this post was submitted on 29 Jun 2024
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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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When I refer to Linux, I am referring to a computer with the kernel and other software that makes up a Personal Computer.

I like to think that Linux is great, and always will be, a Personal Computer. Windows, I will always remember it being the best thing for business’s as Microsoft pushes licenses and such business related features.

I switched to Linux in 2020, Ubuntu, and slowly learned my ways around, and understanding how everything works, but most people don’t have to now, it’s so simple to get started.

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[–] floofloof@lemmy.ca 26 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (4 children)

"Free software" doesn't mean you don't pay for it, but that it respects and preserves the user's freedom. The opposite is not "cost software" but unfree software.

What is free software?

Most of the other points in this list are also questionable or inaccurate. In fact, I think the only true one is the first one: open source vs closed source.

[–] Malgas@beehaw.org 7 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Though it is also true that Linux is gratis and Windows is not.

[–] Shareni@programming.dev 4 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

Not really:

  • RHEL is paid if you need more devices than the free license provides

  • SEL and Ubuntu Pro don't have any free licenses as far as I remember

  • you can mostly use windows without paying anything

[–] Malgas@beehaw.org 1 points 4 months ago

It seems kind of disingenuous to compare enterprise support contracts for Linux to personal Windows licenses. Especially while also ignoring that you do pay for Windows, it's just hidden in the cost of the device.

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