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Stupid question, but what makes Linux, linux?
(lemmy.world)
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this post was submitted on 17 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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Linux is a combination of the Linux kernel (some really low level software that tells the OS how to communicate with your hardware, not something most users should worry about) and software from GNU (some Linux users call it GNU/Linux for this reason). This is then used as the base for distros, which are basically just that plus a package manager (how you install apps) and usually a desktop environment and default apps as well.
Theoretically yes, you could create an operating system and name it Steve, but it wouldn't be Linux unless it had the Linux kernel and GNU software.
Edit: as others have pointed out, yes, you can technically have linux distros without GNU, but GNU-based Linux distros are by far the most popular option, so you're highly unlikely to find a distro without GNU unless you're hunting for one.
Is Alpine not Linux then?
Linux is still Linux without GNU software on it.
But what should i use an operating system for, if not to start GNU Emacs?
You're wrong you can still have linux without GNU