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GNU Project
Return to Richard Stallman, GNU, Free Software Foundation, GNU Compiler Collection, GNU Emacs, GNU General Public License
The GNU Project is a free software initiative launched by Richard Stallman in 1983 with the goal of creating a completely free and open-source operating system. GNU stands for “GNU's Not Unix,” reflecting the project's aim to provide a Unix-like operating system while avoiding proprietary software constraints. The project's primary objective is to develop and promote free software, ensuring that users have the freedom to run, modify, and distribute software without restrictions.
Key Components and Software
The GNU Project encompasses a wide range of [software components]], including core GNU utilities, GNU libraries, and GNU development tools. Some of the notable components include the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC), the GNU Core Utilities, and the GNU Bash shell. These tools are integral to the development of software and the functioning of the GNU operating system. Although the full GNU operating system has not been completed, many of its components are widely used in conjunction with the Linux kernel to create the widely used GNU/Linux operating system.
Philosophy and Impact
The GNU Project is grounded in the philosophy of free software, emphasizing the importance of user freedom and collaboration. Richard Stallman's work has significantly influenced the broader open-source movement and the development of software freedom principles. The GNU General Public License (GPL), introduced by the project, has become one of the most widely used free software licenses, promoting the principles of sharing and collaboration in software development.
Legacy and Contributions
The legacy of the GNU Project is evident in its substantial impact on the software industry and the broader technology landscape. The project's emphasis on free and open-source software has inspired numerous other projects and initiatives. The tools and components developed by the GNU Project have become foundational to many operating systems and software applications, supporting a diverse range of computing environments. The principles and practices established by the GNU Project continue to influence the development and distribution of software worldwide.
Ongoing Developments
The GNU Project continues to be active in the development and maintenance of free software. New projects and updates are regularly introduced to enhance the functionality and performance of GNU software. The project's ongoing efforts include improving existing tools, addressing emerging technology trends, and expanding the scope of free software to new areas. The GNU Project remains a central figure in the promotion and advancement of free and open-source software.
Resources and Support
For more information and resources related to the GNU Project, you can visit the official GNU website, which provides access to software downloads, documentation, and community support. The project also engages with a wide network of contributors and users who support its mission and contribute to its ongoing development. The GNU website and associated resources serve as valuable tools for individuals and organizations interested in free software and its benefits.
- Snippet from Wikipedia: GNU Project
The GNU Project ( ) is a free software, mass collaboration project announced by Richard Stallman on September 27, 1983. Its goal is to give computer users freedom and control in their use of their computers and computing devices by collaboratively developing and publishing software that gives everyone the rights to freely run the software, copy and distribute it, study it, and modify it. GNU software grants these rights in its license.
In order to ensure that the entire software of a computer grants its users all freedom rights (use, share, study, modify), even the most fundamental and important part, the operating system (including all its numerous utility programs) needed to be free software. Stallman decided to call this operating system GNU (a recursive acronym meaning "GNU's not Unix!"), basing its design on that of Unix, a proprietary operating system. According to its manifesto, the founding goal of the project was to build a free operating system, and if possible, "everything useful that normally comes with a Unix system so that one could get along without any software that is not free." Development was initiated in January 1984. In 1991, the Linux kernel appeared, developed outside the GNU Project by Linus Torvalds, and in December 1992 it was made available under version 2 of the GNU General Public License. Combined with the operating system utilities already developed by the GNU Project, it allowed for the first operating system that was free software, commonly known as Linux.
The project's current work includes software development, awareness building, political campaigning, and sharing of new material.
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