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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What was Linux like in the 90s (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I really wish that I was born early so I've could witness the early years of Linux. What was it like being there when a kernel was released that would power multiple OSes and, best of all, for free?

I want know about everything: software, hardware, games, early community, etc.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

I spent what felt like many moons trying to compile Gentoo when I was a kid. There was only the wiki and a gritty forum for getting answers, nothing in real-time. I didn't have very much knowledge of the kernel or messing with modules, and was certainly lost on getting a desktop environment going even after I got past the kernel part.

It was such an experience, I decided to become a janitor.

ETA: also this guy (not strictly linux, but same vibes)

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago

Gentoo got pretty well defined / easy to compile by 2004 - I managed to get a 64 bit system built and working after a couple of tries, each try taking multiple days of course.