this post was submitted on 25 Aug 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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Did stallman coat-tail Linux on day one, or did he latch onto the "ackshually, it's got some gun in there so we deserve top billing" only a little after?
Linux doesn't have any GNU in it. Linux is a kernel that GNU runs on top of. That's what Stallman means by "GNU/Linux."
Maybe he is a little bitter about his life's work and philosophy being erased by Linux fans, but that is understandable. Maybe he is a little too bitter.
People think it's about Stallman being bitter. But it's because GNU is a political project with the goal of total user freedom and control over their computer. The software is a step on the way there. But if people use free software without understanding, valuing or taking advantage of the freedom it gives them, the GNU project has failed.
Probably after he gave up on his own kernel (Hurd) being a viable competitor.
I hate this language, its so fucking dehumanizing. "Viable competitor" is such bullshit. Torvalds gave away his commitment to freedom with binary blobs. That's his decision to do. But to label Hurd on that same level is the biggest disservice to history you could ever do.
Hurd will never be the "viable competitor" because you hold selfish attitudes about what makes software valuable or not.
Torvalds sold out. Hurd didn't.
@jsnc @JuxtaposedJaguar that seems a bit too βzealotβ to me. And viable competitor is exactly the right phrase to use, or am I mistaken in thinking I use Linux instead of HURD?
It is a "zealot" opinion because I don't topple over at the slightest breeze.
Both Linux and Hurd are libre software. However, the freedom of linux is compromised as torvalds set the standard for how OEMs can circumvent the GPLv2.
"viable competitor" is not the correct term to use. It miscontrues decades of history and circumstance.
Hurd is far better than Linux in terms of ensuring your freedom. But linux is better for getting more folks onto the freedom ladder. Linux however, isn't the end goal: GNU is. If you don't know what that means, congrats, you're part of the problem.
GNU has their own kernel, called linux-libre, which follows the same set of principles as Hurd. It won't function 100% on modern OEM hardware but its important as message towards freedom.
I use a blobbed kernel one if my machines, but I also have a librebooted debian thinkpad. I am intensely interested in a fully free OS, this is why i seem stubborn to those who don't even keep what Im saying in mind.
My x220 uses intel microcode, that is nonfree software. However, I was convinced by the founder of libreboot's (Leah Rowe) extensive writing to make it so. Im not completely stubborn, but Im also not careless.
Ok you sold me, I'll go back to windows. Fine job building a community.
No one is here to coddle your feelings. Enjoy being a loser bootlicker, you never cared in the first place and want to project that onto others.
I don't want to admit using Linux because I'm worried people might confise me with annoying self righteous ideologue twats like you. Same reason I don't identify as atheist anymore.
Idk what you think you're doing, but you're not helping your cause. That much is for sure.
Im sorry you're insecure. I scream GNU because I'm not embarassed about having an opinion.
My "cause" doesn't include kissing your ass when you feel uncomfortable.
Your "cause" is getting on your high horse and spewing rhetoric for countless paragraphs. Linux is nothing more than a vehicle for you to do that. If it didn't exist, you'd find something else to fartsniff about. Fuck off.
Someone's mad lol.
Of course I'm mad, you make the Linux community look like a bunch of douchebags
Oh no not your precious "linux" community. I'm so sorry for your loss.