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 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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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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[–] [email protected] 44 points 2 months ago (10 children)

It wasn't too early, maybe 1997.

I was like 12 or so and I had just installed Linux.

I figured out, from the book I was working with, how to get my windows partition to automaticallyount at boot. Awesome!

I had not been able to figure out how to start "x" though.

So I rebooted into Windows, for on EFnet #linux, and asked around.

Got a command, wrote it down on a slip of paper, and rebooted into Linux.

I should mention, I also hadn't figured out about privileges, or at least why you wouldn't want to run around as root.

Anyway, I started typing in the command that I wrote down: rm -rf /.

I don't have to tell you all, that is not the correct command. The correct command was startx.

After I figured it was taking way too long, I decided to look up what the command does, and then immediately shut down the system.

It was far too late.

[–] [email protected] 17 points 2 months ago (8 children)

My pranks were less destructive ... /ctcp nick +++ath0+++ ... it was amazing how often that worked. 🤣

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 months ago (6 children)

Thats a new one on me. What did that do if I may ask? Best I have been able to figure out is that it's probably IRC related but that's it.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Explained nicely here: https://everything2.com/title/%252B%252B%252BATH0

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago

Wow, a post from 2001 that's still online today. You don't see that often any more!

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