what is GNU/Linux to you?
 

what does GNU/Linux mean to you? why do you like it so much? what does it offer you?

to me GNU/Linux is a about choice. I am free to choose what I want to put on top of Linux. I am free to choose desktop and I am free to chose libraries, I am free to choose how it works by configuring. I am free to compilete my own Kernel, I am even free to use another kernel if I am skillful enough.

GNU/Linux is also a superior development model to me. a model where everyone works together and contribute what they can. a community where everyone is free to learn even the most complex operating system development, or just develop their own programs.

it is also about developing skills, and skills you will develop when using GNU/Linux since you have a much closer relationship with the operating system itself.

i dont mind that it is free and in my opinion superiorsoftware compared to other options and operating systems. I like to have to figure things out myself instead of getting everything served. and I like to be free to do so.

the filesystem is just so much more intuitive in GNU/Linux thsn it is in windows and so is the shell. living without bash would be a severe handicap.

I suppose it is mainly the freedom that draws me and the community model.

whoooaa!! Not being a killjoy but as much as I enjoy using it, I'm not planning to have any relationship with any operating system, not even Slackware:)


What it means to me? Well, it's an operating system, a pretty good one.


You might want to search the forum for a similar topic. If I remember correctly, last year (or 2 years ago) there was a topic entitled "Why do you use linux?" (or something along those lines).

GNU/Linux is one of the most successful FOSS projects that I'm aware of. And, to me, FOSS is a career and a passion.

More generally, FOSS gives me faith in the benevolence of humankind. (And I don't mean that facetiously.) I cannot possibly even count the number of helpful, fiercely intelligent folks I've interacted with through GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, and other FOSS communities. It's staggering and utterly humbling.

Linux is a toolbox for controlling your computer.

I often compare it with woodworking. Non-skilled woodworkers use plywood to build things. They have a jig for this, a jig for that. It builds quickly but very limited. I like to use my hand saw, mallet and chisels. For wood I use rough-sawn wood which I plane and glue together to obtain larger plates. Within the properties of wood, I can build anything, without being limited to any pre-designed sizes or designs.

Like Linux, classic woodworking does have a learning curve and you must be willing to invest time and effort, but it pays off.

I also agree fully with anomie: the contribution from non-linux users to publish solutions or how-to's is negligible. Not to speak of fake solutions which attempt you to break your system even further, or make you download malware.

jlinkels