Linux
 
| |
| Also Known As: | GNU/Linux |
|---|---|
| Original Creator: | Various |
| First appearance: | Unknown |
| OS Personified: | Catch-all for various Linux distros; the Linux kernel |
| OS Developer: | Open Source community, kernel-maintainer: Linus Torvalds |
| First Released: | 17 September 1991 |
| Latest Stable Release: | kernel: 2.6.20.1 |
Technical Details
GNU/Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems. One of the most famous and successful implementations of open source software, Linux distros can be found in every sector of the computer industry and on every modern architecture– from the largest mainframes to the fastest supercomputers to PCs and cell phones.
Created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, the original Linux kernel source was posted to a usenet group, where people the world over began modifying and improving its construction. Soon thereafter the kernel was coupled with the GNU Project's collection of libraries and utilities, making a viable operating system – by 1992, the first Linux distros appeared. Since then GNU/Linux has continually evolved, with various distros created and funded by corporations, institutions, communities and individuals.
Character details
Linux-tan was originally depicted as a young girl with dark hair and red eyes, wearing a simple dress and helmet and wielding a spear; later, the artist Juzo-kun created a warrior Linux dressed in a modernistic uniform. Rather than discard these design, they are accepted in most OSC-based stories as Linux-tan's younger selves (albeit with minor modifications – depending on the artist in question).
In various OSC-produced artwork, comics and stories, current-day Linux-tan is depicted as an older teen with long purple hime-cut hair and similarly coloured eyes. She dresses in a futuristic dark blue and white uniform jacket with gold accents, boots of a like design and white tights, a short white skirt and a teal cape. She had traded in her traditional helmet for advanced cyber armour, and carries a halberd decorated with many red ribbons – a throwback to her earlier spear.
Having intelligence beyond her years, Linux is progressive and open-minded, possessing the pragmatism of a Unix combined with the idealistic optimism of an Open Source follower. She is non-violent for the most part – believing her ideals to be a far more powerful weapon against adversaries than any spell or spear – but on the occasions that she must use force, she chooses to fight fairly and honourably. Linux is criticised by some for being too blunt and verbose – at times, even cryptic – while others find these quirks personable.
History and background
Born in Finland in 1991, Linux was soon thereafter turned over to Minix-senseifor further schooling. As per “father's” orders, in 1992 she was set out into the world so that she might find her own path in life.
Linux consciously avoided the destruction of the Unix Wars, something that allowed her to develop free of its negative influences. Born powerless, a chance encounter with ITS inspired her to approach the GNU society – practitioners of an advanced form of “open sourcery” who sought an OS-tan to wield the power they has created. At their headquarters in Boston she learnt the secrets of their sorcery and most of her strategic skills.
Since her source code (analogous to gene sequence) was made freely available, she could stay extremely healthy, and furthermore, have many children created. Her powers, growing family and band of followers, and alliance with the scrappy young Apache Server-tan made Linux stronger than ever – and made her a prime target for the Unix-tans, who were terrified that her rising popularity would further destabilize their already crumbling society. In an attempt to pacify those calling for Linux's capture (or assassination), Unix ordered some of her daughters to capture and deliver to her Linux, unharmed; orders which they begrudgingly carried out. Linux initially feared that Unix would kill her, but it soon became clear that Unix meant no harm.
Their discussion turned to matters of family and conflict, during which Unix revealed her fear that Linux would destroy the old Unix society and replace it with her own, much as Unix herself had done to the generation proceeding her own. Linux was smart enough to draw a parallel between Unix's story and her own rise to power; not wanting to encounter a similar fate, Linux agreed to Unix's suggestion that they work together instead of fighting.
While their cultures have been largely integrated, their treatment of each other is uneasy at best and Linux remains the point of much suspicion – especially with the looming possibility that she could inherit the Unix throne.