Since its Free and Open Source, there are so many flavours of Linux
Definiton of Open Source
Open Source means that the source code of the software is OPEN to the general public.
Owners of Proprietary softwares closely guard their Source Code, so it cannot be modified by anyone else except them.
Source Code is made open so that people too can contribute to the development of the software.
Free Software
Free does not mean “Free of Cost”, instead it means “Free as in Freedom”.
In Free software you have the right to use, modify, copy and distribute the software with or without the changes you made to the code.
Free softwares are usually free of cost with a few exceptions.
Unix History (Page-1)
In 1970's AT&T Bell Labs funded a project to create a new operating system.
Unix finally developed as a powerful operating system and it quickly became famous.
Universities began using it and subsequently contributing back to the development.
AT&T licensed Unix is such a way that it was unfit for teaching and thus Unix became propriotery.
Unix History (Page-2)
Richard Stallman, a renowed computer genius was very depressed at the developments going on reguarding Unix.
He invited computer developers and coders all over the world to develop an alternative Operating System with same capabilities as that of Unix
The name of the project was chosen as GNU which recursivly stood for “GNU Not Unix”.
Unix History (Page-3)
By 1991 all softwares and components of the desired OS were prepared, only the kernel was lacking.
Linux Torvalds a Finnish student at the age of 21 wrote a kernel which was later incorporated into the Project. The kernel was called Linux.
The Operating system should have been aptly called GNU/Linux not just Linux.
Facts about Linux
The name Linux is a misnomer, it should be called GNU/Linux.
Linux is based on Unix, its just a clone.
The code of Unix is not copied, only the Operating System concepts are properly incorporated.
The development of Linux was from scratch or in other words Linux was developed from ground zero.
Free/Open Source good model of software?
Closed source software owners consider that less people know the source code, less is the chance of getting their products hacked.
Sharply opposite, Open source developers consider that more people know the source code, more bugs will be found and more people will contibute back by fixing those bugs.
So many Linux Flavours?
All Linux flavours are called distros which is a fancy term for distibutions.
Since its Free and Open Source people are free to modify and release their own versions or copies.
Everything in Free software is copyright free.
Freedom of choice is another factor.
If you dont like one distro you can choose any other which you like.
The Democratic Spirit
Open Source software instills a spirit of democracy, you have the right to choose which Operating System you want to use.
You can even change it whenever you like,there is a wide range to choose from.
You are free from the bonds of any monopoly and any communism type spirits.
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This is the presentation given by LUG Manipal volun more
This is the presentation given by LUG Manipal volunteers to the freshers batch(2009-1013) of Manipal Engineering. This was shown during the Install Fest to make them familiar with Linux less
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