Linux was created by Linus Torvalds when he was a student at the University of Helsinki in 1991. It is a free operating system that is distributed under the GNU General Public License.

Linux is a derivative of Unix and like Unix the idea was to keep the software open to developers instead making it proprietary like the other big name in the Industry. Doing this allows for much quicker response to security issues as well as a large community of users to exchange knowledge with.

The Primary advantage of running a Linux server is the basic kernel is free or typically offshoots of the product can be purchased for less than $50.00. Another huge advantage is the reliability of the operating system. Typical Windows servers often lock up, slow down, etc, and need to be rebooted to clear up the issue. There are known cases of a Linux server running without a reboot for over a full year.

MrGuy runs MrGuy.com on a Linux server derivative using the CENTOS operating system.