什么是 Linux
CentOS 是 Community Enterprise Operating System 的缩写。
Linux 是自由软件(free software)。什么是自由软件呢?GNU项目的网站首页有详细阐述,摘录如下:
What is Free Software?
Free software means the users have the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software.
Free software is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech”, not as in “free beer”.
More precisely, free software means users of a program have the four essential freedoms:
The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose (freedom 0).
The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
Developments in technology and network use have made these freedoms even more important now than they were in 1983.