Linux kernal

A couple of times in the forums i have read this

Quote:

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linux is a kernal, nothing more

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This puzzles me, my understanding was that the linux kernal is the nucleus of
every linux OS. The one common denominator of all 300 + distros. Since the
main components of an OS are, kernal, desktop and software, that would make the kernal of invaluable importance would it not?
Am i being over simplistic here? Correct me if i am wrong.

I think you most often see that as an expression indicating that, as a tool, there is no magical, mystical, metaphysical advantage of Linux over Windows or Apple.

It's part of a system that does the same things those others do: provide a tool for getting useful work done.

However, some may mean by that that the kernel is the essence of Linux, the rest is attractive window dressing and packaging.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by QIII

I think you most often see that as an expression indicating that, as a tool, there is no magical, mystical, metaphysical advantage of Linux over Windows or Apple.

It's part of a system that does the same things those others do: provide a tool for getting useful work done.

However, some may mean by that that the kernel is the essence of Linux, the rest is attractive window dressing and packaging.

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Thank you , this helps!

it is just a kernel, but the OS/distro is a system utilising that kernel, thus referred to as linux for short, meaning it is a system using linux.