what is linux?

[Semidevil]

yes, stupid question....I know...very newbie question.

from the other forums, I always see people to say to use their old computer, and put linux in it.

so, what is it? is this something I can do myself too? tell me about it.

 

[n0cmonkey]

It's a kernel.

 

[n0cmonkey]

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.linux.org/">Linux is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world. Developed under the GNU General Public License , the source code for Linux is freely available to everyone. Click on the link below to find out more about the operating system that is causing a revolution in the world of computers.
</a>

 

[n0cmonkey]

Linux (often pronounced LIH-nuhks with a short "i") is a Unix-like operating system that was designed to provide personal computer users a free or very low-cost operating system comparable to traditional and usually more expensive Unix systems. ...

 

[Granorense]

Xandros is very nice, you should try it!

 

[Brian23]

When you get those Strong Bad emails with all the weird symbols in it, that's when your email is being eaten by some Linux.

 

[Nonsequitur]

linux is the kernel, what enables an operating system to interact with hardware (and that's it).

The operating system relies upon GNU, and you can read more:

http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html
http://www.gnu.org/gnu/gnu-linux-faq.html