GNU is a Unix-like operating system developed by the GNU Project. It is free software. The structure of the operating system is similar to Unix, but it does not contain any similar codes.
The full meaning of gnu is GNU, not Unix. This acronym describes itself and is unique. The reason for choosing this short form was its fun side, recursive nature and it met all the requirements. The basic structure of GNU looks something like this and contains a set of commands and unique combinations of code. The original GNU logo features a gnu head.
History of GNU
The GNU Project was created in 1983 and was seen as a social change that would bring back the cooperation of earlier days. Richard Stallman initiated it while working at the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
The software programming had to be written from scratch, but compatible third-party freeware was used, such as the TeX typeface, the Windows X operating system, and the Mach microkernel. In addition, most programs are written by volunteers.
The logo for GNU, not Unix (meaning GNU) was designed by Etienne Suvasa and later modified by Aurelio Heckert. She is represented by a dark antelope with a long head. This appears in most software designs.
In 1985, Stallman founded the Free Software Foundation (FSF). One of the leading groups that sold GNU software was Cygnus Solutions, now part of the Red Hat group.
GNU components
The core components of Gnu include a collection of compilers, core tools, and a debugger. Other programs that are on the list are binary tools, bash shell and Linux ports.
Gnu programs are more secure than Unix and have been ported to other operating systems such as MS Windows and macOS. There are currently 465 Gnu operating packages hosted on their official development site.
Some thoughts on the free software movement
Richard Stallman started the free software movement. He revolutionized it as a social change that would make software easily accessible to the common man.
Software without copyright can be referred to as free software. More specifically, users have the freedom to run, copy, download, distribute, change and improve the programming.
Advantages
- Cheap buying cost
- Free software
- Outstanding performance
- Extremely reliable
- Open to multitasking
- Continuous improvements
- Easy to configure
- Stable structure and easy to make changes
- Simple to configure and works on multiple networks
Disadvantages
- Difficult to master for people exposed to Microsoft
- Designed for programmers so difficult to understand for the common man
- Not all variants are compatible with Linux
- The administration is tough for beginners