Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Noob Question Thread: Ask Any Questions About Linux! (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 months ago by cyclohexane@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Ever had a question about Linux but felt too afraid to ask? Well now's your chance, ask any question about Linux, no matter how noob or repeated it is, and I and others will help answer them.

Previous noob question thread: https://lemmy.ml/post/14261893

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[–] SentientFishbowl@lemmy.ml 5 points 2 months ago (4 children)

Is there a way to assess which packages on my linux distribution aren't open source? I'm planning on having a secondary machine which is exclusively open source, but not sure how I would go about ensuring that is the case.

[–] ober@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 2 months ago

This would depend on the distro you use. Most distros will require you to enable a non-free repository before you can install anything that isn't Foss or open source from the official repos. You could also use an FSF approved distro. Keep in mind, the FSF will only approve distros that don't include any non-free anything in the official repos. Besides that, you just have to know the licensing before you install it.

[–] bloodfart@lemmy.ml 6 points 2 months ago

The language you want is “nonfree” in Debian derivatives.

[–] Malgas@beehaw.org 3 points 2 months ago

Depends on the distro. Some have a configuration setting to allow unfree software or not, others have separate repos.

[–] cyclohexane@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 months ago

Depends on the distribution, many package managers can filter by license. So you can find anything that doesn't have an open source license.