1. The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.  I. E. source code is always available to view and modify.
2. The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.  I. E. you can give it to your friend or charge him for it!
3. The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.   I. E. you must include your source code modifications with the original if you distribute the modifications.  You must also allow 1 and 2!
• By 1991, GNU is well along but not quite complete.  Most notably, the GNU C Compiler and debugging tools are mature applications for software development.
• 1991 Enter Linus Torvalds, Computer Science student at U. Helsinki Finland.  Linus has a 386 PC but would like to have an OS that works on the internet and allows him to write and exchange e-mail (among other things).
• He starts to write a kernel which incorporates these desired features.
• He posts his work on the internet and asks for help.
• Slowly, a community of hackers starts to gather and contribute to the work on the kernel. Linus makes all major design decisions and guides the development of the kernel.
• Linus places the kernel under GNU GPL, the kernel is given the name, LINUX.
• The working kernel, when ready, is combined with the GNU project software as well as other  free software (such as XFree) and a working, UNIX like operating system is created and made available on the internet.