124

I've just installed kernel-3.11.0-1.fc20 for my Fedora 19 installation. During the rebooting progress, I saw the Linux logo with a Windows flag in it, what does it mean? a Windows flag in Linux logo of Linux kernel 3.11

The Fedora 19 is installed in an ASUS TX300CA notebook, secure boot is off, CSM (BIOS Compatibility Support Module) mode is on.

0

3 Answers 3

136

A couple of years ago, Linus Torvalds was discussing Linux version numbers and said, "I think I will call it 3.11 Linux for Workgroups."

It turns out he wasn't joking. With a release candidate of Linux 3.11 now available, Torvalds has actually named the new version of the kernel "Linux for Workgroups." He even gave it a Windows-themed boot icon featuring Linux's mascot penguin, Tux, holding a flag emblazoned with an old Windows logo. The name "Linux for Workgroups" follows such whimsical past Linux version names as "Pink Farting Weasel," "Killer Bat of Doom," "Erotic Pickled Herring," and "Jeff Thinks I Should Change This, But To What?"

From the news: 20 years after Windows 3.11, Linus unveils “Linux for Workgroups”

11
  • 11
    This did finally give an explanation for why he was so insistent that it was time to update the kernel version number to 3.x despite there not being any major changes of the sort that would normally justify incrementing the major version number. Sep 3, 2013 at 21:12
  • 14
    Why isnt this logo use copyright infrigment and liable to 1 billion lawsuit? Sep 3, 2013 at 21:45
  • 19
    @Fuqtard : maybe because parody is exempt from copyright law?
    – vsz
    Sep 4, 2013 at 5:07
  • 12
    @DanNeely so possibly in 2021 there will be Kernel 5.1 named Linux XP?
    – Alvin Wong
    Sep 4, 2013 at 5:33
  • 3
    @vsz That's why MS would lose if they tried. The reason they didn't file one anyway is that they only litigate for business reasons; not solely for lulz. Off the record they're probably just as amused by the whole thing as everyone else. Sep 4, 2013 at 20:20
15

It is because of the project name, "Linux for Workgroups", it is a reference for Windows 3.11 for Workgroups. I've found it quite interesting; I also found a reference here.

3
10

It's a joke by Linus. This page: http://www.extremetech.com/computing/161426-linux-3-11-named-linux-for-workgroups-in-odd-homage-to-its-archenemy-windows gives more detail.

Ever the prankster, Linus Torvalds has paid homage to Windows 3.11 by naming Linux 3.11 “Linux for Workgroups.” Tux, Linux’s penguin mascot that appears during boot-up, is now holding a Windows flag (pictured above). This might seem a little odd, given Linux’s reputation as the Windows antithesis, but Linux for Workgroups is actually one of Linux’s saner names. Over the years, the Linux kernel has been lumbered with some amazingly undignified designations, such as Unicycling Gorilla, Erotic Pickled Herring, and Holy Dancing Manatees, Batman!

0

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .