An open-source operating system is an operating system whose source code is freely available to everyone, allowing users to view, modify, and distribute the code. This openness promotes collaboration, innovation, and shared knowledge among developers and users alike
. Examples of popular open-source operating systems include Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, and others like Haiku, ReactOS, and Qubes OS
. Linux, for instance, is a widely used open-source OS kernel introduced by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and licensed under the GPL, which allows free use and modification of the software
. These systems are developed and maintained by communities worldwide, making them powerful and versatile alternatives to proprietary operating systems
