this post was submitted on 01 Mar 2024
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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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[–] const_void@lemmy.ml -1 points 8 months ago (16 children)

I've never understood how this is good for Linux. Why is having more users so important?

[–] markus99@lemmy.world 38 points 8 months ago (12 children)

More users means there is more interest from private companies to reach these users and to port their software/products to Linux. Ie Adobe, Games, AutoCAD Suit, etc.

[–] const_void@lemmy.ml -5 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (11 children)

But why do we want more proprietary software running on Linux? Wouldn't we be recreating the same situation that Windows has?

Edit: Why downvote me instead of replying with a reason why I'm "wrong" or discussing further? Is Lemmy turning into Reddit already?

[–] shrugal@lemm.ee 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

But why do we want more proprietary software running on Linux?

Because it's what reality looks like right now. Everything FOSS would be ideal, but it's probably not going to happen for a looooong time. In the meantime more software is always good, and it also means more FOSS software you can choose as an alternative.

Wouldn't we be recreating the same situation that Windows has?

No, because the base OS is still open, so you have choices that you don't have under Windows.

Why downvote me instead of replying with a reason why I'm "wrong" or discussing further?

Tbh it sounds a bit disingenuous when you say that you don't understand such a basic thing. It should be pretty obvious that more users means more interest from devs+companies and more support for the platform.

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