name

Linux

LIH-nuhks

name

The free, open-source operating system kernel created by Linus Torvalds in 1991.

"Millions of servers around the world run on Linux."

noun

Any complete operating system built around this kernel, such as Ubuntu or Fedora.

"She switched her laptop from Windows to Linux last year."

How to Use Linux

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe free operating system that powers most of the internet's servers and many phones and devices behind the scenes.

Common mistake

Technically "Linux" refers only to the kernel; the full system people install (with a desktop, apps, etc.) is more precisely a "Linux distribution."

Common pairings

linux kernel linux distribution run linux

Linuxes plural, Linuxen plural, linuxes plural

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Millions of servers around the world run on _____.

A blend of "Linus" (its creator, Linus Torvalds) and "Unix," the earlier operating system family it was inspired by.