A few days ago, this post, which argues that Ubuntu is becoming too synonymous with Linux, created some discussion in the Linux world. At first, I ignored the post, assuming that it was just a complaint about Ubuntu being talked about so much. Later, though, I read this response which argues that Linux should not be thought of as an OS at all. Instead, the post says, Ubuntu and all the various distros of Linux should each be considered separate OSs, and therefore talking about just Ubuntu and not Linux is fine. (Sorry if that was a bad summary, it is hard to describe an entire post in two sentences.)

Although I agree with the original post in that there is so much more to Linux than Ubuntu, it seems to me that the name “Linux” is holding Linux back. Right now, many people think of Linux as a geeky toy. If the name “Linux” is only used to talk about the foundation and specific distribution names are used to talk about the operating system, then people will no longer associate Linux with geeky, because they would just hear about the various distros, not about Linux. This is not to say that the Linux kernel is not important. Apple advertises that OS X is based on Unix to tech-savvy people, but people don’t talk about OS X as being Unix.

In addition, I don’t think that all the other distributions will be forgotten. Ubuntu may be the most talked about distribution, but as people become comfortable with Ubuntu, they will try out other distributions and find the one that is perfect for them.  If each distro develops its own identity there will not be a problem with saying Ubuntu and meaning all distros.