Explain Like I'm Five

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ELI5: What the heck is linux? (lazysoci.al)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm old. I don't understand it.

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[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 month ago

Every desktop computer has an operating system. Most of them run Windows. Some run MacOS, this is why the software on Macs and other PCs is different.

Linux is another operating system, its free and anyone can see the code its written in.

Linux is popular with nerds and programmers since its easier to do some advanced stuff in. Its popular as an alternative to windows since Windows is progressively getting more annoying to use (updates, popups etc).

Linux is used by servers (computers that run websites, like lemmy), and other stuff like smart appliances.
The android Operating System (used by android phones, like Samsung phones) is based on linux.