what is linux?as i am new to linux software.

have you checked the wiki page already?

Welcome to the forums. Linux is an operating system. The subject is fairly large as you may guess.

As you explore it and get exposed to different terms and concepts, perhaps you can inquire with a more focused question, because your first one is very general, and pan64 rightly points you towards a very general wiki on the subject.

Linux is a computer operating system like Windows is an operating system like Mac OSX is an operating system. There are other Operating systems available as well.

Linux is actually the kernel or heart, so to speak, of what is known as a Linux Distribution like Ubuntu, Mint, RedHat, Slackware, etc.
A Linux Distribution will include a selection of desktop GUIs, various applications for browsing, email, word processing, spreadsheets, image manipulation,playing music and movies, etc,etc.
Software is added or updated from the Distributions software repositories via the Distribution's software package manager rather than downloading particular packages from the Software manufacturer's web site.

If you're coming from a Windows background it may be useful to read this: Linux is NOT WIndows.

Welcome to LinuxQuestions and..

Play Bonny!

Linux story in 4 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ocq6_3-nEw

Here are just a couple links that may help explain what Linux is --
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

http://www.linux-tutorial.info/links.html

And a basic How-To --
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/li...pic1-v3-104-1/

Good start! Now, can you use the command line?
Don't have to, but then you'd be missing out on half the fun!

It's amazing to me how many moving from XP are cowards when it comes to the CLI.

FYI: http://linuxcommand.org/

Have fun!

If you are interested in Linux, its a good start. I am using Linux since 14 years ago I never need Windows for anything except some goverment sites and softwares.