> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://notes.radifine.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://notes.radifine.com/linux-fundamentals/history.md). # History Linux was created by Linus Torvalds. The main component of Linux after which it is named is the kernel i.e., Linux Kernel. Initially, Torvalds wanted to call the kernel as *Freax (to resemble Unix-like),* but his friend suggested the name as Linux. Linux was given as open-source project with minimal distribution for hobbyists Linus holds the "Linux" trademark to monitor its use. He has the highest contribution in writing of Linux kernel. He is the main person which is responsible for committing changes onto the standard Linux kernel. As per Wikipedia, the Linux Foundation currently sponsors Torvalds so he can work full-time on improving Linux. There are mainly three family of distributions: * Debian family of Distributions - Ubuntu, Kali, and ParrotOS * RPM family of Distributions - Fedora, CentOS, and RedHat * ARCH family of Distributions - ARCH, Alpine and CRUX --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://notes.radifine.com/linux-fundamentals/history.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.