Linux Introduction

Linux:
Linux is a free open source computer operating system initially developed for Intel x86-based personal computers. It has been subsequently ported to many other hardware platforms. Linus Torvalds was a student in Helsinki, Finland, in 1991 when he started a project: writing his own operating system kernel. He also collected together and/or developed the other essential ingredients required to construct an entire operating system with his kernel at the center. This soon became known as the Linux kernel.
Linux borrows heavily from the UNIX operating system because it was written to be a free and open source version of UNIX. Files are stored in a hierarchical filesystem, with the top node of the system being root or simply "/". 
Linux is a fully multitasking (a method where multiple tasks are performed during the same period of time), multiuser operating system, with built-in networking and service processes known as daemons in the UNIX world.
A full Linux distribution consists of the kernel plus a number of other software tools for file-related operations, user management, and software package management. Each of these tools provides a small part of the complete system. Each tool is often its own separate project, with its own developers working to perfect that piece of the system.
Distribution of Linux: There are three major distribution families within Linux: Fedora,SUSE and Debian. 

• Linux borrows heavily from the UNIX operating system, with which its creators were well versed. 
• Linux accesses many features and services through files and file-like objects.
• Linux is a fully multitasking, multiuser operating system, with built-in networking and service processes known as daemons.

• Linux is developed by a loose confederation of developers from all over the world, collaborating over the Internet, with Linus Torvalds at the head. Technical skill and a desire to contribute are the only qualifications for participating.

• The Linux community is a far reaching ecosystem of developers, vendors, and users that supports and advances the Linux operating system.
• Some of the common terms used in Linux are: Kernel, Distribution, Boot loader, Service, Filesystem, X Window system, desktop environment, and command line.
• A full Linux distribution consists of the kernel plus a number of other software tools for file-related operations, user management, and software package management.