this post was submitted on 24 Feb 2025
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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I would be more surprised if 12% of "tech workers" know what Linux is at all.
Fwiw: I work in a call center as basically a more knowledgeable tech for our client facing team to rely on for help and only about 1% of them have any familiarity with Linux in the slightest.
I wonder about the framing of this question, like another comment mentioned, it's kinda like evolution where MacOS and Linux have a common ancestor, I could see the wording throwing people off.
"Is MacOS based on linux" seems to be the wording used?
I'd bet less would fall for, "Is MacOS a Linux distribution?"
Edit: Ha some people in the comments had similar thoughts, in addition to Linux and Unix being nearly synonymous to all but those who are very into that kind of thing.
Edit again, if anyone else is curious https://youtu.be/jowCUo_UGts