I got hung up on this before too but it’s apparently “Windows Subsystem (for using) Linux”
Comment on The Windows Subsystem for Linux is now open source.
boaratio@lemmy.world 2 months ago
I still will never understand why it’s not called Linux Subsystem for Windows.
simple@lemm.ee 2 months ago
SorteKanin@feddit.dk 2 months ago
I think it is because Windows has many subsystems, it’s just that you don’t hear about most of them aside from WSL.
So it is referring to the particular Windows Subsystem (of which there are many) that can run or emulate Linux.
Matriks404@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Wait, Windows still has POSIX subsystem or is it only listed for documentation reasons (it was there at least in old NT days)?
catloaf@lemm.ee 2 months ago
Maybe they just named it like the previous attempt: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Services_for_UNIX
Arthur@literature.cafe 2 months ago
There’s a trademark for Linux so Microsoft can’t name a product starting with Linux.
xcancel.com/richturn_ms/…/1245481405947076610
boaratio@lemmy.world 2 months ago
So they can use Linux in the name, just not at the beginning? We’re so stupid. Can they do Windows Subsystem for Coke? Or Windows Subsystem for McDonald’s? Or Windows Subsystem for MacOs?
Good gravy.
Hadriscus@lemm.ee 2 months ago
I think trademark law has a strange history in the US
boaratio@lemmy.world 2 months ago
I’m sure it does, I was just being facetious.
catloaf@lemm.ee 2 months ago
Sorry, “gravy” is a registered trademark of Gravy, Inc.: trademarks.justia.com/854/89/gravy-85489026.html
psyvibe@lemm.ee 2 months ago
I think this only applies to using the the word “gravy” for payment services or a website referring to such a payment service. There was a prior trademark on the word for use with plush toy products.
lando55@lemmy.world 2 months ago
Disney presents Good Gravy®️
addison@programming.dev 2 months ago
Good Gravy®️ Presentation for Disney
Redex68@lemmy.world 2 months ago
I mean I guess it makes some sense. Linux Subsystem for Windows to the uninitiated might sound like it “comes from the Linux brand”, whilst Windows Subsystem for Linux sounds more like its made by Windows.
anzo@programming.dev 2 months ago
Copyright is always stupid
boatswain@infosec.pub 2 months ago
This is trademark, not copyright
tuxiqae@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months ago
Still doesnt explain why it wasn’t called Windows Linux Subsystem (WLS)
gradual@lemmings.world 2 months ago
Not in the spirit of free software, if you ask me.