Linux kernal

[offgridguy]

A couple of times in the forums i have read this

linux is a kernal, nothing more

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.

[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.

[offgridguy]

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.

Thank you , this helps!

[black veils]

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.