Classic RMS

I’d just like to interject for a moment. What you’re referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX.

Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called “Linux”, and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project.

There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine’s resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called “Linux” distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux.

CSUA from ‘02

Found this on the old usenet archives.

“Death before ignorance.”

Subject: dear friends

I think the Soda Hall undergraduate lounge is a great place to spend an afternoon. The couch is premium and smells wonderful. The people who hang out here also smell wonderful. The non functioning gautlet game never ceases to amaze wide eyed tourists. The girl with the sword, the elf archer, the musclebound barbarian and the wizard with fire on his fingers…these people are my friends. Over the many many months I’ve spent here and eaten and slept here I’ve also become more aware of some of the more subtle nuances. The collection of reading material is devine, constntly updated with the latest computer science books and periodicals. Someone was even thoughtful to add a self help book entitled “Getting the love you need”, which I must mention greatly improved my relationships with myself and others. “The mind tool” is also a local favorite, as well as “computers and man” and “space trek” (which has dissappeared). Feeling thirsty for a moutain dew or a diet pepsi? Right around the corner is a vending machine allways filled to capacity with refreshing drinks. Also there are twizzlers, moon pies, snackwells and chips galore. You get a thumbs up from me, guys!