Linux is an open source unix like operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and developed by individuals from all over the world. Of course copious thanks must also go to the GNU guys.
Linux runs on many different architectures including Intel (386 and above), MIPS, Sparc, Alpha, PowerPC, Motorola 68k, ARM & more.
I first started using Linux in August 1995, it didn’t take me long to become hooked and I now use Linux for almost all my computing needs.
The stability of Linux is one of its most vaunted features, my current uptime record being over 2.5 years for my home automation server, unlike some other systems an application crash will rarely bring the OS down with it.
One of the biggest attractions, for me at least, is the way the open nature of Linux allows for so much more tinkering than other operating systems. Some of us just like the UNIX way of doing things too.
Most Linux distributions come with a complete development environment, including C, C++, Fortran, toolkits such as Qt and scripting languages such as Perl, Awk and sed and you will find userland applications for most things you want to do and most of those
will be open source.
Linux related content here:
- Using a Parrot DF3120 Picture Frame as a Status Display
- Linux on the O2 Joggler
- Using Procmail for spam filtering
- Connecting a Psion Series 3 palmtop to a PC Linux box
- Home Automation with Linux
- Screen – an introduction to screen
- Sun JavaStation-1 – Sun Network Computer running Linux
- SGI Indy & Linux – Installing Debian on a Silicon Graphics Indy
- Xbox Linux – Installing Debian on the Xbox
- L’espion Digital Camera and Linux
- Toshiba Tecra 720CDT and Linux
- HP SureStoreTape 12000e DAT auto changer and Linux
- Mini-ITX Linux Car PC – A project in progress
- TE104 – 4 Input BT878a Capture Card & Motion
- VSound – a Virtual Audio Loopback Cable
- An interview with Alan Cox (originally from LinuxUK)
- Linux Cluster – A Mosix Cluster made from 486s
- IPCop Review – Review of GPL firewall distro
- Hylafax – Mass faxing with Hylafax
- Emulation on linux
- Linux Ports – Links to various ports of Linux
“Unix is not a “A-ha” experience, it is more of a “holy-shit” experience.”
– Colin McFadyen in alt.folklore.computers