Linux is a tried-and-true, open-source operating system released in 1991 for computers, but its use has expanded to underpin systems for cars, phones, web servers and, more recently, networking gear.

If you don't know what the Linux desktop operating system is, or if you're new to it, Jack Wallen's quick explainer will get you up to speed. Linux. What is it? At one point in time it was a niche ...