What is the difference between Linux and GNU/Linux ?

jalalmn · 03-01-2005, 12:22 PM

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trickykid · 03-01-2005, 12:28 PM

Linux is GPL software. Whenever you see anything that refers to GNU/Linux, usually means it's full GNU as in, no proprietary software.

Remember, Linux is the kernel... there are many many packages that make up a Linux Distro though to make the actual OS usable.

Some call Linux... GNU/Linux and others just call it Linux.. at times it seems. Almost as a personal preference. But the above is how I view those that claim GNU in front of Linux from the others.

XavierP · 03-01-2005, 12:31 PM

GNU/Linux is the correct, full name. It means the GNU software plus the Linux kernel making up your distro.

But who wants to say "I run Slackware GNU/Linux"?, not me. So I call it Linux and await my obligatory beating from RMS

jalalmn · 03-01-2005, 12:40 PM

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aranes · 03-01-2005, 12:45 PM

RMS says it is GNU/Linux, and we should read it "GNU slash Linux"

liquidtenmilion · 03-08-2005, 06:39 PM

is it possible to have a linux distro that uses none of the GNU tools?

I realize that would be impracticle, but is it possible?

uman · 03-08-2005, 07:17 PM

In theory, you could. It wouldn't be very usable though. (Maybe for some special purpose)

Optimistic · 03-09-2005, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by uman
In theory, you could. It wouldn't be very usable though. (Maybe for some special purpose)

True enough, since rms wrote the c compiler that we all use.

bulliver · 03-09-2005, 12:43 AM

Quote:

True enough, since rms wrote the c compiler that we all use.

But there is the Intel C compiler, which has managed to compile the Linux kernel. If you are masochistic enough, you could use the Intel compiler, and port say, the FreeBSD userland to work with the Linux kernel.

liquidtenmilion · 03-11-2005, 04:37 PM

that actually seems like a relatively fun project.