There
is a common misconception in the Linux community that a certain
project or distribution is the very definition of Linux or "True Linux". This isn't only false it is also very
dangerous, for our favorite kernel, the community, and for the
individual perpetrating this misnomer.
Linux is kernel, a free and opensource kernel, that provides the
underlying structure for building various systems on top of it. Most
commonly we associate operating systems with this kernel and in a
sense that is what it is for but it goes far beyond the traditional
desktop to much more fields. Linux can often be passed off by the
casual, uninformed observer as irrelevant beyond the nerd world but
the fact is that if everything Linux was taken out of the world it
would effect everyone. Linux powers servers, it power has
been used to power most of the largest startups, Google, Facebook,
Ebay, and Amazon to name just a few of the largest; it's provided a
platform for innovation in the software arena. Linux goes beyond even
servers. The awesome guys over at +Jupiter Broadcasting have a weekly
show named the Linux Action Show. Among their various assorted
segments they have one dubbed “runs Linux” which showcases different
the systems we interact with everyday that run Linux. This segment
has always surprised me and caused me to do more research of my own.
Linux runs Mcdonalds signs, hydroelectric plants, and cars to name just a few. The beauty of Linux is that it isn't just one thing it's
whatever you want it to do. True Linux does not exist; nothing fully
realizes the potential of Linux, that's the point of opensource.
All
that to say that's why I'm writing here. The Linux community tends
towards misplaced project patriotism. Project patriotism can lead to
building a good piece of software or distribution but it can also quench the spirit of sharing, freedom and collaboration so integral to the
opensource community. So, basically this blog is a place for me to vent
my irritation with the way some people act in the community. When I
get tired of ranting I may cover news and do reviews or I may discuss
music...or maybe I'll just rant about the world in general ;). If you
have any ideas or would like to point out the error in my ways feel
free to do so in the comments.
