Linus Torvalds: Father of Linux
Who is this Linus?
Linus Torvalds is best known for initiating the development of
the Linux kernel, now acting as the project's coordinator.
The Linux kernel is the most prominent example of free and
open-source software to this day.
Education and Origins
Linus was born in Finland to Anna and Nils Torvalds, both of
whom were radical journalists who graduated from the University of
Helinski in the early sixties.Linus attended the University of
Helinski, graduating with a masters in Computer Science.
His Creation
Linus was first exposed to the idea of Open Source software
through his creation of CoolMan, a simple recreation PacMan. He
began to write his own seperate kernel as a form of self
tutoring.
Linus's kernel took off slowly among the computer world's
backwaters, and he began to gather other programmers' contributions
to his coding, asking them to improve on it.
Linux as a Business
The Linux Mark Institute is owned entirely by Torvalds, and
provides services for the implementation and documentation of Linux
based products.
Mistakes in Business
None really. He runs a non-profit organization subsiding off of
charitable donations. He's never really lost a court case or
engaged in anything that would require him to fight one.
Linus, Linus, Wherefor art thou Linus?
Linus currently resides in Portland, Oregon with his wife Tove
and three daughters. He heads the Linux Mark Institute and will
probably reside in that position unto his death.
Some Interesting Facts
The smallest computer in the world(The picotux) runs on a Linux
Operating System.
Last year 75% of Linux code was written by programmers working
for corporations
The Sequoia (what is to be the worlds most powerful
supercomputer) will be released in 2011 with a Linux OS
Linux powers 446 of the worlds 500 fastest supercomputers
The first major film produced using Linux servers was 1997's
Titanic
Google runs its web servers on Linux
It would cost 7.37 billion dollars to recreate a Linux Operating
System, which was originally made for free.
Every single Linux OS is completely free, and is supported and
updated more frequently than any other OS.
Linux only has 1.02% of marketshare on desktops.
Some Open-Source Projects
Some random memes
Recognitions Awarded
2010 Listed in the book The 100 Most Influencial Inventors of
All Time
2008 Inducted into the Hall of Fellows of The Computer History
Museum
2006 Time Magazine lists Torvalds as one of the Revolutionary
Heroes of the last 60 years.
2005 Awarded the Vollum Award from Reed College
2001 Awarded the Taketa award for Social/Economic Well-Being
2000 Placed #17 at Time Magazine's Person of the Century Poll
over MLK Jr. and Nelson Mandela
1998 Linus received an EFF Pioneer Award.
