this post was submitted on 23 Mar 2026
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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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Please explain to me. I moved away from Big Tech and installed - even on my old MacBook Pro 2015 - Linux Mint. I use open source software and my social media is on Fedivers. I tought I was "safe" by using Linux, but the Linux Foundation is sponsord by a lot of money by Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Google, etc... etc... the exact companies I try to take some distance off. Can somebody please explain me if Linux is "sold" to US Big Tech now?

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[–] morto@piefed.social 3 points 2 hours ago

The big tech is, indeed, trying to extend their reach to linux and open source in general, but it's still the best we have, and it still goes against them. The good thing about open source is that it's resilient and highly adaptable. A few distros have been making experiments with other kernels, and if things go too bad, they might replace linux with anther one and we will persevere. It's also possible for some group to fork linux and create a parallel community version, like happens with a lot of open source software developed by big tech companies. But you don't need to worry, because linux remains fine and will probably be for a good while.