> > Since when has an operating system been defined as "a kernel and many
> > other programs?"
> >
> > It always has been, since the time we first had operating systems.
>
> I see you are fond of quoting science fiction.
>
> A quick glance through Andrew Tanenbaum's _Modern Operating Systems_
> finds an operating system defined as 1) a virtual machine that is
> easier to program then the underlying hardware and 2) a resource
> manager. A likewise look in H.M. Deitel's _Operating Systems_ defines
> an modern operating system as software, primarily resource managment,
> that makes hardware useable. He also suggests that the best definition
> of past operating systems as software that controls the hardware.
>
> We are Linux users.
I really don't think I can agree with you more Chris, I have been
following this debate now since Richard incepted it recently, and although
he has some valid points, I certainly consider myself as a Linux user, and
not a "Linux based GNU system" user, and the Linux kernel (aka Linux) as
THE Operating System. Richard has argued that this will "unify" the Linux
and GNU community, but I argue that these communities are (and should be)
UNunified, because basic underlying principles of each group are
different.
I don't think much can be done for how Richard views this, as he has his
own ideas which he strongly believes are right, and is using an argument
which he believes is unflawed. As an example, Richard argues similar to:
GNU manufactured the body of the car, the seats, boot, bonnet, and so on,
and all we needed was the "engine", yet this deliberately underplays the
role of the "engine maker" (Linus here), which I think is appalling. Each
should stick to what their good at, and STAY seperate, by not "unifying"
anything to produce the "car".
After all is said and done and both sides are heard, I strongly believe
no "Linux user" will change their views to satisfy Richard's ego.
MIC!!!
NPGX Pty Ltd.
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