Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system that is widely used for servers, desktops, mobile devices, and embedded systems. It is known for its stability, security, and flexibility. Linux is based on the Linux kernel, which was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991, and is typically packaged with various software distributions, known as "distros" (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian). Due to its open-source nature, users can modify, distribute, and improve the system. Linux is popular for web servers, cloud computing, and programming environments, and is also favored by developers and IT professionals for its powerful command-line interface and extensive customization options.