GNU Linux
Home > Enterprise Linux Definitions - GNU Linux
SearchEnterpriseLinux.com Definitions (Powered by WhatIs.com)
EMAIL THIS
LOOK UP TECH TERMS Powered by: WhatIs.com
Search listings for thousands of IT terms:
Browse tech terms alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

GNU Linux



Word of the Day


DEFINITION - The GNU Linux project was created for the development of a Unix-like operating system that comes with source code that can be copied, modified, and redistributed. Richard Stallman announced the GNU Linux project in 1983 and, with others, formed the Free Software Foundation in 1985.

According to the GNU Linux project, there is no independent GNU operating system. Furthermore, they claim that there is no independent Linux operating system either. The OS known as Linux is based on the Linux kernel but all other components are GNU. As such, many believe that the OS should be known as GNU/Linux or GNU Linux.

GNU stands for GNU's not Unix, which makes the term a recursive acronym (an acronym in which one of the letters stands for the acronym itself).

LAST UPDATED: 10 Dec 2008

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web:
- The GNU project explains more about GNU/Linux, the history and controversy.
- You can find more information at the GNU Web site.
- GNU provides a clarifying set of definitions for the terms described here.





FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST
File Extension and File Format List:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #






Enterprise Solutions: Linux for Data Centers
GNU Linux Information for Linux Pros
HomeNewsTopicsITKnowledge ExchangeTipsBlogsAsk the ExpertsMultimediaWhite PapersIT Downloads
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2010, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts