CentOS is a Linux distribution (commonly known as a distro) which is aimed squarely at enterprise-level installations. CentOS comes from Red Hat that sell a commercial version of their Linux operating system. This Linux distribution is used mainly as a free server platform to run web servers outside of the dominance and expense of the Microsoft Windows Server operating system environment. Known for easy management, simple maintenance, and a wide user base of message board participants to help with issues. Packages well maintained to keep updates flowing when needed. Easy to move over to Red Hat because CentOS is fully compatible with it. Not generally used as a personal Linux distro; for this look for Ubuntu or Linux Mint which are aimed at being more user-friendly for personal users.

CentOS Key Features:

• Enterprise-level, open-source Linux distro
• Used commonly as an inexpensive server o/s
• Compatible with commercial Red Hat Linux
• Frequently updated with large community of users

CentOS is an enterprise-level free distro of Linux mainly targeting business users.