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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).

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"In The Beginning Was The Command Line" An essay by Neal Stephenson that talks about proprietary operating systems and FOSS operating systems. Written in 1999. (archive.org)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I just finished this, yes it took me a month.

I found his literary style, very compelling, it was a fun read.

I found his predictions while interesting, not very clairvoyant. BeOS is sadly no longer with us.

I did like his tie-in to the Church of the simulation at the end, though this predates the official organization of such an church.

I think it was a thought-provoking essay, I disagreed with some aspects of this predictions, especially around what a monopoly is. It's thought-provoking. It's a good read. It is not gospel

He did talk about hacker culture, and anybody being able to fix anything, but was not able to make the connection between BeOS and proprietary license and Linux with an open license. The death of BOS followed one year from the creation of this essay

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

I agree with all you've said. Especially the monopoly part is where I disagreed the most. This is a good document to inform people about the ideology behind computers. Well, would be if not for those mistakes you have mentioned.

Other than those, as you have said, it's a thought-provoking essay.