This document provides an introduction to open source software and the history of Linux. It discusses how GNU and Linux were created to provide free and open source alternatives to proprietary operating systems like DOS, Mac OS, and UNIX. Key events mentioned include the founding of the GNU project in 1984, the development of the Linux kernel in 1991, and its rapid growth through collaborative development. The document also outlines some popular Linux distributions, free software principles, and proposes a course on Linux system administration and programming languages through Code4VN.