What is Linux, how does it work ?

Answer 1

At the lowest level, every Linux system is based on the Linux kernel — the very low-level software that manages your computer hardware, multi-tasks the many programs that are running at any given time, and other such essential things. These low-level functions are used by other programs, so their authors can focus on the specific functionality they want to provide. Without the kernel, your computer is a very expensive doorstop. It has all of the features of a modern operating system: true multitasking, threads, virtual memory, shared libraries, demand loading, shared, copy-on-write executables, proper memory management, loadable device driver modules, video frame buffering, and TCP/IP networking.

Most often, the name "Linux" is used to refer to the Linux Operating System. An OS includes the kernel, but also adds various utilities — the kinds of programs you need to get anything done. For example, it includes a shell (the program that provides a command prompt and lets you run programs), a program to copy files, a program to delete files, and many other odds and ends. Some people honor the request of Richard Stallman and the GNU Project, and call the Linux OS GNU/Linux, because a good number of these utility programs were written by the GNU folks.

Finally, software companies (and sometimes volunteer groups) add on lots of extra software, like the XFree86 X Window System, Gnome, KDE, games and many other applications. These software compilations which are based on the Linux OS are called Linux distributions.

-Linux Documentation Project

Answer 2

Linux is really just an operating system kernal that's based on UNIX. but its open source, meaning anyone with the proper knowledge can change the kernal and redistribute it as they see fit

a kernal is like a small bit of software that allows the operating system to talk to your firmware

in order from OS to hardware:
the OS, underneath it is the kernal
the kernal talks to the firmware embedded in your CMOS*
and that's how your PC runs

but! don't confuse it with drivers or firmware itself! the kernal is embedded in the OS and usually cant be changed but Linux in different.

*CMOS-Omplimentary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor-its a chip on your motherboard that contains the BIOS**

**BIOS-Basic Input/Output System- the firmware-it tells the OS how to see all the hardware on your pc

Answer 3

Hi. It's an open source operating system with similar properties to UNIX. An alternative to Microsoft and OS 10. Some people swear by it.

Answer 4

Linux is an operating system, competing with Windows and Mac OSX. It is an iteration of Unix, named for Linus Torvald, it's inventor.

Answer 5

Excellent question! Go to this site:http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question246.htm

Hope this helps.