this post was submitted on 19 Apr 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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Just sharing this really well produced video on Linux's public perception (since this channel has suprisingly not a lot of subscribers)

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[–] [email protected] 91 points 7 months ago (4 children)

I remember a post on reddit asking for a SteamDeck alternative because SteamDeck uses Linux, the guy never used the SteamDeck or Linux before... The way media treats Linux is really fucking important, maybe if Linux was from a big player like Android is from Google, people wouldn't make such a fuss about it.

[–] [email protected] 70 points 7 months ago (1 children)

honestly the biggest problem with the media is. Linux represents the very thing corporate culture in those media empires just can't fathom. the idea of cooperation for the greater good that Linux represents and not being 100% profit motivated. They just don't get it and worse they see it as a threat. Microsoft can be a competitor to them but the idea of open source is a competitor to the whole system and that is a far greater threat to the people on top.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 7 months ago

Doesn’t stop people from using Android.

The problem is that the Linux brand is tarnished by the Linux product. If you are making something for consumers, don’t use the word Linux.

[–] [email protected] 50 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Well, steam deck os is from valve, a big player.

The majority of users don't make any fuss about it.

[–] [email protected] 15 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Steam OS is but part of the media as shown in the video, just call it Linux and Linux itself does not come from Valve.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 7 months ago

Technically, the Nintendo Switch uses Linux, and Android is Linux, so its kind of absurd the pushback Steamdecks are getting from these people. They aren't afraid of Linux; They are afraid of the posibility of running a terminal and interacting with a Desktop Environment that isn't Windows or MacOS. Doesn't make any sense.

[–] [email protected] 32 points 7 months ago (1 children)

This is, sadly, accurate. Telling someone to use an OS/platform that isn't connected with a brand they recognise seems to send many people into a tailspin.

I'll refrain from the obvious "They Live" cynicism...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago
[–] [email protected] 11 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

Android is practically Linux (but is not GNU/Linux, somebody post the Stallman rant)

[–] [email protected] 24 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Yeah and no one puts Linux as downside in reviews for a new android smartphone.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 7 months ago

Well most people don't notice, and that is frankly a good thing. I care what kernel my phone is running, but I'm a fucking nerd.

I haven't checked, but I bet iPhones are running Darwin, which is more Unix than Linux is