Most often, we say that we are using linux operating system. When we say like this, we are wrong. Linux is not an operating system, its just a kernel for GNU operating system designed and coded by Linus Torvalds, a 21 years old student at the University of Helsinki, Finland in April 1991. Here is a quick intro about GNU and Linux kernel-
What is GNU?
GNU is a Unix-like operating system that is free software—it respects your freedom. You can install Linux-based versions of GNU which are entirely free software.
 |
| Screenshot of the Trisquel GNU/Linux distribution running OpenOffice.org, a free software office suite comparable to Microsoft Office or Apple iWork |
The GNU Project was launched in 1984 to develop the GNU system. The name “GNU” is a recursive acronym for “GNU's Not Unix!”. "GNU" is pronounced g'noo, as one syllable, like saying "grew" but replacing the r with n.
A Unix-like operating system is a software collection of applications, libraries, and developer tools, plus a program to allocate resources and talk to the hardware, known as a kernel.
The Hurd, GNU's own kernel, is some way from being ready for daily use. Thus, GNU is typically used today with a kernel called Linux. This combination is the GNU/Linux operating system. GNU/Linux is used by millions, though many call it "Linux" by mistake.
What is Free Software?
“Free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech”, not as in “free beer”.
Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:
- The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
- The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
- The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
- The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
