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It is available in several different versions, but the most popular is the GNU/Linux system, which uses the Linux <a href="/definition/kernel">kernel</a>. Since the GNU/Linux system is a popular version of Linux, it is often referred to as simply "<a href="/definition/linux">Linux</a>." However, GNU/Linux is technically a specific version of Linux developed by the GNU Project.</p> <p>Several GNU/Linux distributions are available, including BLAG, Dragora, gNewSense, Kongoni, Musix GNU+Linux, Trisquel, Ututo, and Venenux. While each version of GNU/Linux is based on the GNU system, each has a custom <a href="/definition/user_interface">user interface</a> and may include unique bundled <a href="/definition/application">applications</a>. For example, Trisquel is designed for small business and home and educational purposes, while Musix GNU+Linux is designed primarily for audio production.</p> <p>GNU operating systems, software programs, and development tools, such as the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC), are distributed for free under the GNU General Public License (GPL). This license states that the software may be freely used, modified, and distributed. Therefore, all GNU software is freely available without a commercial license. Many <a href="/definition/freeware">freeware</a> programs developed for other operating systems are now distributed under the GNU General Public License as well.</p> <p>The name "GNU" is a <a href="/definition/recursive_function">recursive</a> acronym for "GNU's Not Unix."</p> <div class="adBotLB"> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1589236206757-0'> </div> </div> <div class="cardfooter"> <div class="upDate"><div class="author">Updated <span class="pdate">July 5, 2010</span> by <a href="/authors/per_christensson">Per C.</a></div></div><div id="citations"> <div class="tabs"> <div role="tablist" aria-label="citations"> <button role="tab" aria-selected="false" aria-controls="apa" tabindex="-1">APA</button> <button role="tab" aria-selected="false" aria-controls="mla" tabindex="-1">MLA</button> <button role="tab" aria-selected="false" aria-controls="chicago" tabindex="-1">Chicago</button> <button role="tab" aria-selected="false" aria-controls="html" tabindex="-1">HTML</button> <button role="tab" 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href="/definition/operating_system">Operating System</a></li> </ol> <ol start="4"><li><a href="/definition/open_source">Open Source</a></li> <li><a href="/definition/kernel">Kernel</a></li> <li><a href="/definition/freeware">Freeware</a></li> </ol> </div> </div> <div class="adRightSky"> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1589233879778-0'> </div> </div> </div> <div class="techterms card"> <h2 class="heading">The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary</h2> <p>The definition of GNU on this page is an original definition written by the <a href="/authors/">TechTerms.com team</a>. If you would like to reference this page or cite this definition, please use the green citation links above.</p> <p>The goal of TechTerms.com is to explain computer terminology in a way that is easy to understand. We strive for simplicity and accuracy with every definition we publish. 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