FSUG-Bangalore:Difference between Linux and GNU Linux

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The GNU/Linux operating system uses the kernel[1] created by Linus Torvalds[2] and the software developed by "GNU Project".[3]

The GNU Project was started in 1984 with an objective to develop a complete free operating system.Most of the pieces of a operating system like shells,editors and other user software was completed by then, the missing part was a kernel.This void was filled with Linus Torvalds kernel.

When we say 'Linux' it refers only to kernel which is responsible for resource allocation, low-level hardware interfaces, security etc.The linus's kernel and various programs are bundled to form an operating system known as "GNU/Linux".Unfortunately, the "GNU" part is dropped by most distributions.

[edit] References

  • Read more to understand the "Why do you call it GNU/Linux and not

Linux?"[4]

  • David A. Wheeler's paper [5].
  • History of Gnu/Linux [6]
  • Hannu Puttonen's movie "The Code"[7]
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