Linux is an open-source operating system, which means that its source code is freely available to the public. It was developed as a Unix-like operating system in the early 1990s by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish computer science student. Linux has gained popularity over the years and is now widely used in various applications, from servers to personal computers and even embedded systems.

Open-source operating system
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Linux falls under the category of an open-source operating system. This means that the source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. The open-source nature of Linux encourages collaboration and allows developers to contribute to its improvement. This has resulted in a large and active community of developers who continuously work on enhancing the operating system.

Key features of Linux
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- Open-source: As mentioned earlier, Linux is open-source, which means that users have the freedom to modify and distribute the source code. This allows for greater customization and flexibility.

- Stability and reliability: Linux is known for its stability and reliability. It is designed to be robust and can handle high workloads without crashing or slowing down.

- Security: Linux is considered to be highly secure compared to other operating systems. The open-source nature allows security vulnerabilities to be identified and patched quickly by the community.

- Flexibility: Linux can run on a wide range of hardware platforms, from smartphones to supercomputers. Its flexibility allows it to be used in various environments and configurations.

- Command-line interface: Linux provides a powerful command-line interface, which allows users to interact with the system using text commands. This provides greater control and flexibility for advanced users and system administrators.

- Software availability: Linux has a vast collection of software available through package managers, which makes it easy to install and update applications. Many popular software, such as web servers, databases, and development tools, have versions specifically designed for Linux.

Conclusion
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In conclusion, Linux is an open-source operating system that offers stability, security, flexibility, and a vast collection of software. Its open-source nature allows for continuous improvement and customization, making it a popular choice for many individuals and organizations.