GNU/Linux, Big Companies, and Open Source Licenses
I’ve been using a Linux-based OS called Arch Linux lately.
At some point I asked myself, “If anyone can build their own OS, why do people still pay for Windows?”
The simple answer is support and how widely it’s used.
But, Linux is actually everywhere. Most people just don’t realize it.
Big names like Google and Tesla run on Linux every single day. And they don’t pay a cent for it. (They did pay support or direct contribution)
And it’s all free of charge not for that big companies, but for everyone. That’s the power of open source project.
Why Big Companies Using Linux ?
Because Linux is distributed under the GPL (General Public License).
This license guarantees freedom for developers to use, study, modify, and share the software with some conditions.
One key condition is that if you modify Linux and redistribute it, you must also make your source code available. This keeps innovation open, but it also creates legal and business challenges. That’s why companies like Google and Tesla have dedicated teams managing license compliance.
Conslusion
So, while these companies profit daily, they also contribute back to Linux development and maintenance. This way everyone will ensuring it remains updated, patched, and secure.
Linux isn’t just a technical achievement. It’s also a legal and organizational one showing how technology, law, and global collaboration intersect.
For me, this intersection is the most fascinating part:
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A single misplaced word in a license can change how billions of dollars worth of technology are distributed.
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A single unclear term can spark disputes between companies.
That’s why we must read the license on every public or open source project and pay respect.