this post was submitted on 03 Sep 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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Fun fact: The "Windows key" (or "Command key" for Mac users) has its own generic name: the Super key!
Not trying to be a smartass here; I genuinely find it fascinating! :D
Some distros call it the Meta key.
I didn't know that. Thanks!
Which distros, out of curiosity?
Fedora KDE does. I think it's going to go with the DE rather than the distro, I bet Kubuntu also does.
I think dating back to the Space Cadet keyboard, Unix systems recognize 6 modifier keys: Shift, Control, Alt, Super, Meta and Hyper. It is my understanding that they choose to bind either Super or Meta to the "Windows" key (or the octothorpe whatever that thing is called key on Macs) and in practice it's used as another modifier key, often with Windows-like functionality such as opening the Menu if tapped tacked on.
That is so weird. Haha.
Oh that is interesting. I had seen that used before but didn't know what it was lol.