Linux distributes software.
Linux . Distributions include the Linux kernel , supporting utilities and libraries , many of which are provided by the GNU Project , and usually a large amount of application software to fulfil the distribution 's intended use . A Linux distribution ( often abbreviated as distro ) is an operating system made from a software collection , which is based upon the Linux kernel and , often , a package management system . A Linux distribution may also be described as a particular assortment of application and utility software ( various GNU tools and libraries , for example ) , packaged together with the Linux kernel in such a way that its capabilities meet the needs of many users . The Linux kernel is a monolithic Unix-like computer operating system kernel .