this post was submitted on 28 Sep 2025
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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It's kind of a conversation classic amongst programmers. Would you work for the arms industry or a direct supplier? I wouldn't unless someone finds a way to force me to. And the vast majority of people voice similar opinions. There's a million valid concerns why it's not ethical. I do however know one or two people who ended up working somewhere in that field. Or who bought stocks of defense companies and ultimately make profit with war.
Unfortunately "direct suppliers of the arms industry" covers like half of the IT industry. I've also avoided such companies but it's surprisingly common.
Yeah, I don't think there is an exact line to draw, maybe sometimes we need to be pragmatic. There's a lot of dual use stuff and I mean they drive cars or use photocopiers, computer systems and eat as well, I guess just try to do your best?! But there's some gradual decent from programming the buttons on the general's microwave to delivering a missile guidance system to them. I'd say somewhere in between you'd switch to the "dark side".