What is GNU?Understanding GNUGNU/Linux is a powerful, open-source operating system developed by Richard Stallman in 1983. It was basically a project that used to create a free Unix-like operating system. GNU stands for "GNU's Not Unix!" There are several system components includes in GNU like compilers, libraries, and other. Linux Kernel is developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. Linux kernel is known as core of the operating system which is responsible for manages hardware, system processes, others.  GNU is also known as a collection of free software, which can be used as an operating system. Using complete tools of GNU and an operating system emerges, known as Linux. AS of 2024, there are 394 packages included in GNU. Features:
Usage
Components in GNUIn GNU, there are a lot of components available such as GCC, glibc, coreutils, etc. Let's see in details.
In several other operating systems, GNU is included, such as Microsoft Windows and macOS. As of June 2024, there are 467 packages included in the official GNU development site. GNU as an OSThe GNU operating system included with GNU packages and free software from third parties. It includes applications, libraries, developer tools, and some games. A main key aspect of GNU is that it enables users to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve the software, overall control on the their computing. Generally, GNU is used with the Linux kernel, which is widely used today. GNU HurdGNU Hurd is the most important project by the GNU Project to develop a free and open-source operating system kernel. Hurd uses a microkernel architecture and it runs on the GNU Mach microkernel, which handles some basic tasks like memory management and inter-process communication. It is a composed set of servers that implement various functionalities such as file systems, network protocols, and file access control. The GNU Hurd project started in 1990 as a replacement for the Unix kernel. The development of GNU Hurd taken a long time period and faced challenges compared to other kernels like Linux. The latest stable release of Hurd is version 0.9, released in December 2016. You can run GNU Hurd through distributions like Debian GNU/Hurd. Linux-libreIn 2012, Linux-libre became an official part of GNU project as a fork. It is the variant of Linux with all proprietary components removed. The GNU Project has endorsed Linux-libre distributions, such as Trisquel, Parabola GNU/Linux-libre, PureOS and GNU Guix System. Non-GNU kernelsThere are many non-GNU kernels that are widely used in various operating systems. Here are given some of them:
HistoryOn September 27, 1983, the GNU project was announced by Stallman. It is developed by Richard Stallman, who was a programmer at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. GNU stands for "GNU's Not Unix!" The main aim of GNU was to create a Unix-compatible operating system to provide as free software. In 1985, Stallman founded the Free Software Foundation (FSF) to support the development of free software. GNU Manifesto was published in 1985. It describes the principles and goals of the GNU Project. It highlights the importance of user freedom in the field of the software development and distribution. Development of GNUThe GNU Project began by developing essential Unix-like tools, such as compilers, text editors, and command-line. Here are some of the projects include:
GNU LogoThe GNU logo is shown as a head of a gnu. It is an African wildebeest, which is a reference to the project's name "GNU." The logo is characterized by its large curved horns, shaggy mane. The logo is in black and white, but variations exist in color. The gnu animal was chosen as a play on the project's name "GNU's Not Unix!" It represents the strength, resilience, and free spirit of the GNU Project and its community. Licenses & CopyrightThe GPL is a free software license created by Richard Stallman and the Free Software Foundation (FSF). It is one of the most widely used open-source licenses in the world. Copyright is a legal concept that grants the original work of a creator. It is an exclusive right to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time. These rights include the ability to control reproduction, distribution, and adaptation of the work. In the context of software, copyright applies to the source code, giving the author's control over how the code is used, shared, and modified. CopyleftThe GPL includes a legal concept called copyleft. It ensures that any software licensed under the GPL, and any derivative works based on it, must also be distributed under the same license. This means that users have the freedoms to use, modify, and distribute the software must be preserved in all copies and derivative works. GPL Versions:
StewardshipThe FSF is the principal steward of the GNU Project. It manages and updates the GNU licenses, ensuring they evolve to meet new legal and technological challenges. The GNU Project relies on contributions from a global community of developers who adhere to the principles of free software. These contributors play a vital role in maintaining and advancing the software. Richard Stallman and the FSF have provided ethical leadership, framing the development of free software. The FSF educates the public, developers, and companies about the importance of software freedom and the proper use of GNU licenses. ConclusionThis article provided all about the GNU including the features, for which purposes it can be used, and more. Also described the popular distributions come up with the GNU. Additionally, described the history and its development phases including the Kernel. Also, furnished the interesting story of GNU's logo its licenses, copyright and the stewardship. Next TopicLinux Text Editors |
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