this post was submitted on 17 Aug 2023
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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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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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[–] dinckelman 100 points 1 year ago (3 children)

You can 100% create your own kernel for an operating system, and call it Steve

[–] slinkyninja 24 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Hypothetically, could a guy called Linus create his own kernel and name it after himself?

[–] [email protected] 31 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

No, that would be "too egotistical" (in Linus' own words). But he can have his friend who runs an FTP server completely ignore his wishes to have it named "Freax" and name the directory "linux" instead.

[–] excitingburp 16 points 1 year ago

Linux actually stands for "Linux is not Unix." Recursive acronyms were a bit of a geek inside joke at the time.

[–] marksism 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sounds perfect... Just disappointed that Steve os has not been released :/ I can hope though!

[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 year ago

Don't let your dreams be dreams.

[–] woelkchen 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You can 100% create your own kernel for an operating system, and call it Steve

But would it be in honor of Steve Jobs, Steve Ballmer, or Steve Seagal?

[–] [email protected] 17 points 1 year ago

Minecraft Steve. Definitely