Linux is Free Software. Generally the average person tends to think of “Linux” as simply one operating system, but it’s rather a family of systems. Think of Linux and the various distributions as branches on the same tree-trunk. Free Software (Free not only as in “free beer” but also as in “free speech”) is essentially a bunch of components that you’re free to assemble in any manner you see fit. This is why Linux comes in various flavors known as Distributions. Each distribution was created simply because the creator felt he or she could do it differently or maybe even better.