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The gNewSense GNU/Linux FAQ
Chapter 1 - Definitions and overview


1.1 What is this FAQ?

This document gives frequently asked questions (with their answers!) about the gNewSense distribution (gNewSense GNU/Linux and others) and about the gNewSense project. If applicable, pointers to other documentation will be given: we won't quote large parts of external documentation in this document. You'll find out that some answers assume some knowledge of Unix-like operating systems. We'll try to assume as little prior knowledge as possible: answers to general beginners questions will be kept simple.


1.2 What is gNewSense GNU/Linux?

gNewSense GNU/Linux is a particular distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system based on Debian GNU/Linux, and numerous packages that run on it.

gNewSense GNU/Linux is:

Most GNU/Linux users run a specific distribution of Linux, like gNewSense GNU/Linux. However, in principle, users could obtain the Linux kernel via the Internet or from elsewhere, and compile it themselves. They could then obtain source code for many applications in the same way, compile the programs, then install them into their systems. For complicated programs, this process can be not only time-consuming but error-prone. To avoid it, users often choose to obtain the operating system and the application packages from one of the GNU/Linux distributors. What distinguishes the various GNU/Linux distributors are the software, protocols, and practices they use for packaging, installing, and tracking applications packages on users' systems, combined with installation and maintenance tools, documentation, and other services.

gNewSense GNU/Linux is the result of a volunteer effort to create a free (free as in freedom) Unix-compatible operating system that respects the fundamental freedoms of the computer user. The idea of a free Unix-like system originates from the GNU project, and many of the applications that make gNewSense GNU/Linux so useful were developed by the GNU project.

For gNewSense, free has the GNUish meaning (see the gNewSense Community Guidelines). When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not price. Free software means that you have the freedom to distribute copies of free software, that you receive source code or can get it if you want it, that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new free programs; and that you know you can do these things.

gNewSense was started by Brian Brazil and Paul O'Malley. It was run for a while by Karl Goetz and it's now run by Sam Geeraerts.


1.3 OK, now I know what gNewSense is... what is Linux?!

In short, Linux is the kernel of a Unix-like operating system. It was originally designed for 386 (and better) PCs; today Linux also runs on a dozen of other systems. Linux is written by Linus Torvalds and many computer scientists around the world.

Besides its kernel, a "Linux" system usually has:

The combination of the Linux kernel, the file system, the GNU and FSF utilities, and the other utilities are designed to achieve compliance with the POSIX (IEEE 1003.1) standard; see How source code compatible is gNewSense with other Unix systems?, Section 4.3.

For more information about Linux, see What is Linux by Linux Online.


1.4 What is the difference between gNewSense GNU/Linux and other GNU/Linux distributions? Why should I choose gNewSense over some other distribution?

These key features distinguish gNewSense from other GNU/Linux distributions:

Freedom:

As stated in the gNewSense Community Guidlines, gNewSense will remain 100% free (free as in freedom). gNewSense is very strict about shipping truly free software.

Debian Based:

gNewSense Parkes is based on Debian GNU/Linux.


1.5 How does the gNewSense project fit in or compare with the Free Software Foundation's GNU project?

The gNewSense system builds on the ideals of free software first championed by the Free Software Foundation and in particular by Richard Stallman. FSF's powerful system development tools, utilities, and applications are also a key part of the gNewSense system.

The gNewSense Project is sponsored and endorsed by the FSF.


1.6 How does one pronounce gNewSense and why the name gNewSense?

The definitive pronunciation is guh-NEW-sense.

The name originated as Gnusiance as a reference to RMS's GPG key, but was later changed to gNewSense by bbrazil and ompaul to also capture the New Sense of the distribution and as a pun on GNU.


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The gNewSense GNU/Linux FAQ

version 4.0.4+nmu1, 23 June 2013

Authors are listed at Debian FAQ Authors