What are Linux and Corel LINUX?

This section provides a brief history of the evolution of Linux and Corel LINUX.

Linux (pronounced LIH-nucks) is a UNIX-like operating system. Linux is publicly available for download on the Internet at no cost and the source code is open to developers. Technically, the term "Linux" refers only to the kernel or core operating system, but it has come to describe the complete operating system and suite of applications. Linux strives for POSIX compliancy (a set of standards defining UNIX) to stay compatible with other UNIX-like operating systems.

The Development of Linux

In the 1980s, Andrew Tanenbaum, a Dutch professor of computer science and a specialist in designing operating systems, wrote an operating system called MINIX to help his students learn the complexities of UNIX. In the spring of 1991, a student at the University of Helsinki, Linus Torvalds, began experimenting with ways to increase the functionality of MINIX. Torvalds' experimentation became the Linux kernel. He placed the source code in the public domain so developers around the world could look at, modify, and add to his initial developments. Torvalds became a contact to whom developers could mail changes, enhancements, and additional drivers. At the same time, Torvalds was adding core functionality.

The worldwide collaboration resulted in version 1.0 of the Linux kernel, which was released in 1994. Since the initial release, version 2.0, which is used most widely today, and version 2.2, have also been released. The Linux kernel is unique because it is Open Source Software, which means that the source code is available to anyone, so developers can locate bugs and submit patches to Torvalds. As a result, the Linux kernel has become extremely robust since its initial development and is often considered more robust than many commercial operating systems. Developers use the utilities and libraries that surround the Linux kernel to write applications. Many Linux users and software developers have created Linux distributions, which include a number of utilities required for software development, as well as user and server applications. Linux distributions are relatively inexpensive or free, and are normally available on the World Wide Web or CD-ROM. Since Linux is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL), full source code is usually provided or made available in some manner.

Corel LINUX contributors

Corel LINUX is powered by the Debian Linux distribution and a set of complimentary tools and utilities from GNU. Debian is a leader in Linux distributions and is produced by more than 500 volunteer software developers worldwide. Most of these developers have not met in person but communicate electronically through the Internet. Debian is a major supporter of Software In The Public Interest, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the spread of free software (or Open Source Software).

GNU tools and utilities, from the Free Software Foundation (FSF), provide some of the core functionality of Corel LINUX. The FSF is dedicated to eliminating restrictions on copying, redistribution, understanding, and modification of computer programs by promoting the development and use of free software in all areas of computing.

The graphical user-interface (or desktop) of Corel LINUX is based on the K Desktop Environment (or KDE). KDE is also free software, and provides one of the most advanced, stable, and complete desktop environments available for Linux. Development of KDE also takes place through the Internet. In addition to Linux, KDE can run on Solaris, FreeBSD, IRIX, and HP-UX systems.

For more information about the organizations that have been integral to the development of Corel LINUX, see the following Web pages

What is the Corel LINUX operating system?

The Corel LINUX operating system is based on the work of software developers around the world. Corel has pulled together their work and modified the Linux distribution, applications, and graphical user-interface to meet the needs of our users. Modifications, improvements, and updates have been contributed to the Open Source Software community. Corel LINUX also includes proprietary applications and utilities such as the Corel® File Manager, or third-party applications, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and Netscape Communicator.

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