n addition to the kernel is a diverse set of software utilities, and programs that allows a user to run and interact with a computer through the kernel, this would include the Graphical User Interface (GUI), and/or Command line Interface (CLI). The GNU project all ready had the most of these utilities, but lacked a stable kernel.The majority of this software is licensed under a General Public License (GPL) or a Limited General Public License (LGPL). These licenses are also referred to as copyleft. Copyleft uses copyright law, but flips it over to serve the opposite of its usual purpose: instead of a means of privatizing software, it becomes a means of keeping software free. The central idea of copyleft is that we give everyone permission to run the program, copy the program, modify the program, and distribute modified versions--but not permission to add restrictions of their own. Thus, the crucial freedoms that define "free software" are guaranteed to everyone who has a copy; they become inalienable rights. (Stallman)Since the licensing format allows companies, and individuals to utilize all of the features of these new technologies, and even modify it, several companies are embracing the GNU/Linux OS. Technology companies such as IBM, HP, and SUN are developing distributions that can run on their hardware. Some, like SUN, has released its OS under a similar but a bit more limiting OSS license.The initial release of the GNU/Linux OS was strongly geared towards experienced computer users, also referred to as hackers. Since that time a movement to create a GUI that compares and exceeds the user friendly interface of Windows was put in motion. Out of that have come two strong competing interfaces for the GNU/Linux OS, KDE, and Gnome. Linux has not taken over the desktop market and may never, but it poses a threat no other competition ever has, it will never go away. It is impossible to shut something down, that has nothing to shutd...
