Final answer:
A Linux system ready for installation is called a Linux distribution or distro. These systems stem from the Linux kernel, created by Linus Torvalds in 1991, and now serve a multitude of computing needs, from personal use to running supercomputers.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Linux system that is pre-configured and is ready to install can be referred to as a Linux distribution (often shortened to distro). These are operating systems based on the Linux kernel that include not just the kernel itself, but also a set of software applications and tools, all packaged together to provide a user-friendly experience.
The origins of Linux date back to 1991 when Linus Torvalds, then a Finnish graduate student, wrote an operating system kernel as an alternative to UNIX due to its high cost. This kernel would later be called Linux and would give rise to a variety of distributions, greatly simplifying the installation and setup process for users.
Today, there are numerous Linux distributions available for various types of users, from beginners to experts. Some well-known distributions include Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Debian. Each of these has been specifically configured to serve different market needs, from personal computers to network servers and supercomputers. Distros can range from general-purpose systems to specialized distros for specific tasks such as running a file server or internet router.
Linux has also seen widespread adoption in enterprise environments, with companies like IBM and Dell offering it as an OS option. Notably, according to the Top-500 supercomputer list, all the systems use Linux, highlighting its efficiency and reliability in demanding computing tasks.