the Linux Operating System
it's uses in the systems, networking & security administration field
(starting with kernel 2.0.34 / RedHat version 5.1)

Linux is the brainchild of Linus Torvalds, who in 1992, when a student in Finland, created a "publically shareable" Unix kernel.  In the past 7 years the kernel, it's surrounding utilties & associated programs, to say nothing of a number of companies put together to package & market this system, have grown exponentially in useage & popularity.  As of approximately Q1 1999 there are estimated to be about 12 million Linux computers running, supporting both desktop useage (primarily for Unix & other "hobbysts") as well as for server environments for services such as:

In my  Linux  experiences I have had Linux loaded on & running & using on a daily basis:

Here's a file I wrote in 1998 after my first Linux-Laptop experience: ToshibaLinux98

Here's a file of similar thoughts in March1999: NECLinux99 (later updated in August 1999)

Here's some thoughts on Linux as a desktop and/or LAN-Services machine: LinuxServer (later)

last updated:  16Aug03; revID: 7e:_______<file originally created: 06Mar99>