Introduction
Linux Voice
What does the word Linux mean to you?
What does the word Linux mean to you? To some people, Linux is an open source kernel initially developed by Linus Torvalds; to others, it is a desktop and server operating systems built on this kernel; to others, the term "Linux" refers to anything that has the Linux kernel at the base – from Android and embedded systems to Ubuntu and Fedora on the desktop. It's hard to say which definition is categorically correct, and the question has even become a political issue for many. In the interest of harmony, Linux Voice has articles that are about whatever definition of Linux you prefer. For the only-a-kernel stalwarts, Valentine Sinitsyn looks at how to customize the kernel for your personal use, which helps your squeeze every drop of performance out of your machine. For those who follow the view that Linux is a desktop and server OS, you can find Graham's selection of the latest software for these systems in FOSSPicks. For the extremists like myself who willfully include everything that's ever touched the kernel under the Linux moniker, I've taken a look at the latest introduction to the wider-Linux ecosystem, Lineage OS, in this month's FAQ.
Let's not let our etymological differences drive us apart. The start of a new year is about hope and looking forward to a better tomorrow, not about bickering over small details. The future, as one famous song puts it, is not ours to see, but the evidence is that it's likely to be more penguin-friendly than the present. If you just want some positive news to help you through the darkest days of winter (or the hottest days of summer for our antipodean readers), flick straight to Mike Saunders explaining why 2017 will really be the best year for Linux so far. Let's band together and look forward to some great developments in Linux, whatever that word means to you.
– Ben Everard
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs