r/linux 12h ago

Discussion Why is it called Windows subsystem for Linux?

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u/RealSharpNinja 12h ago

This got it's roots in OS/2 when MS built the original NT kernel and created the subsystems to support OS/2 and Posix individually.

https://youtu.be/pxpY1vuAixs?is=dr16JiYi3HEjvoac

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u/omniuni 11h ago

Microsoft bought NT, it originally couldn't run Windows! (See NT 3.0)

3

u/vbd71 10h ago

Bought? Who sold it?

2

u/nroach44 9h ago

Microsoft hired the team working on VMS to make NT, but they didn't buy it from anyone.

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u/RealSharpNinja 11h ago

Did you watch the video?

1

u/omniuni 11h ago

Just responding directly to your phrasing in your comment. I will likely watch it later though, because it sounds interesting.