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WildUtah made the main point I had (that Apache Harmony represents this very concept), but I also can't help but address the concept of a "Linux moment" GNU is
by angusgr 16y ago
WildUtah made the main point I had (that Apache Harmony represents this very concept), but I also can't help but address the concept of a "Linux moment"
GNU is the real project to talk about here. It was started in the mid 1980s in response to proprietary Unix tools. It was created for the explicit purpose of freeing users from AT&T's licensing restrictions.
Linux was started in 1991 as a side project, not from any ideological reason and not to be "big and professional like gnu"[1]. Although the source was always available, it was not until a year later that it was GPL licensed and became what RMS would call "free software".
Not trying to be a RMS fanboi here, obviously both pieces of software have evolved into something very different in the past 19+ years. However, the root "moment" was the reason for GNU, not for Linux.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Linux http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Linux
- nailer 16y agoI agree with what you're saying, but the term 'Linux' is commonly used as a shorthand for GNU, X, GNOME, the Linux kernel and more. Yes, people should credit GNU, not 'Linux' for replacing Unix. But those of us that understand the difference know the author is talking about GNU, and those that don't think Linux is GNU anyway.
- angusgr 16y agobut the term 'Linux' is commonly used as a shorthand for GNU, X, GNOME, the Linux kernel and more. I know, I use that shorthand myself. But only one of the components you mention (GNU) was created for the explicit reason that the article describes. those of us that understand the difference know the author is talking about GNU I'm not sure even the author actually realises he was talking about GNU. The "Linux or GNU/Linux (sorry Richard Stallman)" quote gave me the impression that he has heard of RMS's pedantry about the term GNU/Linux, but he doesn't understand why RMS is pedantic about it, or any of the other relevant history. and those that don't think Linux is GNU anyway. ... which would seem to justify the comment, in itself. :) BTW, _Why_ does this have more upvotes than WildUtah's comment?!? Their comment is far more to the point than my one.