Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Stupid question, but what makes Linux, linux? (lemmy.world)

submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Apart from being open source what is Linux? Could I not create my own operating system that is different to windows or Macos and call it Steve, again there might be an awnser for this and sounds stupid but its more out of curiosity.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (5 children)

Mr. Stallman would be angry if you didn't define it as the Linux kernel plus the GNU stuff that you need to do things with the kernel.

Kernel + environment = OS

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Nah. Defining Linux as 'the Linux kernel plus the GNU stuff' is what makes him angry. Defining 'Linux' as 'just the Linux kernel' and sticking to that narrow use would make his day.

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