What is Linux? Linux (pronounced “LIH-nucks”) is a 32-bit operating system (OS) that can be usedon virtually every computer hardware platform. Originally designed for the Intelx86 platform, it is now available for Intel, Mac, Sparc, Alpha, embedded devices, andmany more platforms. Linux is a UNIX-like OS that is very stable, reliable, and flexi-ble. It is used on PCs, professional workstations, servers, routers, and practicallyevery other computing platform. Linux works well in all these environments, andbecause it is multi-user and multi-tasking, it can perform virtually any job or groupof jobs quickly and efficiently. Linux is as powerful as any other operating system,and most importantly, it is free. Linux was created to be a free alternative to UNIXand has become a competitor for all operating systems available today. This facthas enabled Linux to greatly increase its user base, and to be supported and usedby the largest corporations and governments in the world. Because of its opennature and technical strengths, Enterprise use of Linux is best illustrated by itslarge-scale use on the Internet — it powers a majority of Internet applications,including the Apache Web server. Linux has sprung from humble beginnings tobecome a widely used and respected OS on essentially all computing platforms.Linux is a direct competitor with other high profile operating systems, such as UNIXand Microsoft Windows.