Changes

Originally the term "Linux" was used to refer to just the [[kernel]] developed by Torvalds, but today it is used interchangeably to refer to both the kernel and a complete operating system which includes the kernel, graphical user interface, file system  and other software, collectively known as a ''distribution''.  Major Linux distributions include [http://www.redhat.com/ Red Hat], [http://www.novell.com/linux/ Suse] and [http://www.ubuntu.com/ Ubuntu].

Originally the term "Linux" was used to refer to just the [[kernel]] developed by Torvalds, but today it is used interchangeably to refer to both the kernel and a complete operating system which includes the kernel, graphical user interface, file system  and other software, collectively known as a ''distribution''.  Major Linux distributions include [http://www.redhat.com/ Red Hat], [http://www.novell.com/linux/ Suse] and [http://www.ubuntu.com/ Ubuntu].

Owing to the nature of open source software, many variants of a Linux distribution may be created by using the original code and making changes to it to suit a particular need.  For example, a group of [[Satanism|Satanists]]{{fact}} have released Ubuntu Satanic Edition <ref>[http://parker1.co.uk/satanic/ Ubuntu Satanic Edition]</ref>, which is based on the Kubuntu <ref>[http://www.kubuntu.org/]</ref> distribution, using a "Satanic" theme.  The software is otherwise unchanged. There is also a Ubuntu Christian Edition <ref> [http://www.whatwouldjesusdownload.com/christianubuntu/2006/07/about-ubuntu-christian-edition.html Ubuntu Christian Edition] </ref>, demonstrating how GPL licensed software which may be modified with seemingly opposite goals.

Owing to the nature of open source software, many variants of a Linux distribution may be created by using the original code and making changes to it to suit a particular need.  For example, there is also a Ubuntu Christian Edition <ref> [http://www.whatwouldjesusdownload.com/christianubuntu/2006/07/about-ubuntu-christian-edition.html Ubuntu Christian Edition] </ref>.

Mark Shuttleworth, who is the founder of the Ubuntu Linux distribution, said about the Satanic version of Kubuntu: "Ubuntu is a broad church! We manage to keep both [[GNOME Desktop|GNOME]] and [[KDE]] folks happy and collaborating constructively, so this should be no trouble at all.  Our guiding rules are enshrined in the Ubuntu Code of Conduct<ref>[http://www.ubuntu.com/community/conduct]</ref>, and as long as all sides are following that, there’s no problem with derivatives that are focused on such diverse user bases."<ref>http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS2432715660.html</ref>

Mark Shuttleworth, who is the founder of the Ubuntu Linux distribution, said about the Satanic version of Kubuntu: "Ubuntu is a broad church! We manage to keep both [[GNOME Desktop|GNOME]] and [[KDE]] folks happy and collaborating constructively, so this should be no trouble at all.  Our guiding rules are enshrined in the Ubuntu Code of Conduct<ref>[http://www.ubuntu.com/community/conduct]</ref>, and as long as all sides are following that, there’s no problem with derivatives that are focused on such diverse user bases."<ref>http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS2432715660.html</ref>