What is Linux?
History of Linux:
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1984, Free Software Foundation
is formed by Richard Stallman.
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FSF starts the GNU project
with the goal of creating a free version of UNIX
-
GNU GPL copyright (called
copyleft)
is created.
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GNU GPL guaranties three freedoms (besides the obvious freedom to run the
program):
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The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.
I. E. source code is always available to view and modify.
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The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
I. E. you can give it to your friend or charge him for it!
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The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the
public, so that the whole community benefits. I. E. you must
include your source code modifications with the original if you distribute
the modifications. You must also allow 1 and 2!
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By 1991, GNU is well along but not quite complete. Most notably,
the GNU C Compiler
and debugging tools
are mature applications for software development.
-
1991 Enter Linus Torvalds,
Computer Science student at U. Helsinki Finland. Linus has a 386
PC but would like to have an OS that works on the internet and allows him
to write and exchange e-mail (among other things).
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He starts to write a kernel
which incorporates these desired features.
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He posts his work on the internet and asks for help.
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Slowly, a community of hackers starts to gather and contribute to the work
on the kernel. Linus makes all major design
decisions and guides the development of the kernel.
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Linus places the kernel under GNU GPL, the kernel is given the name, LINUX.
-
The working kernel, when ready, is combined with the GNU project software
as well as other free software (such as XFree)
and a working, UNIX like operating system is created and made available
on the internet.