we, the Debian users, are always runnunng previous versions of everything
Not all Debian users are always running old versions! I don't see why everyone is always running Debian stable. No one i know uses it. I've been running "unstable" since i first got into Debian, and i've never had any problems with it. As long as you're cautious about when you update, you'll never be bitten by the big changes. The name is misleading; all it means is that things change, whereas nothing changes in stable except for security problems.
The only reason i can see to run the released version of Debian is if you have to pay by the minute on local phone calls. Then, downloading all the update packages could get quite expensive. This problem wouldn't exist if people would put unstable on CD...
But in common usage, "Linux" refers to a unix-like OS
Common, but incorrect.
built around that kernel
That's funny! GNU was built around Linux! You really should inform yourself before posting. GNU was almost complete when Linux was born, and now the only piece missing is the kernel. Linux has been holding that place for years and probably will for a while even after the Hurd is ready.
as well as other important components like XFree86
The X Window System is not part of the Single Unix Specification. So, while GNU/Linux does not provide X, it's still Unix.
Linux could never be UNIX, even if someone paid to have it registered. Being nothing more than a kernel, it does not have the function printf(), or the command ls, or a bizillion other such interfaces. Linux itself provides very few of the interfaces described in the Single UNIX Specification, but GNU/Linux--as well as the upcoming complete GNU system--provides them all.
If GNU doesn't deserve to be named...
on
Feature:Free Linux
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> The real question is -- why change the name when it already had a name?
I agree completely. What you seem to be forgetting is that the original name was GNU. Linus and company created a kernel before the Hurd was finished. Counting all the software bundled with the operating system as part of the OS is a bit odd, and GNU refers only to the OS.
Slashdot Mirror
It's all moot anyway, if this is any indication.
You joke, but we'll be lucky to see sarge in 2006 if this is any indication.
we, the Debian users, are always runnunng previous versions of everything
Not all Debian users are always running old versions! I don't see why everyone is always running Debian stable. No one i know uses it. I've been running "unstable" since i first got into Debian, and i've never had any problems with it. As long as you're cautious about when you update, you'll never be bitten by the big changes. The name is misleading; all it means is that things change, whereas nothing changes in stable except for security problems.
The only reason i can see to run the released version of Debian is if you have to pay by the minute on local phone calls. Then, downloading all the update packages could get quite expensive. This problem wouldn't exist if people would put unstable on CD...
But in common usage, "Linux" refers to a unix-like OS
Common, but incorrect.
built around that kernel
That's funny! GNU was built around Linux! You really should inform yourself before posting. GNU was almost complete when Linux was born, and now the only piece missing is the kernel. Linux has been holding that place for years and probably will for a while even after the Hurd is ready.
as well as other important components like XFree86
The X Window System is not part of the Single Unix Specification. So, while GNU/Linux does not provide X, it's still Unix.
Linux could never be UNIX, even if someone paid to have it registered. Being nothing more than a kernel, it does not have the function printf(), or the command ls, or a bizillion other such interfaces. Linux itself provides very few of the interfaces described in the Single UNIX Specification, but GNU/Linux--as well as the upcoming complete GNU system--provides them all.
> The real question is -- why change the name when it already had a name?
I agree completely. What you seem to be forgetting is that the original name was GNU. Linus and company created a kernel before the Hurd was finished. Counting all the software bundled with the operating system as part of the OS is a bit odd, and GNU refers only to the OS.