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Linux is a free and open-source UNIX-like monolithic kernel created by Linus Torvalds and developed by the Linux community. Linux is managed with the version control system git and licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2.
Linux is often bundled with the GNU utilities. Although, this is not always the case, as can be seen by distributions like Alpine Linux.[1]
Many Linux-based operating systems are better in terms of performance and stability than Microsoft Windows.
History[edit | edit source]
Linus Torvalds released the Linux Kernel in source-code form in 1991.[2] The next year, in February 1992, Linux was released under the GNU General Public License.[3]
NVIDIA's Open-Source Boycott on Linux[edit | edit source]
In 2011, the NVIDIA Corporation refused to provide open-source GPU drivers;[4] Linux developers were forced to reverse engineer proprietary NVIDIA GPUs to develop open-source drivers, to which NVIDIA provided horrendous support.[5]
Linus Torvalds famously responded to the boycott with a middle finger and a curse word: "NVIDIA, Fuck you!"[6]
NSA Interrogation[edit | edit source]
In 2013, Nils Torvalds reported that the National Security Agency contacted Linus Torvalds with a request to add backdoors into Linux.[7]
Linux distributions[edit | edit source]
Linux distributions (operating systems that use Linux) often use the GNU coreutils. Although, many alternatives to the GNU coreutils exist, such as Uutils and Busybox.
State-developed[edit | edit source]
Many states have developed a Linux-based operating system to develop sovereign economies and break dependence on Microsoft Windows, which has backdoors usable by the Central Intelligence Agency.
- The Russian Federation developed and is transitioning to Astra Linux,[8] due to its compliance to state orders for use of domestic software.[9]
- The Republic of Cuba developed Nova.[10]
- The DPRK (through the Korea Computer Center) developed Red Star OS.[11]
- The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela developed Canaima GNU/Linux.[12]
External Links[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ “Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox.”
The Alpine Linux Developers (2023-5-24). "Main Page" Alpine Linux. Archived from the original on 2023-5-20. Retrieved 2023-5-24. - ↑ "Linux 0.01 Documentation".
- ↑ "Linux 0.12 Documentation".
- ↑ Chris Hoffman (2015-04-17). "Why Nvidia graphics cards are the worst for open-source, but the best for Linux gaming" PCWorld.
- ↑ André Machado (2024-11-14). "Nouveau vs. NVIDIA: The Battle Between Open-Source Ideals and Proprietary Performance on Linux" André Machado | Blog. Archived from the original on 2024-05-15. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
- ↑ Kuttofos (2012-06-17). "Linus Torvalds To Nvidia - "Fuck You"". YouTube.
- ↑ Christian Engstrom (2013-11-17). "NSA Asked Linus Torvalds To Install Backdoors Into GNU/Linux" Falkvinge. Archived from the original on 2023-12-10.
- ↑ "Российские операционные системы (ОС), отечественное ПО для виртуализации и резервного копирования | Astra Linux (Russian operating system, home virtualization, and reserve software | Astra Linux)".
- ↑ "Государственный сектор".
- ↑ "Nova | Portal Web".
- ↑ Duval, Gaël. "From Sovereign Operating Systems to the Sovereign Digital Chain." Reflections on Programming Systems: Historical and Philosophical Aspects (2018): 261-271.
- ↑ “Dec, 8, 2004 (Venezuelanalysis.com).- Venezuela’s government is quickly moving towards the adoption of Open Source software, in a bid to save money and move towards technological independence.”
Cleto Sojo (2004-12-8). "Venezuela Embraces Linux and Open Source Software, but Faces Challenges" Venezuelanalysis. Archived from the original on 2025-01-12. Retrieved May 15, 2025.