Apart from being open source what is Linux? Could I not create my own operating system that is different to windows or Macos and call it Steve, again there might be an awnser for this and sounds stupid but its more out of curiosity.

  • BitingChaos@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    Mr. Stallman would be angry if you didn’t define it as the Linux kernel plus the GNU stuff that you need to do things with the kernel.

    Kernel + environment = OS

    • Something Burger 🍔@jlai.lu
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      7
      ·
      1 year ago

      The GNU+Linux thing is dumb. First, the GNU userspace programs aren’t the only things added to the kernel to make a working OS. A more fitting name would be systemd+Xorg+PipeWire+Linux. Second, not all Linux distributions use GNU’s programs. Some use Busybox, such as Android. Some don’t even use GNU’s libc, but musl. On an entirely headless system running completely unattended, you could probably not have any userspace at all. Finally, the GNU programs aren’t used at all by the average Joe who only uses their computer for Web browsing, emails and games.

    • SuperIce@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      1 year ago

      You don’t need any GNU stuff for a Linux distro though. It’s just very common to use GNU tools.

    • Bob Smith@sopuli.xyz
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      Nah. Defining Linux as ‘the Linux kernel plus the GNU stuff’ is what makes him angry. Defining ‘Linux’ as ‘just the Linux kernel’ and sticking to that narrow use would make his day.