Virtual Newsletter about Software Freedom

October 19, 2024

The Real Reason People Don't Say "GNU/Linux"

GNU is a major part of the operating system, so why say "Linux"?
Well, I didn't realize one thing.
Until a few days ago.

The Linux Foundation, the foundation who owns the Linux kernel.
Check their page (https://www.linuxfoundation.org) and scroll down a bit.
Stop when you find "Explore our projects"

Notice something?

Well, you should.
"Open Software"
Sounds familiar.

OPEN SOURCE.

Now, check GNU's page. (https://www.gnu.org)
Don't even have to scroll down.
"Freedom" all over the place.
Sounds familiar as well.

FREE SOFTWARE.

That's not all.
Guess which term companies and users prefer.
This is obvious, it's "open source".
So now, do you know why people prefer "Linux" over "GNU/Linux"?
(hint: it's not because "GNU/Linux" is a long name.)

Exactly.
Linux will never be just "Linux", but they can try to make everyone think that.

Now, if HURD was finished, this would never happen. ;)

- NexusSfan

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Copyright (c) 2024 NexusSfan
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License
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