[Gllug] Linux or GNU/Linux?

[Paul Brazier]

> GNU would be nothing without a kernel.
> 
> And Linux not much without the GNU C compiler.

I reckon in the future Linux could easily fall from prominence and be
replaced by other free kernels like Hurd for example. The Linux kernel
has just kind of evolved and if you were starting again parhaps there
were bits that with hindsight you'd do differently. As I understand it
(correct me if I'm wrong) you just need a few low-level userspace tools
specific to the kernel and the existing GNU stuff should work fine as it
is.

So maybe "Linux" won't be permanent emough and "GNU" is a bit obscure.
How about "GLFSUG" for the Greater London Free Software Users Group"?
(don't take this too seriously).
It would be interesing to see whether people use Linux mainly for
political or technical reasons or somewhere inbetween. I was definitely
moved to try it for political/ethical reasons and its technical ability
is just a bonus. Arguably some of the BSD systems are better technically
but I prefer the GNU definition of "Free".

Maybe eventually it will be straightforward to swap the kernels of your
existing system as you feel like it.

Has anyone tried out the Hurd kernel?

Paul.


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