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'''Linux''' is a [[UNIX]]-like operating system whose [[source code]] is distributed freely under the [[open source]] GNU [[General Public License]] (GPL). It was started in 1991 as a university project by Finnish student [[Linus Torvalds]] as a replacement for the [[Minix]] operating system.

'''Linux''' is a [[UNIX]]-like operating system whose [[source code]] is distributed freely under the [[open source]] GNU [[General Public License]] (GPL). It was started in 1991 as a university project by Finnish student [[Linus Torvalds]] as a replacement for the [[Minix]] operating system.

Originally the term "Linux" was used to refer to just the [[kernel]] developed by Torvalds, but today it is used interchangeably to refer to both the kernel and a complete operating system which includes the kernel, graphical user interface, file system  and other software, collectively known as a ''distribution''.  Major Linux distributions include [http://www.redhat.com/ Red Hat], [http://www.novell.com/linux/ Suse] and [http://www.ubuntu.org/ Ubuntu].

Originally the term "Linux" was used to refer to just the [[kernel]] developed by Torvalds, but today it is used interchangeably to refer to both the kernel and a complete operating system which includes the kernel, graphical user interface, file system  and other software, collectively known as a ''distribution''.  Major Linux distributions include [http://www.redhat.com/ Red Hat], [http://www.novell.com/linux/ Suse] and [http://www.ubuntu.com/ Ubuntu].

Owing to the nature of open source software, many variants of a Linux distribution may be created by using the original code and making changes to it to suit a particular need.  For example, a group of [[Satanism|Satanists]]{{fact}} have released Ubuntu Satanic Edition <ref>[http://parker1.co.uk/satanic/ Ubuntu Satanic Edition]</ref>, which is based on the Kubuntu <ref>[http://www.kubuntu.org/]</ref> distribution, using a "Satanic" theme.  The software is otherwise unchanged. There is also a Ubuntu Christian Edition <ref> [http://www.whatwouldjesusdownload.com/christianubuntu/2006/07/about-ubuntu-christian-edition.html Ubuntu Christian Edition] </ref>, demonstrating how GPL licensed software which may be modified with seemingly opposite goals.

Owing to the nature of open source software, many variants of a Linux distribution may be created by using the original code and making changes to it to suit a particular need.  For example, a group of [[Satanism|Satanists]]{{fact}} have released Ubuntu Satanic Edition <ref>[http://parker1.co.uk/satanic/ Ubuntu Satanic Edition]</ref>, which is based on the Kubuntu <ref>[http://www.kubuntu.org/]</ref> distribution, using a "Satanic" theme.  The software is otherwise unchanged. There is also a Ubuntu Christian Edition <ref> [http://www.whatwouldjesusdownload.com/christianubuntu/2006/07/about-ubuntu-christian-edition.html Ubuntu Christian Edition] </ref>, demonstrating how GPL licensed software which may be modified with seemingly opposite goals.