The Free Software Foundation (FSF), headed up by open source evangelist Richard Stallman, has called for Linus Torvald's operating system to be renamed 'GNU/Linux', rather than just plain old 'Linux'.

In a move which has met with predictably mixed reactions from the Linux and open source communities, the FSF has released a document outlining why the system should undergo the name change.

Linux has rapidly become a well-known operating system, and Stallman argues that GNU's role in its development is not getting enough recognition.

The document states: "This system is basically a version of the GNU system, modified to use the Linux kernel.

"We started developing the system in 1984, years before Linus Torvalds got involved, and we also wrote the largest part of the code. In fairness, we ought to get equal mention."

The FSF claims that people misinterpret Linux as an entire operating system, when in fact it is merely the kernel of the operating system.

The GNU project was started to create a complete operating system, but Linux provides the core for GNU to run on.

"People who think that Linux is an entire operating system, if they hear about GNU at all, often get a wrong idea of what GNU is," the document continues.

"They tend to forget that GNU is the name of an operating system, because they think of that operating system as Linux."

But the FSF's demands have split the open source community. Some have suggested that the organisation is being petty, while others back its argument but think that the FSF is fighting an uphill battle, as all GNU/Linux-based systems will simply be shortened to 'Linux'.

Bruce Perens, another Linux evangelist, who was recently ousted from Hewlett Packard for his outspoken opinions, welcomed the FSF's call for recognition.

"With all of the folks out there trying to change Linux into just another SCO, placing non-disclosure agreements on it, and in general simply not understanding what the advantage of free software is, it's time for [the FSF] to reverse the trend," he said. "Say it! GNU/Linux. Be part of the solution."

But in a posting on the Slashdot forum another member of the open source community wrote: "Where in the General Public Licence does it say: 'If you include this much of these programs in your operating system, you have to call it GNU/something?'

"Thank you for writing all the stuff, we acknowledge you in the copyright statement, and many other places. But we'll call it whatever we like."