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by Delmania 3721 days ago
First, the whole GNU/Linux "debate" is nothing more than RMS's ideology getting in the way. Linux refers to a class of operating systems that are mostly POSIX compliant. The fact that the GNU project has implemented a lot of the tools used in most distribution does not mean is has the right to lay claim to the title anymore than the Apache Foundation or Python Software Foundation.

Second, the GNU project will never get the Oscar because the FSF is incredibly inept at spreading it's message.
1 comments
mikegerwitz 3720 days ago
> The fact that the GNU project has implemented a lot of the tools used in most distribution does not mean is has the right to lay claim to the title anymore than the Apache Foundation or Python Software Foundation.

GNU is a fully free Unix replacement---an operating system; it is more than a bunch of GNU software:

https://gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html

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Delmania 3720 days ago
This is where there is a division between the way the FSF presents itself, and the way the software is used. Without a kernel, the claims that GNU is a replacement for UNIX is disingenuous. GNU Hurd is not production ready. It is a series of tools, some of where adhere (mostly) to the POSIX standard, and some of which provide other functionality.

If we're going to start naming systems based on the tools, then I use a ZSH/MS/VIM/PSF/Linux distro. There are other providers than GNU.

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mikegerwitz 3720 days ago
> Without a kernel, the claims that GNU is a replacement for UNIX is disingenuous.

GNU/Linux has a kernel---Linux. It forms a fully free operating system.

No free replacement for Unix existed until GNU provided one---that involves much more than just writing utilities. I encourage you to read about the history of the project to understand why:

Summary: https://gnu.org/gnu/thegnuproject.html

More detailed: https://gnu.org/gnu/thegnuproject.html

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