Final answer:
Linux follows the GNU General Public License (GPL), which allows use, modification, and distribution of the software.
Step-by-step explanation:
Linux operates under the GNU General Public License (GPL), a key factor in its open-source nature. This license empowers users with the freedom to utilize, study, modify, and distribute the software. The GPL ensures that any derived versions of the software must also be distributed under the same license terms, promoting a collaborative and communal approach to software development. This commitment to openness and sharing has contributed significantly to Linux's global popularity and its standing as a cornerstone of the open-source movement.