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[title|Linux]
[summary]Contrary to popular belief, Linux is not an operating system but an operating system kernel that is used as the base for an operating system and is mostly used on servers, however, it can also be used on a standard desktop.[/summary]
[summary_image|3416519]
[document|39057|Linux Distribution Timeline (1992 - 2023)|display=list]
[note|type=important]This Wiki is intended to hold general-purpose Linux content. While general-purpose content is located here, distro-specific content is in its corresponding Wiki.[/note]
== Background and Identification ==
In April 1991, Linus Torvalds, a Finnish-American computer science student, started working on creating a new operating system kernel inspired by the UNIX-based operating system MINIX. This kernel would eventually become the heart of what we now know as Linux. Torvalds released the first version of the Linux kernel to the public to comp.os.minix, a newsgroup on Usenet that invites collaboration and contributions.
As of 2024, there are 600 individual distributions, with 500 distributions actively supported.
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| Tux, the Linux mascot, was created in 1996 by Larry Ewing during a contest to design a logo for the Linux operating system. The inspiration came from Linus Torvalds, Linux’s creator, who had a fondness for penguins, specifically one he encountered on a visit to the Canberra zoo.
}
== Beginner Friendly Distributions ==
[wikilist|Beginner Distribution]
== Key Milestones and Early Distributions ==
[note]This section covers significant contributions to the general timeline of the development of the Linux kernel. A distribution family tree can be found, in the PDF attached to this page, and in the attribution found in the [[Topic:Linux#Section_Additional_Information|Additional Information Section]]. Credit given to Andreas Lundqvist, Donjan Rodic, Mohammed A. Mustafa, Muhammad Herdiansyah, and Fabio Loli[/note]
=== 1991 ===
* ***The Creation of Linux:*** Linus Torvalds announces the creation of a new operating system kernel on a Usenet newsgroup.
=== 1992 ===
* ***The Birth of the GNU/Linux System:*** Linux, combined with the GNU operating system utilities, creates a complete and free operating system known as GNU/Linux.
=== 1993 ===
* ***Slackware - Simplicity and Foundations:*** Patrick Volkerding releases [[Topic:Slackware Linux|Slackware]], one of the earliest stable Linux distributions, prioritizing simplicity and adherence to UNIX principles.
* ***Debian - Commitment to Free Software:*** [[Topic:Debian Linux|Debian]] is founded with a commitment to free software. It introduces APT (Advanced Package Tool) and the Debian package format, setting the stage for modern package management.
=== 1994 ===
* ***The First Stable Linux Kernel (1.0):*** The release of Linux Kernel 1.0 marks a significant milestone, signifying the stability and maturity of the project.
* ***Red Hat Linux - Enterprise Focus Emerges:*** Bob Young and Marc Ewing found [[Topic:Red Hat|Red Hat Linux]], quickly gaining popularity. It evolves into the enterprise-focused Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), with the Fedora Project driving innovation.
* ***SUSE Linux - European Pioneers:*** [[Topic:SUSE Linux|SUSE]], a German-based distribution, is crucial in popularizing Linux in Europe. It evolves into SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) and [[Topic:OpenSUSE|openSUSE]].
=== 1998 ===
* ***The Open Source Movement:*** Linux adoption surges with the formation of the Open Source Initiative, promoting the principles of open-source software development.
=== 2001 ===
* ***The Rise of Enterprise Linux:*** With professional support, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) solidify Linux's presence in the enterprise market.
=== 2005 ===
* ***Git - Revolutionizing Version Control:*** Linus Torvalds creates Git, a distributed version control system, greatly enhancing the development workflow for Linux and many other projects.
=== 2011 ===
* ***The 20th Anniversary of Linux:*** Linux celebrates its 20th anniversary, highlighting its longevity and continued relevance.
=== 2015 ===
* ***systemd - A Shift in Initialization:*** The adoption of systemd as the init system in many Linux distributions marks a significant change in system initialization and service management.
=== 2018 ===
* ***GitHub and Microsoft:*** Microsoft's acquisition of GitHub, a platform widely used for hosting open-source projects, reflects the changing landscape of corporate involvement in open-source.
== Additional Information ==
* [link|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Linux|History of Linux Wikipedia Page]
* [link|https://history-computer.com/the-complete-history-of-linux-everything-you-need-to-know/|The Comprehensive History of Linux]
* [link|https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Linux_Distribution_Timeline.svg|Linux Distribution Timeline Attribution] |