Linux is a open source operating system,which is free for people to use and modify.However over the years a number of companies have developed strategies for packaging and supporting their own distributions of Linux.

Distributions (distros):

Distributors (such as RedHat, Suse, Ubuntu, Gentoo, etc.) package the linux kernel and software together along with any specialized utilities, configurations, widgets, and gadgets, and thingamajigs that they have devised as the contents of their distribution. At CIMS we choose the RedHat Linux distribution for their legacy of a professional installations that are stable, secure, and supported.

OS/Distribution:

Check what operating system you're using: uname Check what kernel is running: uname -r Check what CPU architecture the machine is: uname -p Check what version of linux is running: cat /etc/redhat-release