"But Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation and creator of the computer operating system GNU ..."
Huh ? "creator of the computer operating system GNU"
Can somebody explain what that means ?
Huh ? "creator of the computer operating system GNU"
Can somebody explain what that means ?
It is a common misconception to call Linux-based systems “Linux”. Linux is the kernel, the piece that manages devices, processes, and memory. GNU is a collection of tools (GNU ls, GNU Bash, GNU C Compiler, etc.).
What the user sees is the set of GNU and non-GNU tools running on top of the Linux kernel. This is the reason why rms insists on people calling their system “GNU/Linux” and not only “Linux”.
RMS started GNU in 83-84: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU#History
Those who care are aware of the distinction between "Linux" the kernel and "Linux" the environment built upon a Linux kernel. Those who don't are unlikely to be aware of the derivation or importance of either term. Of those who care few are willing to use his terminology.
This is not what I would consider a "misconception."
In my opinion Stallman does his cause damage by tilting at this particular windmill.
Most Linux distros use the GNU userland, but they don't have to ... they could use the BSD userland if they really wanted to.
http://www.debian.org/ports/#nonlinux
Linux distros are more GNU than Linux, the problem is in the name -- 'GNU' sounds and looks nerdy and unfriendly.
:)