this post was submitted on 01 Mar 2024
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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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[–] const_void@lemmy.ml -1 points 2 years ago (16 children)

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

[–] markus99@lemmy.world 37 points 2 years 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 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years 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?

[–] Fubarberry@sopuli.xyz 4 points 2 years ago

People don't like frequently dual-booting or switching operating systems. If someone needs a specific program for work, and that program only works on windows, chances are they will only use windows.

Many people have to use proprietary software at work, which means most computers for work have to run windows. If linux can get enough marketshare to get support for the necessary programs that people have to use, that will free them up to not use windows at all.

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