On Sun, 12 Nov 2017 22:30:00 +0000, Steve Walker wrote:

On 12/11/2017 18:21, Bob Eager wrote:
On Sun, 12 Nov 2017 17:51:24 +0000, T i m wrote:

On 12 Nov 2017 14:44:09 GMT, Bob Eager wrote:

On Sun, 12 Nov 2017 13:23:42 +0000, T i m wrote:

In fact I wondered how often that sort of situation comes up on the
likes of Mastermind or University Challenge and assuming they aren't
live, how often (therefore) they have to stop for verification?

A friend of mine got into an argument with Jeremy Paxman on one of
the Christmas University Challenge programmes (the ones with
academics on the teams).

The answer given by Jamie was UNIX, but Paxman insisted it was Linux,
and wouldn't allow it. I believe the discussion and clarification
took about 10 minutes.

Ah, so they do do that then, thanks.

The re-done version was broadcast, and Paxman couldn't resist saying
"or Linux".

https://youtu.be/tZTWvBDbQoM?t=9m8s

;-)

So, as I don't really know either UNIX or Linux (especially the
background etc) I'll take it that either was the correct answer and so
if an answer of 'UNIX' was given and accepted (finally) then (playing
devils advocate) I guess it was reasonable to include / confirm Linux
as an alternative correct answer?

I guess so. The 'clues' apply to both. UNIX was a proprietary operating
system, but it is now a trademark. Linux is a jumped up UNIX wannabe
[it looks almost the same but is different inside]

Loosely, people use the UNIX term to describe both, but actual systems
that can be called UNIX (trademark-legally) are relatively rare, except
in installed numbers - for example, MACOS is legally UNIX.

I only have scanty knowledge of Linux, but do remember that formally,
Linux is only the kernel and the whole system should be referred to as
GNU/Linux. With GNU providing all the surrounding functionality - and
GNU standing for "Gnu is Not Unix."

That's true, but not common usage. And the GNU's Not UNIX part refers to
Stallman's original aim - to write a GNU *operating system* that wasn't
UNIX. That didn't happen, but it married up nicely with Torvald's product.

--
My posts are my copyright and if @diy_forums or Home Owners' Hub
wish to copy them they can pay me £1 a message.
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK: http://www.mirrorservice.org
*lightning surge protection* - a w_tom conductor