this post was submitted on 02 Sep 2023
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Linux

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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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Taken from the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Exam Guide book (2nd edition, published 2021). I'm not sure if they fixed this in newer versions, if at all.

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[–] TheImpressiveX@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Here's some more excerpts from the book that I found amusing:

As you learned in Chapter 1, Linux is an open source operating system, meaning that anyone can download and modify it. Open source operating systems can benefit from improvements contributed by thousands of programmers. Some people choose open source operating systems out of an anti-establishment spirit; others choose them as a practical matter because they are free.

"Anti-establishment" isn't the word I'd use, but I guess that fits.

One of the most popular distros for casual users, Ubuntu, comes with a DE called Unity (shown in Figure 5-16)

That hasn't been true since 2017.

Be suspicious of free apps. In the best-case scenario, the app does what it says but installs ads or other software. In the worst-case scenario, the free app is, or contains, malware that might steal personal information from your device, encrypt your data files and demand a ransom for decryption, or monitor your device usage. Installing an app sometimes asks for specific permissions that the app will use. Be selective in allowing app privileges to items such as contact lists, GPS location, e-mail messages, and so on.

Okay, I'll admit this is good advice if we're talking about "freeware", but there's also free/libre/open-source software, which has all of the benefits of freeware, and also gives you the freedom to read/mofify/share the source code, if you wish.

As for that "malware" you speak of, you might as well be describing Google Chrome.

No media player supports all formats, so it's important to find one that supports the formats of the clips you want to play.

Clearly, these people haven't heard of VLC.

Codec is short for "compressor-decompressor"

It actually stands for "coder/decoder".

And that's just one page...

[–] DryTomatoes@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Paid apps can also steal user data and also I'd be way way more concerned about 'free' mobile apps than open source programs.

Mobile apps can and will get a jarring amount of your data just for being installed.

[–] ExLisper@linux.community 1 points 1 year ago

Fun fact: G in GNU also stands for GNU.

[–] istdaslol@feddit.de 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Well, GNU is a Linux based OS. Is they would write „GNU is a LINUX/GNU variant“ it would confuse more than it would teach.

[–] skullgiver@popplesburger.hilciferous.nl 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

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[–] istdaslol@feddit.de 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What is GNU?

GNU is an operating system that is free software—that is, it respects users' freedom. The GNU operating system consists of GNU packages (programs specifically released by the GNU Project) as well as free software released by third parties. The development of GNU made it possible to use a computer without software that would trample your freedom.

Directly from the official GNU website : https://www.gnu.org/home.en.html

And btw an OS is more than a kernel, the kernel is „just“ the foundation on witch the OS works. Hardware communication is on kernel level, for example.

[–] skullgiver@popplesburger.hilciferous.nl 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

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[–] 4am@lemm.ee 0 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Gentlemen, a short view back to the past. Thirty years ago, Niki Lauda told us ‘take a monkey, place him into the chair and he is able to use the computer.’ Thirty years later, Sebastian told us ‘I had to start my computer like an F1 car, it’s very complicated.’ And Nico Rosberg said that during the compile – I don’t remember what compile – he pressed the wrong button on the keyboard. Question for you both: is Linux today too complicated with twenty and more buttons on the keyboard , are you too much under effort, under pressure? What are your wishes for the future concerning the technical programme during the development? Less buttons, more? Or less and more communication with Torvalds?

[–] Isbjerg@feddit.dk 1 points 1 year ago

Could you repeat the question?

[–] stembolts@programming.dev 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

As a huge Formula 1 fan and daily Linux user for a few decades now, while also being quite stoned.. this fusion broke my brain, haha, well written. I could hear the words in the voice of Lauda, Seb, and Rossberg.

Pastor Maldonado I would assume is a windows user.

[–] funkless_eck@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

can you explain for a casual scroller-by with a less-than-mild interest in both?

[–] stembolts@programming.dev 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

A reporter asked a very very long question in a press conference 2-3 years ago. It has become a quaint F1 copypasta due to this. The author took that quote and replaced all of the Formula 1 references with Linux references.

It's obscure as hell but funny to encounter as a fan of both.

I am pretty sure the long question is used in Netflix's Drive to Survive series in one of the seasons with Sebastien Vettel. Good show even for a non-F1 fan, but I admit I am biased.

[–] mwguy@infosec.pub -1 points 1 year ago

This is great.

[–] const_void@lemmy.ml -1 points 1 year ago

CompTIA is a scam. No job that's worth a shit will require it.