this post was submitted on 28 Feb 2026
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Linux is a kernel for OS. See, I told you what Linux is. I did it!
Maybe Morpheus meant that no one can explain it and also be believed. π
Maybe the real matrix was the friends we made along the way.
I know it is an obvious term for you techbros, but kernel means nothing to your average person though. I would doubt most of them would even know what an OS is (especially abbreviated like that).
Explanation for dummies: Linux is a launcher of computer programs.
So it's like the start menu? (j/k)
Naah!
It's what starts the start menu.
So it's an init system?
It's what the init system goes to, to do the real work.
It's an init system for an init system.
Thanks for the lol of today.
Oh like a slingshot for floppies?
An OS is basically a broker of hardware resources for applications. And usually ships with some of its own applications. Thatβs a pretty fair explanation?
what is a broker?
Someone who (somehow) has less money than me
brokerΒ /brΕβ²kΙr/
noun
It's a government agency in the United Kingdom called the Ordnance Survey. They make all the maps.
I was originally set up to help defend against catholic rebellions so it is historically linked to the army. That's probably where the Colonel comes in to it.
I think its originally French
The pronunciation is from French (Coronel), but the spelling is from Italian (Colonnello)
Yeah, but... but... like, but... if you just explain it, you'll put people off. You've got to get them to install it first so that they get hooked.
Now eat this random pill I found
no.. you misu.. I have not just found it, of course! I am bringing it from the most delicate source of pills!
It's not only for operating systems, though.
What else? I can hardly imagine using Linux for something except OS.
Maybe they mean embedded systems where full OS isn't required. Just the kernel and busybox.