Mastering Linux
Chapter One
What Is Linux?
* Linux History
* Linux as an Operating System
* Linux as Free Software
* Commercial Applications for Linux
If you have made it this far-buying this book, wading through the frontmatter,
and looking at the table of contents-then you probably have some idea of
what Linux and the Linux phenomenon are all about. If you don't, read on.
Linux is a truly amazing development in the computer industry. It shows that
quality software isn't necessarily dependent on the financial blessing of the commercial
software industry. The history of Linux illustrates how free software can
evolve, grow, and become an attractive alternative to the commercial software
packages with which most of you are familiar.
In addition, the technical excellence of Linux shows why it is a serious contender
against rival operating systems from Microsoft, Apple, Novell, and IBM.
As it is also handling more demanding applications, it is also a serious contender
against rival Unix-derivative operating systems such as Solaris, HP-UX, and
SCO-Unix for larger businesses.
This chapter will paint a quick picture of the history of Linux and then look at
the key features that ma ... read full excerpt from Mastering Linux ebook
