http://www.cygnus.com/cygnus/about-gnu.html (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)
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What's GNU? GNU's Not Unix!

GNU is to be a complete integrated computational environment: everything you need to work with a computer, either as a programmer or as a person in an office or home. The core is an operating system, which consists of a central program called a kernel that runs the other programs on the computer, and a large number of ancillary programs for handling files, etc. The FSF is developing an advanced kernel called the Hurd (see ``What Is the Hurd?''.).

A complete system has tools for programmers, such as compilers and debuggers. It also has editors, sketchpads, calendars, calculators, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail readers, and Internet navigators. The FSF already distributes most of the programs used in an operating system, all the tools regularly used by programmers, and much more.

Already, you can set yourself up as an entrepreneur to sell your services teaching, installing, improving, and modifying this software for others. Already, you can set yourself up as a programmer or writer who works on a 80386 or 80486 based computer and use only software that is freely redistributable. Already, all the tools you need as a programmer for editing, compiling, and debugging are free; all the tools you need as a writer for editing, revising, and typesetting a book are free; many tools you need for calculations or mathematics are free; and many games and other applications are free. Tools for electronic communications are free.

Not only are these tools useful to you, they are useful institutionally. Since distribution is free, you can pass on copies to other people in your company or organization without hindrance. No paperwork. As a teacher, you can give programs to your students without fearing that you are breaking the law. As a student, you can copy programs for your friends, and do good by doing so. If you are poor, you can copy and use the same software used by the rich; and if you are rich, you can contribute your improvements to the common heritage. If you are ignorant, you can learn. If you know a great deal, you can help others.

Be sure to check out
the unofficial Free Software Foundation page and the GNU's Not Unix page at DESY.