Linux distributes software.
Linux . oggˈlɪnəks ] or , less frequently , [ ˈlaɪnəks ] ) is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open-source software development and distribution . 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 .