this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2023
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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This week the Slackware Linux project is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It is the oldest Linux distribution that is still in active maintenance and development.

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[–] Shdwdrgn@mander.xyz 9 points 1 year ago (10 children)

After getting my hands on unix at work but unable to afford the cost to run it at home, I discovered a version of Slackware that installed in a folder on my Windows desktop. It only took a few weeks of playing around before I set up a dedicated server (which was then hacked within the first week, pushing me to learn about this thing called a "firewall") Whew it's been almost 24 years now and I've been happily using Debian for nearly half that time.

[–] saucyloggins@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago (7 children)

What do you mean by the cost? Because you didn't want to wipe out your Windows OS? I've been running distros on my personal PC for 23 years now. Can't say I've ever spent money on it except for some cheap CDs. I think I even got distro cds for cheap that came with linux magazines.

[–] Shdwdrgn@mander.xyz 8 points 1 year ago (5 children)

If you wanted to run actual Unix, there was a significant licensing fee. That's one of the reasons Linux took off, because it did all the same things but was free.

[–] saucyloggins@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Aaaah I understand.

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