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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Which is better: Linux or GNU/Linux (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by Harry_h0udini@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Why Linux is portrayed as a Penguin?

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[–] corvus@lemmy.ml 0 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Unfortunately for them this means that 99.99% of the Linux distributions out there do not qualify as >GNU/Linux, even the ones like Debian, Red Hat, or Ubuntu that did adopt the GNU/Linux name >scheme, because they all host, promote, or allow users access to non-free software in some way.

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