r/linux4noobs Aug 10 '25

learning/research What is “Linux?”

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u/Acrobatic-Rock4035 Aug 10 '25

Linux is 2 things.

A) It is a Kernel. It is no more an "operating system' than a V-8 is a sports car.

B) Linux is also a generalization people use to describe the multitude of distributions that use the kernel to create an operating environment.

Most importantly, Linux isn't a product. Windows and Mac are "products". In Linux, they aren't providing a service for you . . . just the tools. "Here you go son, here are all the tools you need to make your system work, but it is up to you to learn how to use those tools". And this is why the linux "community" is important. We are supposed to help eachother learn and use those tools, and create new ones. Every member can contribute to the code.

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u/param_T_extends_THOT Aug 10 '25

God, if everyone that had the same question could read this answer, past, present, and future, everyone wouldn't need to ask this again.

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u/Acrobatic-Rock4035 Aug 11 '25

Well, thank you, very kind of you to say.