Linux refers to an open-source, Unix-like operating system kernel that serves as the core component of various Linux-based operating systems (OS). The Linux kernel was initially created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and has since been developed collaboratively by a large community of developers worldwide. The term "Linux" is often used more broadly to refer to complete operating systems, known as Linux distributions or distros, which combine the Linux kernel with additional software and utilities to create a functional and user-friendly computing environment. .