There are various equally popular contemporary operating systems existing today but Linux manages to come out a cut above the rest. Although the Linux kernel and its related components are not the only free and open-source software, it is the best known and the most widely used. This is because it aims for interoperability with other operating systems and established computing standards. It does not rely on monopoly advantage but rather competes as an underdog with mainstream operating systems.
A project that manages a remote collection of Linux-based software and facilitates installation of a Linux operating system is called Linux distribution. It can be maintained by individuals, teams, organizations or commercial entities and is offered in the form of packages which are aimed to be integrated into a coherent whole.