Linus Torvalds is a Finnish-American software developer who created the Linux operating system. Today, Linux is one of the most widely used and popular open-source operating systems in the world today. But what is the story behind the global success of this system? And how did a young man from Helsinki make a name for himself as one of the world’s most well-known software developers?
Let’s dive in and find out.
Linus and Linux – Early Days
Linus Torvalds began developing Linux in 1991, while still a university student. His motivation was rather simple: he wanted to use an operating system similar to UNIX but did not want to pay for the expensive licenses. So, he decided to build his own. His goal was to create an operating system that was free and open-source, meaning it would be available to anyone around the globe.
He announced the first version of Linux on August 25, 1991, in a newsgroup called comp.os.minix.
Here’s what he wrote:
“Hello everyone using Minix — I’m developing a (free) operating system (just a hobby, it won’t be big and professional like GNU) for 386(486) AT clones.”
The first version of Linux was released in September 1991, marked as version 0.01. Developers quickly took notice of it, especially those in the open-source community. This was because the source code was freely available and could be modified by just about anyone. Torvalds later released Linux under the GNU General Public License, ensuring that it would remain open-source forever.
Growth and Expansion
Over the years following its release, Linux developed rapidly. More and more developers joined the project and contributed to the code, which helped the system grow and improve. It soon appeared in many different forms (also known as distributions) like Debian, Red Hat, and Ubuntu. Each of these distributions was made for different user needs.
Technical Innovation
Over time, there were many technical innovations introduced to the program. Its modular design supported different hardware and allowed additional features to be loaded as needed. Security tools like SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) offered extra layers of protection. These were (and still are) especially important in business environments.
The development of Linux followed a transparent, community-based model. Developers submitted updates or fixes, and Linus Torvalds, as the lead maintainer, reviewed and integrated them into the official code. This process helped ensure the high quality and reliability of the software.
Benefits of Linux Over Windows
Windows is without a doubt one of the most well-known operating systems today. But that doesn’t make it the “best” system out there. Let’s take a look at some advantages that Linux has over Windows.
1) Flexibility and customization
Linux offers a range of desktop environments like GNOME, KDE Plasma, and XFCE. Each gives a unique user experience, and users can choose what suits them best.
2) Free software
Most Linux distributions and applications are completely FREE. This can save a lot of money, especially when compared to costly alternatives like Windows Server.
3) Efficiency and speed
Windows often requires powerful hardware, especially newer versions. Linux, on the other hand, works well even on older systems. It handles system resources efficiently and responds quickly to user actions.
4) Security
Linux systems face fewer threats from viruses and malware. When security issues do appear, the developer community usually responds very quickly.
Why Linux Is Still Important Today
Today, Linux is one of the most important operating systems in the world. It is used not only on traditional desktops and servers, but also on smartphones, routers, smart home devices, and much more. Its flexibility and reliability make it the top choice for many users and companies, including tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Facebook.
Froggy Fact:
Did you know that the Android kernel is based on an upstream Linux Long Term Supported (LTS) kernel?
Source: Android Open Source Project
The Legacy of Linus Torvalds
Linus Torvalds’ contribution to computing can easily be described as priceless. With Linux, he didn’t just build an operating system, he created a whole ecosystem and community that continues to grow and evolve. Torvalds still plays an active role in Linux kernel development, helping the project stay relevant and ever-evolving.
His story is a perfect example of how one individual can make a huge difference in the world. His impact reached far more than just the tech community we’ve probably all used Linux at some point in our lives, even without knowing it!
Thanks to his vision and persistence, Linux has become a tool that improves millions of lives every day. The journey that Torvalds undertook serves as an inspiration to developers around the world who dream of building something meaningful.
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