Linux is an independent implementation of the POSIX operating system specification, with SYSV and BSD extensions, that has been written entirely from scratch (this means it looks and acts just like Unix). It has no proprietary code in it. Linux is freely distributable under the GNU General Public License.
Linux works on IBM PC compatibles with an ISA or EISA bus (including local bus variants VLB and PCI) and a 386 or higher processor. Some Amiga and Atari computers with MMU's are also supported. This means 68020 with an external MMU, 68030, 68040, or 68060. Support for the Digital Alpha is now stable. Red Hat and Craftworks have Alpha distributions of Linux. Support for Sparc is stable, and Red Hat Linux is available for Sparc. Support for PowerPC is in development for multiple platforms, including Nubus and PCI Macintosh, Motorola Powerstack, IBM 830 and 850, and other platforms. Support for ARM, StrongARM, and MIPS is in various stages of completion, but don't hold your breath. Read comp.os.linux.announce instead.
See the Linux INFO-SHEET for more technical information on these ports, and the Hardware Compatibility HOWTO for more exact hardware requirements.
The Linux kernel is written by Linus Torvalds <torvalds@transmeta.com> and other volunteers. Most of the programs running under Linux are generic Unix freeware, many of them from the GNU project.
More specific technical information on Linux. Includes pointers to information on the various ports, a feature list, information about how to get Linux, and more.
These are somewhat like FAQ's, but instead of answering common questions, they explain how to do common tasks, like ordering a release of Linux, setting up print services under Linux, setting up a basic UUCP feed, etc. See http://sunsite.unc.edu/LDP/HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX.html or ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/ for the definitive versions of all the HOWTO's. Other sites with up-to-date copies of the HOWTOs are ftp.cc.gatech.edu and tsx-11.mit.edu.
In addition, there are many short, free-form documents called "mini-HOWTOs". These documents cover very specific subjects, such as BogoMIPS or Color-ls. These are available at ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/mini/ and at http://sunsite.unc.edu/LDP/HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX.html.
There are several Usenet newsgroups for Linux. It is a good idea to follow at least comp.os.linux.announce if you use Linux. comp.os.linux.announce is moderated by Lars Wirzenius. To make submissions to the newsgroup, send mail to linux-announce@news.ornl.gov. You may direct questions about comp.os.linux.announce to Lars Wirzenius <wirzeniu@iki.fi>
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.announce is a moderated newsgroup for announcements about Linux (new programs, bug fixes, etc).
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.answers is a moderated newsgroup to which the Linux FAQ, HOWTO documents, and other documentation postings are made.
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.setup is an unmoderated newsgroup for discussion of issues and problems involved in setting up Linux systems.
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.admin is an unmoderated newsgroup for discussion of administration of Linux systems.
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.development.system is an unmoderated newsgroup specifically for discussion of Linux kernel development. The only application development questions that should be discussed here are those that are intimately associated with the kernel. All other development questions are probably generic Unix development questions and should be directed to a comp.unix group instead, unless they are very Linux-specific applications questions, in which case they should be directed at comp.os.linux.development.apps.
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.development.apps is an unmoderated newsgroup specifically for discussion of Linux-related applications development. It is not for discussion of where to get applications for Linux, nor a discussion forum for those who would like to see applications for Linux.
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.hardware is for Linux-specific hardware questions.
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.networking is for Linux-specific networking development and setup questions.
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.x is for Linux-specific X Windows questions.
The newsgroup comp.os.linux.misc is an unmoderated newsgroup for any Linux discussion that doesn't belong anywhere else.
In general, do not crosspost between the Linux newsgroups. The only crossposting that is appropriate is an occasional posting between one unmoderated group and comp.os.linux.announce. The whole point of splitting the old comp.os.linux group into many groups was to reduce traffic in each. Those that do not follow this rule will be flamed without mercy...
Do not assume that all your questions are appropriate for a Linux newsgroup just because you are running Linux. Is your question really about shell programming under any unix or unix clone? Then ask in comp.unix.shell. Is it about GNU Emacs? Then try asking in gnu.emacs.help. Also, if you don't know another group to ask in, but think there might be, politely ask in your post if there is another group that would be more appropriate for your question. At least the groups comp.unix.{questions,shell,programming,bsd,admin} and comp.windows.x.i386unix should be useful for a Linux user.
Greg Hankins <gregh@cc.gatech.edu> maintains the home WWW page for the Linux project. The URL is http://sunsite.unc.edu/LDP/
A magazine called Linux Journal was launched several years ago. It includes articles intended for almost all skill levels, and is intended to be helpful to all Linux users. Subscriptions are $22 in the U.S., $27 in Canada and Mexico, and $32 elsewhere around the world, all payable in U.S. funds. Subscription inquiries can be sent via email to subs@ssc.com or faxed to (U.S.) 1-206-782-7191 or mailed to Linux Journal, PO Box 85867, Seattle, WA 98145-1867 USA. SSC has a PGP public key if you wish to send your credit card number via encrypted email: finger info@ssc.com
Information on free software available for Linux can be found in the Linux Software Map, which can be found at http://www.execpc.com/~lsm/