Getting to Know Linux

Linux is a family of operating systems based on the same kernel. Since it’s a family of independently developed systems that have different design principles, goals, and implementation details, it’s important to understand what makes that very situation possible and how those systems are structured. In this chapter, we will discuss the concept of Linux distributions and open source software licensing and see how Linux-based systems are used. We will cover the following topics:

• The structure of a Linux system
• Open source software licenses
• Linux usage in the modern world