Why it’s “Linux” and not “GNU/Linux”

I’m sure everyone has at least heard of the GNU/Linux naming controversy, a dispute between rms and the word over whether it’s “GNU/Linux” or just “Linux”.  I prefer “Linux” myself because:

1. A name is supposed to replace description, not abbreviate it. I think we can all agree on what “GNU” is.  What we call Linux is really GNU running the Linux kernel.  Those last few words (“GNU running the Linux kernel”) are a good description of what we now call Linux.  GNU/Linux is not a replacement for that description, but an abbreviation invented by rms.
2. It is the path of least resistance. Anyone who disputes that Linux is not the more widespread term is not sane enough to debate this
3. Misattribution is not uncommon.  Looking through the history of science and math one finds numerous instances in which a major contributor was not attributed or accredited sufficiently, usually as a result of publishing late or not putting enough energy into the project.  Linux is a classic example.  Stallman should not be scandalized over what is in fact a common occurence.
4. The FSF underestimates the value of a kernel. If my system doesn’t have a working copy of, say, cat or man, it will at least start, if nothing else.  If it is missing a kernel, well, I don’t understand how such a system could receive control flow from the bootstrap.  Yes you need that to boot either way.  But I could probably remove a lot more of GNU coreutils than I could of the kernel — and I mean remove/mung, not shrink.
5. It is analagous to Iceweasel, but with important distinctions: Debian rebranded Firefox as Iceweasel, making ~no contributions to it in the form of code.  Linus rebranded GNU as Linux, making significant contributions to it in the form of a kernel.  The former was at the request of Mozilla (sort of).  rms didn’t like the latter, but Linus’s contributions are substantial and, unlike with Debian, actually exist, so it is not clear cut whether it is still acceptable (I think it is — it is similar to what distros do, but the contribution is larger scale.  Still, Linus has given his blessing towards renaming it as you please… this debate could go on for a while…).

~ by Kevin on January 2nd, 2009.