this post was submitted on 13 Jul 2024
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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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[–] [email protected] 20 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Multiple desktops, 1999. What an amazing feature.

A quick web search suggests that macOS (then OS X) got this in 2007 ("Spaces"), and Windows not until 2015.

This alone makes this GUI more functional IMHO.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

Most Unix systems had it in CDE, 1993. Most also had it in whatever came before.

The first platform to implement multiple desktop display as a hardware feature was Amiga 1000, released in 1985.

The first implementation of virtual desktops for Unix was vtwm in 1990.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_desktop

It had been the expected default for pretty much an entire decade. Also X often supported a different size viewport and desktop so the view would scroll. Not sure if anyone really liked using that.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 months ago

Also X often supported a different size viewport and desktop so the view would scroll.

I remember encountering that the first time I used Linux! Can't recall personally finding a good use for it but...neat I guess?