What is Red Hat Linux?

It was created in 1991 by then college student Linus Torvalds. He wanted to create an operating system for his own use based on expensive, proprietary UNIX. He made the new OS available on the Internet with source code, and protected it with a special license that allowed others to improve the software as long as the code remained visible and modifiable. In other words, open.

As the demand for Linux grew, Red Hat and other companies began selling a packaged version of the OS, including documentation and support. Red Hat Linux often found its way into server rooms because it was cheaper to deploy, but stayed because of its reputation as a stable, reliable operating system.

Now Linux rises on a wave of inevitably. It has become the world's fastest growing server OS, according to research firm IDC. And it continues to achieve widespread adoption among the largest enterprises in mission-critical roles.

10/17/2002