this post was submitted on 11 Dec 2023
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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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I remember dealing with migrating from LILO to GRUB when I was in high school, maybe 2005ish? It's been a while. I remember the migration from ipchains to iptables, too (which is happening again now with the iptables to nftables migration)
I used Ubuntu at the time... It was a great distro back then. I only had dial-up so couldn't download large files easily, and Canonical or one of their local partners would mail you a CD for free regardless of where you lived in the world. I think that helped a LOT of people get into Linux.
Similar experiences here. I remember waiting for the free CDs bundles with monthly magzines, and add then I'd the CD as a mirror in my repos to update my packages lol
Ubuntu was the distribution that had me switch from dual-booting with Windows as default to dual-booting with Linux as default.
I also remember ordering an actual Ubuntu disc, with the extra donation to fund the mailing for free program.
Now years later after lots of distro-hopping I just run Ubuntu LTS, and stay on the very boring LTS branch.