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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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Linux on non-PCs/Laptops (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

54 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Aside from Linux running on NASA hardware, phones and consoles. Does it run on ATM machines, PDAs and point of sale monitors?

I ask this because I've seen Windows being used in airport terminals and really old versions being used for cash machines as well. The crowdstrike problem made this more prevalent by seeing "non end user computers" using the OS.

Does Linux fill this niche as well do you know? I don't recall hearing any big name embedded distro used for those sorts of machines. Maybe Alpine Linux or NetBSD?

Thank you in advance for your input!

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[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 month ago (2 children)

A ton of digital signage (think fast food restaurant menus) run Linux as well.

Most home routers do as well.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Wouldn't a home router with Windows cost way more because of the licence?

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Probably would also need like ten times the amount of ram and disk space. These things usually run on 64/128Mb of RAM and anywhere from 8 to 32Mb of flash.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I think those numbers might be on the low side. Like, not by heaps though. My Asus RT-AC86U has 512MB of RAM and 256MB of flash. It's not exactly new either, I'd imagine an AX router would need more.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Yeah for wifi ax/6 they are. But they are perfectly normal for AC. N even ran on stuff like 4mb of flash and 32mb of ram.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Huh, I guess that's why they run merlin runs so well on them.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago

More, but not way more - they would be licensing window IoT, not a full blown OS, and they wouldn't be paying OTC retail rates for it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Don't most routers run some form of BSD?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Never heard of a commercial home router running a BSD derivative, but I'm sure it's possible. Almost all of them have a GPL li censée disclosure so....