"Linux is a free operating system for computers that has been developed largely by volunteer programmers.

Linux is thriving, not just on the college campuses where it emerged, but in companies and institutions. Surveys show that Linux is used by 24 percent of computer servers. It is creeping up on Windows, which has 55 percent of that class of operating system software."

"Even on desktops, IDC figures show Linux surpassed Apple's Mac OS in 2003 to become the second most popular desktop operating system behind Windows. Linux still significantly trails Microsoft's Windows software, which runs almost 95 percent of desktop computers."

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