GNU/Linux Naming Controversy

[jwilliams]

I am tired of GNU and Linux being grouped together. Trovalds, when asked what he thought of the terms being put together basically said it only made as much sense as "Fedora Core Linux" etc. That is, GNU can roll out a GNU Linux, if they wanted to give their Linux distribution that title.

Just because GNU and Linux have similar goals doesn't mean the terms should be grouped together. Linux towers over GNU, lest we not forget the state of HURD.

So. How do you feel about the GNU/Linux naming controversy?

[techieMoe]

I don't really consider it a "contraversy". Linux has come to be the de facto standard name for the collection of GNU tools that's distributed with the Linux kernel. The only people (as far as I'm concerned) who even care to push the GNU/Linux name are the ones that are jealous of Linux's success, such as RM Stallman.

Don't get me wrong, Linux would not be where it is today without the GNU project, but trying to change a name once it's been established is just silly, particularly when you want to change it to something less catchy and terribly cumbersome simply because of your ego.

[fingal]

I don't know if it's a jealousy thing or not. I imagine it hurts RMS to hear the word Linux touted around when the GNU side of things is also very important. This is another of those 'binary debate' threads which ultimately has no answer. I sometimes call it GNU/Linux, but I agree that 'Linux' is easier on the eye.

To veer away from the binary debate a bit, I have a lot of respect for all the open source luminaries (if you can feel that way about Eric Raymond and his rather emetic views you can feel that way about anyone!) and prefer to think of them individually rather than, 'is this or that the correct terminology'?

Torvalds and Stallman together in an old people's home
Torvalds - It's Linux I tell you! You old hippy: write your own kernel!
Stallman - You Finnish fraud. It's obviously GNU/Linux! Gnus are hairy and cuddly, just like me. You're just a Scandanavian oaf with an ego problem.
Torvalds - At least I'm not a geek.
Stallman - Who are you calling Greek?

Oh ... it's all good fun.

[Cabhan]

Hah.

Yeah, it's a real prickly issue with some people: I myself don't really care. I call it Linux. Why? Because it's shorter. I know the role that GNU played, and I don't care to say an extra three syllables every time I talk about Linux.

[DThor]

I think putting those two in the same nursing home in 30 years should be mandated by the world community. What a riot!

I'm with TM - no controversy here - just politics. You can get all fired up about it if it turns your crank - me, I have other things to worry about...

DT

[jwilliams]

me, I have other things to worry about...

well, i think we all do. but by hanging out in the Linux Forums Coffee Lounge we are opting to neglect them for the time-being, anyway.

[carlosponti]

Dont see it really as a controversy. Call it what you want. I call it linux because it easier for me. can you imagine telling people you are on gnu/linux. both sides of the argument should drop what ever it is they are inflamed by and call it linux just because its easier to say(somewhat)

[jwilliams]

well shucks guys, i thought this post would lead to some good debate, but everyone seems to pretty much agree. i'll brainstorm for my next one.

[ImNeat]

Could somebody be so kind as to clarify the differences between the two? To my limited understanding "Linux" is the kernel while "GNU" is the operating system. Where am I right/wrong?

[techieMoe]

well shucks guys, i thought this post would lead to some good debate, but everyone seems to pretty much agree. i'll brainstorm for my next one.

Haha. It's disappointing when we all agree on something?