# Linux > family of Unix-like operating systems **Wikidata**: [Q388](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q388) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/linux ## Summary Linux was influenced by MINIX [1][2]. It is a Unix-like operating system kernel developed as a free and open-source alternative to proprietary systems. The development of Linux began in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, who built upon the design principles observed in MINIX [1][2]. The kernel was released under the GNU General Public License, enabling widespread collaboration and modification by developers worldwide. Linux has since become the foundation for numerous distributions used in servers, desktops, embedded systems, and mobile devices. ## Summary Linux is a family of Unix-like operating systems, primarily known for its open-source nature and widespread use in servers, desktops, and embedded systems. It was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and is maintained by the Linux Foundation, making it one of the most influential and widely adopted operating systems in the world. ## Key Facts - **Creator**: Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer. - **Inception**: September 17, 1991. - **Sponsor**: Linux Foundation, a non-profit technology consortium. - **Platforms**: Runs on DEC Alpha, ARM architecture, PowerPC, RISC-V, and MIPS architecture. - **Distribution Formats**: Available as digital downloads, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and DVD-ROMs. - **Mascot**: Tux, the official mascot of the Linux kernel. - **Aliases**: Linux Operating System, GNU/Linux, Sistema Operativo Linux, LINUX, リナックス, ライナックス, 林納斯, 林納克斯, Linux操作系统, Linux 操作系统, Linux系统, 利納克斯, Линукс, لينوكس, جنو/لينكس, لينُكس. - **Based On**: Linux kernel, which serves as the basis for all Linux operating systems. - **Influenced By**: MINIX, another Unix-like operating system. ## FAQs - **What is Linux?** Linux is a family of Unix-like operating systems that are open-source and widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems. It was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and is maintained by the Linux Foundation. - **Who created Linux?** Linux was created by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer, in 1991. - **What is the Linux Foundation?** The Linux Foundation is a non-profit technology consortium that supports the development and growth of Linux and open-source software. - **What platforms does Linux run on?** Linux runs on DEC Alpha, ARM architecture, PowerPC, RISC-V, and MIPS architecture. - **What is the mascot of Linux?** The official mascot of Linux is Tux, a penguin. - **What are some aliases for Linux?** Linux is also known as Linux Operating System, GNU/Linux, Sistema Operativo Linux, LINUX, リナックス, ライナックス, 林納斯, 林納克斯, Linux操作系统, Linux 操作系统, Linux系统, 利納克斯, Линукс, لينوكس, جنو/لينكس, لينُكس. - **What is the Linux kernel?** The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the basis for all Linux operating systems. - **What influenced the creation of Linux?** Linux was influenced by MINIX, another Unix-like operating system. ## Why It Matters Linux is significant because it is one of the most widely used and influential operating systems in the world. It powers a wide range of devices, from servers and desktops to embedded systems and supercomputers. Its open-source nature has fostered innovation and collaboration, making it a cornerstone of modern computing. The Linux Foundation plays a crucial role in its development and maintenance, ensuring its continued growth and relevance. ## Notable For - **Open-Source**: Linux is open-source, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it. - **Widespread Adoption**: Linux is used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems, making it one of the most widely adopted operating systems. - **Innovation**: The open-source nature of Linux has driven innovation and collaboration, leading to the development of numerous Linux distributions. - **Community Support**: Linux has a strong community of developers and users who contribute to its development and maintenance. - **Technological Impact**: Linux has had a profound impact on the technology industry, influencing the development of other operating systems and software. ## Body ### History Linux was created by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer, in 1991. The project was initially developed for personal use but quickly gained traction within the Unix community. The Linux kernel, the core component of the Linux operating system, was first released on September 17, 1991. Since then, Linux has evolved significantly, with numerous distributions and versions being developed. ### Architecture Linux is a family of Unix-like operating systems that run on various platforms, including DEC Alpha, ARM architecture, PowerPC, RISC-V, and MIPS architecture. The Linux kernel serves as the basis for all Linux operating systems, providing the core functionality and features. ### Ecosystem Linux has a rich ecosystem of software and tools, including the Linux Foundation, which supports the development and growth of Linux and open-source software. The Linux kernel is the foundation of the Linux operating system, and numerous Linux distributions are based on it. These distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Arch Linux, among others. ### Community Linux has a strong community of developers and users who contribute to its development and maintenance. The Linux Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting the Linux community and ensuring the continued growth and relevance of Linux. The Linux kernel is maintained by a global community of developers, who collaborate to improve and enhance the operating system. ### Related Projects Linux is closely related to the Linux Foundation, which supports the development and growth of Linux and open-source software. The Linux kernel is the foundation of the Linux operating system, and numerous Linux distributions are based on it. These distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Arch Linux, among others. Linux is also influenced by MINIX, another Unix-like operating system. ### Notable People Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, is one of the most notable figures in the history of computing. He has played a pivotal role in the development and growth of Linux, ensuring its continued relevance and impact. Other notable figures include T. J. Crowder, Michel Dutreix, Natale Vinto, Frank Vasquez, Moshe Zadka, Geert Van Pamel, Alessandro Rubini, and Vratislav Podzimek, who have contributed to the development and maintenance of Linux. ### Platforms Linux runs on a wide range of platforms, including DEC Alpha, ARM architecture, PowerPC, RISC-V, and MIPS architecture. This versatility has contributed to its widespread adoption and use in servers, desktops, and embedded systems. ### Distribution Formats Linux is available in various distribution formats, including digital downloads, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and DVD-ROMs. This flexibility has made it accessible to a wide range of users and devices. ### Mascot The official mascot of Linux is Tux, a penguin. Tux has become a recognizable symbol of the Linux operating system and is widely used in promotional materials and branding. ### Aliases Linux is also known by various aliases, including Linux Operating System, GNU/Linux, Sistema Operativo Linux, LINUX, リナックス, ライナックス, 林納斯, 林納克斯, Linux操作系统, Linux 操作系统, Linux系统, 利納克斯, Линукс, لينوكس, جنو/لينكس, لينُكس. ### Based On The Linux kernel serves as the basis for all Linux operating systems, providing the core functionality and features. This modular approach has allowed for the development of numerous Linux distributions and variants. ### Influenced By Linux was influenced by MINIX, another Unix-like operating system. The open-source nature of Linux has also influenced the development of other operating systems and software. ### Sponsor The Linux Foundation is a non-profit technology consortium that supports the development and growth of Linux and open-source software. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the continued relevance and impact of Linux. ### Creator Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer, created Linux in 1991. His contributions have been instrumental in the development and growth of the Linux operating system. ### Inception Linux was first released on September 17, 1991, marking the beginning of its journey as one of the most influential operating systems in the world. ### Platforms Linux runs on a variety of platforms, including DEC Alpha, ARM architecture, PowerPC, RISC-V, and MIPS architecture. This versatility has contributed to its widespread adoption and use in servers, desktops, and embedded systems. ### Distribution Formats Linux is available in various distribution formats, including digital downloads, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and DVD-ROMs. This flexibility has made it accessible to a wide range of users and devices. ### Mascot The official mascot of Linux is Tux, a penguin. Tux has become a recognizable symbol of the Linux operating system and is widely used in promotional materials and branding. ### Aliases Linux is also known by various aliases, including Linux Operating System, GNU/Linux, Sistema Operativo Linux, LINUX, リナックス, ライナックス, 林納斯, 林納克斯, Linux操作系统, Linux 操作系统, Linux系统, 利納克斯, Линукс, لينوكس, جنو/لينكس, لينُكس. ### Based On The Linux kernel serves as the basis for all Linux operating systems, providing the core functionality and features. This modular approach has allowed for the development of numerous Linux distributions and variants. ### Influenced By Linux was influenced by MINIX, another Unix-like operating system. The open-source nature of Linux has also influenced the development of other operating systems and software. ### Sponsor The Linux Foundation is a non-profit technology consortium that supports the development and growth of Linux and open-source software. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the continued relevance and impact of Linux. ### Creator Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer, created Linux in 1991. His contributions have been instrumental in the development and growth of the Linux operating system. ### Inception Linux was first released on September 17, 1991, marking the beginning of its journey as one of the most influential operating systems in the world. ## References 1. Just for Fun: The Story of an Accidental Revolutionary 2. [Linus Torvalds reveals the 'true' anniversary of Linux code](https://www.zdnet.com/article/linus-torvalds-reveals-the-true-30th-anniversary-of-linux-code/) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. [Hello everybody out there using minix](https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.minix/dlNtH7RRrGA/SwRavCzVE7gJ) 5. [Video Games Chronicle](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/platforms/page/4) 6. YSO-Wikidata mapping project 7. Virtual International Authority File 8. KBpedia 9. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format) 10. [Linux - Star Trek: Website](https://startrek.website/c/linux@lemmy.ml) 11. [Online:Linux - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP)](https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Online:Linux) 12. Know Your Meme