Re: M$ licenses Unix
On Tue, May 20, 2003 at 13:37:42 -0500, Wathen, Metherion wrote:
> I read somewhere that Linux was/is based on Minix, where does that figure
> into all of this?
It doesn't. Minix was a clean reimplementation of the basic concepts of
Unix, aiming at education rather than real-world performance/use. It's
licensing was non-free (probably "free for academic use" or somesuch), but
its source was available. Back when Linux wasn't self-hosting yet, Linux's
developers typically used Minix systems to build it. For that reason, the
kernel contains code to deal with Minix filesystems.
If you're interested in history, a little googling for something like "Linus
Torvalds Andy Tanenbaum flamewar" will provide insight on the relationship
between Linux and Minix and between their respective creators.
> I realize it may be a Unix variant but to what degree of separation?
To the best of my knowledge, Minix was "a" unix, but its codebase was
completely unrelated to that of Unix (TM).
> Should I be concerned that one day in the near future Linux will no longer
> exist as an operating system?
That depends. If tabloid headlines like "Elvis to lead space alien invasion
of earth" worry you, you should be worried about Linux disappearing as well.
SCO has yet to provide anything that could remotely be considered evidence
for their claims. Essentially, they're the corporate equivalent of a troll
engaged in a FUD campaign.
HTH,
Ray
--
Pinky, Are You Pondering What I'm Pondering?
I think so, Brain, but "Snowball for Windows"?
Pinky and the Brain in "Snowball"
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