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> most Linux distributions are just cosmetic variations of the largest upstream distros. Plenty are not. I am impressed by how usable community-based (non-corp
by racer-v 9y ago
> most Linux distributions are just cosmetic variations of the largest upstream distros.
Plenty are not. I am impressed by how usable community-based (non-corporate) distros are (e.g. Gentoo, Arch). This is truly indigenous technology.
> they all rely on Torvalds and everyone else for the kernel (heavily funded by donations, companies, etc)
This is an interesting thought. I believe the Linux kernel would continue to be viable on a purely volunteer basis, without corporate subsidies; I can't prove it though.
- gregknicholson 9y agoWithout corporate subsidies, corporate subsidies would soon reappear. If it's useful enough, corporations will pay to continue having it.
- scott_karana 9y agoI suspect you're right, but it would certainly be a tectonic event, and could potentially affect Linux's competitiveness until equilibrium recovered. And you're right about "most" being wrong. "Many" would have been a better word, particularly if talking about the most popular. (Another non-upstream-reliant distro that I find fascinating is GoboLinux. Very against the grain/orthodoxy!)