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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What was Linux like in the 90s (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 3 days ago by SpiceDealer@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I really wish that I was born early so I've could witness the early years of Linux. What was it like being there when a kernel was released that would power multiple OSes and, best of all, for free?

I want know about everything: software, hardware, games, early community, etc.

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[–] turnip@sh.itjust.works 15 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

I had an old laptop, and my WiFi required some kind of cutter driver that wrapped broadcom, my Intel graphics didn't work on newer kernels. It booted in 7 seconds on a 5400rpm disk though while XP took over a minute.

[–] hornedfiend@sopuli.xyz 11 points 2 days ago

Wifi? imagine trying to get pci modems working and basically compiling your kernel each time you’d need an obscure driver. usb didn’t even exist and external ones were both expensive af and running on serial ports.

good times honestly. I learned so much about linux.

[–] Geodad@lemm.ee 7 points 2 days ago

NDIS wrapper. I hated that so much, I bought a natively supported PCMCIA card.