this post was submitted on 29 May 2026
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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In my understanding, Linux distros have different flavors and play in different arenas. For instance, there are "community-driven" distros like Debian, Arch, or Gentoo, and there are other "industry-driven" distros that are developed by companies, such as Fedora or Ubuntu. Another aspect to consider is the support for new software. With Arch and similar distros you get support for bleeding edge software, whereas Debian supports more stable releases and officially supports older version of softwares that have been tested and reliable. Then there are a myriad of other things to consider, including the Desktop Environment, using X11 or Wayland, SystemD, support for graphics cards, etc...
I wouldn't care much about who uses it, but about who takes the decisions. In this case, Debian has a very open system that you can check on their website. I think that corporate interests such as what Google or Microsoft want don't have a space in the Debian decision-making processes. I tend to trust more the community-driven distros and stable releases, so Debian does the trick for me.
You described the basics, anyway, some universities use it as their OS, no giant techs involved.