Why Linux is portrayed as a Penguin?
this post was submitted on 13 Oct 2023
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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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The Android question is easily clarified by simply pointing out the difference between a Linux distribution and the Linux kernel and stressing the self-evident fact that when people say “Linux” without clarification that they are talking about Linux distros.
Clarity can be achieved easily by using the term Linux kernel when that is what you mean. It is not necessary to introduce the term GNU / Linux to refer to Linux distributions. Not only is it not necessary but it is actually a really poor term for that as I explain elsewhere. Instead of bringing clarity, the term GNU / Linux brings more complexity and confusion. It also introduces politics which is a never a good idea when you are trying to explain a technical distinction.
Android uses the Linux kernel of course but Android as an operating system is not a Linux distribution in the way that 99% people will understand that term. It is not “Linux”. The same is true of ChromeOS.
Even Windows ships with the Linux kernel these days. Is it “Linux”?