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? (self.linux)

submitted 1 year ago by marksism 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] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I chose to use the copypasta because it does an excellent job at answering the question asked, 'What is Linux?'.

The answer being that it is but one part of a complete OS, rather than the OS itself, and that if he chooses, he may indeed be able to incorporate the kernel into his own OS project.

Nobody said you have to use GNU, just that it's by far the most common form in which a Linux-based operating system takes.