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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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I remember, I was 23yo and in a BSc Computer Science. At the time our teachers were more BSD, SVR4, Minix, and of course HP-UX, SunOS, AIX, IRIX, etc. They didn't like Linux, but us, students, would download kernel and gnu utilities on like 8 floppies, to install on 486, and then the 10 floppies for X11, what a nightmare it was, like Arch today :)
My first kernel install was v0.99. What a time :) I used Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, and now MX (still based on Debian) for a long time.
what a nightmare it was, like Arch today
Disagree. Arch is smooth sailing in comparison. More like installing DOS in the early 90s.
I don't know, I installed Arch from the base archlinux-x86_64.iso followed the wiki and after boot I had a simple text login, I needed to configure ethernet network/systemd etc then install X and Xfce and all kind of stuff, like in the 90s :)
I installed DOS dozens of time, in the beginning it was two 5"1/4 floppies and super easy to install, but there was no GUI nor network
still, there's a lot less ./configure;make;make install involved than it was on mid-90s linux :D
You also had to manually cut your partitions, then to manually setup everything after install - himem, mouse, sound... It was mostly loading drivers and in Arch it's installing and configuring packages. Sure, it's more complex due to vastly more possibilities but the actual doing is pretty similar. And there was no wiki back then. ;)
Been using Debian Since Potato. Never had a real reason to use any other distro.
Are they still named after Toy Story characters? I have Debian running on my selfhosted gear but never really paid attention to the release names - just the numbers 😅
Yes. The current stable release is Bookworm. debian-distro-info --all buzz rex bo hamm slink potato woody sarge etch lenny squeeze wheezy jessie stretch buster bullseye bookworm trixie forky sid
me too it's a distro that I love
Kinda weird how they kind of just dropped ian murdock's name in there without any further recognition of his tragic death
I mean, is it? Yes Ian passed tragically but is a celebration of Debian the place to bring that up? Also should Ian only be remembered alongside his tragic passing?
Fair points.
Love Debian. Been running Stable on servers, and Testing or SID on laptops/desktops, for over a decade. Same installs still running and upgrading. Love the DFSG and all the platforms supports.
I count Debian as proof humans are not irredeemable.
i distro hop every now and then but i always find myself coming back to debian. love this distro
Yep, I have 6 GNU/Linux distributions running concurrently on a variety of drives and devices and Debian is one of my favourites :)
RIP Ian. Wish he was around to see it today.
I don't know why you're being downvoted. I guess people don't know that Ian Murdock was ghe creator of Debian, with the name coming from his own name and from the name of his partner at the time, Deborah, thus becoming Debian.
I'm confused. You start doubting what I said and continue to confirm my point...?