Linux is a kernel invented by Linus Torvalds, named in between his name and the Unix operation system. Lin (Linus) Ux (Unix). Linux is a very powerful tool that grew accidently, as Linus only uploaded the kernel on the Internet back in 1991 to get people’s opinion as he was making his own operating system, it turned out that thousands of people were interested in the kernel and developers started using it. A kernel that grew accidently now powers majority of the Internet. Behemoth companies such as Facebook, Google, Cisco, etc.. make billions of dollars from Linux.
Linux is ubiquitous and if you want to enhance your career in IT you must learn Linux as it dominates the Information Technology world. Also consider purchasing a Raspberry Pi which is a computer at the size of a credit card at very low cost and uses very minimum power. You can do a plethora of projects by using the Pi.