Update: New definition for the Linux trademark and related terms!
As Linux is enjoying wider adoption among less technically inclined individuals, we are making changes to what we call the project and key components to make referring to them more straightforward and avoid gatekeeping.
Major changes:
Term
Meaning in versions up to 6
Meaning in versions 7 and up
Linux
LT's project of an open-source OS kernel
OS based on the Linux kernel with GNU utilities
Linux kernel
redundant
LT's project of an open-source OS kernel
Linux without GNU
redundant
OS based on the Linux kernel without GNU utilities
GNU/Linux
OS based on the Linux kernel with GNU utilities
deprecated
Linux distro
Specific OS distribution based on the Linux kernel
Specific OS distribution based on the Linux kernel with GNU utilities
Please make sure to update corresponding API calls and documentation when upgrading to kernel 7.x. You will be able to use deprecated terms during support periods on kernel versions 6.x.
