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Which is better: Linux or GNU/Linux
(lemmy.dbzer0.com)
Why Linux is portrayed as a Penguin?
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this post was submitted on 13 Oct 2023
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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No matter how hard I try, I cannot think of a single reason why I would ever give a shit about the distinction and say or write anything other than Linux.
It's not unusual to see people talking about android users being Linux users "because android is Linux too" clearly not understanding the difference between Linux the OS, i.e. GNU/Linux, and Linux the kernel. So it's useful when you have to make such a distinction.
You are totally confused. In words of R. Stallman:
"The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called “Linux” distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux".
"Today there are many different variants of the GNU/Linux system (often called “distros”). Most of them include nonfree programs".
https://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html