Linux is an operating system and likely the most widely known free and open-source software project. Software built on or around Linux powers anything from Web servers and desktop systems to mobile phones.

The main difference between Linux and other operating systems is that it can be freely and easily modified. It is this characteristic which makes Linux such a good platform for projects implementing educational technologies as it enables organizations to adapt the operating system to their specific requirements and needs.

For more information about Linux please visit the corresponding Wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux.