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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[–] webghost0101@sopuli.xyz 2 points 7 hours ago* (last edited 7 hours ago)

Part of the reason is to to get controlled competition.

Same with google being the largest donator to firefox. If they wouldn’t do this it would create a hole that could motivates many others to create new innovation that could become a threat to them.

Also so they can deflect anti monopoly laws and also because they benefit from open source themselves.