Linux (pronounced with a short i, as in Lynn, and rhyming with 'ducks'), is an "open source" clone of the Unix operating system, designed to run on everything from handheld computers, to PCs, to mainframe computers. "Open source" means that, unlike other operating systems, you get the source code (actual computer instructions) for the operating system.

For a PC, it requires minimally an 80386 CPU and about four megabytes of RAM. But it also runs on Macintoshes, Alphas and other hardware. It was developed by Linus Torvalds starting in 1991, as a hobby project at the University of Helsinki in Finland. Since then, its code has been massaged and helped along by many volunteers over the Internet.

Linux is the fastest growing operating system in the world. It is more robust than other popular operating systems, and support native multi-user and multi-tasking capabilities. Today, Linux supports almost all the features and software packages of the many commercial versions of Unix. It supports most PC hardware, and new devices are being supported almost daily.

Linux is a low cost solution for desktop and server environments. It's available free for download from any number of internet sites. Or you can purchase boxed copies (with manuals and additional "commercial" software) from local or internet vendors all over the world. Cost is small, generally less than other commercially available operating systems.

If you're interested in the pros and cons of Linux, look here.