But while Linux is visible in certain areas, like web servers, it looks light in comparison to Windows for the serious business user because it doesn't have the same array of services and applications. Although many predict it will take a few more years for Linux to become a serious competitor to Microsoft's Windows operating system, the seeds of revolution are budding. It is not a panacea, but it is a fantastic tool. It's very mature since it comes out of the Unix camp. Unix is indeed the father of Linux, but the child has gone in its own direction.
Source code is the instructions programmers write to tell the computer what to do.
These instructions are then converted into a language computers can understand. In contrast, Windows' source code is closely guarded by Microsoft, much as Coca-Cola guards the recipe for its popular soft drink. It's a new phase of software development. In all, there are some 204 unique distributions of Linux. This modular design allows Linux users to customize it for their needs.