Linux is a Unix-like computer Operating System created by Linus Torvalds. It runs primarily on x86 platforms, but has gained popularity and is now usable on Intel x86 (& compatibles), Alpha, PowerPC, as well as cool new chips like the Transmeta Crusoe.

Linux has widespread user support and has recently moved from a "hacker" (good meaning of the word) OS to being used in business situations, in additions to millions (7-10 million estimated) of other users.

Linux has several key characteristics that make it so popular:

• It's Free - Although it is sold by vendors, Linux may be downloaded off the Internet for free. The vendors usually collect Linux and lots of cool applications on a CD and perhaps include a manual. Distributions from these vendors are usually in the $10-50 range.
• It's Rock-Solid - For those of you accustomed to rebooting your machine several times a day due to crashes or slowdowns, you are in for a surprise. Full memory protection and many other features make Linux very stable. Linux boxes are known to count uptimes in hundreds of days.
• It's Open - You can see the full source code for Linux. You can modify it, improve it, and understand it. Now that's freedom!
• It's Considerate - Got an old 486 laying around? Run Linux on it! Linux makes excellent use of hardware. Linux can be installed as a second OS on another system or installed in less than 40mb of disk space. It also runs wicked-fast on modern machines.