That is a hard thing to clarify, even to computer-savvy people. Apple and Microsoft make the distinction between the Kernel, the OS and even the user interface very blurry. Even knowing about drivers and file systems can be totally irrelevant information most of the times.

You are missing the point. In this case the blurry distinction between a Kernel and an OS is what makes knowing about them relevant in the first place.

If you aren't well informed then don't talk about the creator of Linux at all.

If you are well informed then don't tell people who haven't got an idea what a kernel is that Linus Torvalds is the creator of Linux because they are going to get the completely wrong idea.

I usually refer to kernel as Linux, unless obvious from the context or specifically emphasised that OS is being discussed (like in "Which OS are you using? Linux."), but for the sake of total clarity especially aimed at newcomers, your comment is duly noted.

Although RMS would have something to add, probably that there is no ambiguity. When you say Linux, that's the kernel part, and if you want to address the OS, use GNU/Linux. This is known to stir endless debates which is not my intention, just adding more info for completeness.

Since this is a thread by a newcomer, I think that's appropriate.
Which is objectively false because there are different uses of the term Linux. As long as you use the term Linux where there are people who are not aware of the difference between "GNU/Linux"/ "GNU-OS"/ "Linux OS" and "Linux" the term is ambiguous.

The world would be a very different place if people only talked about what they know. :-P

You may be right in your zeal. I did not perceive v3 as misguided, but third parties could misread his statement.

Personally, I only try to correct people on that regard when I think they will appreciate that information and when I think it will not detract from the conversation at hand. This sort of medium (multiple eyes on the internet) is still a bit new to me. I agree that greater care should be used, but I'm afraid of sounding like a fanatic on that regard (note: I'm not talking about you!) when more important words like "free" are more commonly misunderstood.

That's what I mean.
I didn't want to correct anyone because what v3 said is correct, of course. I just wanted to make sure that what he said is not misunderstood by every person who hasn't used GNU/Linux for years.

Sorry for the slight necro. I'm reinstalling CoH and using this thread as a reference. I read through the thread and was thinking "What the heck am I talking about!?"

I was so clueless as to what I was doing I couldn't even talk about it coherently. I had a good laugh. And your post here really made me laugh.

I'm learning a bit more every day! :)

And it was only two months ago ;)
Your enthusiasm about Linux Mint in a lot of your recent posts is *very* pleasing to read!

:D

Reminds me a bit of when I started with Linux in Oct 2014, utter frustration, breaking the OS and all that :D

I'm really glad some people are trying Linux and making an effort at it considering many are migrating from Windows.

This is the first time I saw this thread. I immediately felt guilty for not helping out. Then I realized the thread was a necro. I'm happy to see you've stuck with Mint. Stick with Linux and you'll learn how to use it. :D I know I did a decade ago. :-)

It's been awesome so far.

My PC can actually run Windows 10 correctly now and my bro said "so you're putting on Windows again?!" (he LOVES win10)

"Not a chance. Nothing I want there," I said.

There's been some learning and there's been some tinkering and there's been some difficulties. I won't deny that. But it's all been worth it by a long shot. The OS does what I want it to do, doesn't do what I don't want it to do, and it's *mine.* No ads popping up, no restarting without asking, no downloading things without me saying OK. That's what I want. That's what I've got!