Starting in the 1990s, the open-source Linux operating system started a revolution in computing. It’s now adored by software enthusiasts, power users, hackers and programmers everywhere. But how did the Linux OS begin, and who created Linux? Here’s a brief history of Linux, how the Linux kernel was announced to the world, and why it was created.
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
Why Is Linux Important?
Have you ever personally used the Linux kernel or the Linux OS before? If you’re an average computer user, then probably not. But even if you don’t have Linux on your home computer, something you use every day probably runs on Linux. This can be anything from the server that hosts your website to the touchscreen in your car.
Here's how Linux was announced and more info about the guy who created the Linux OS. #linux #linuxos #computerhistory Share on XWho Created Linux?
Linux was created as a hobby by a Finnish computer science student named Linus Benedict Torvalds. At the time, Torvalds was studying at the University of Helsinki. His goal was to create a free, open-source operating system that anyone could use.
When Was Linux First Introduced?
But did you ever wonder how Linux was “announced”? Linus first told the world about his “hobby OS” on an Usenet posting on Aug 26, 1991, at 2:12 am.
I’m doing a (free) operating system (just a hobby, won’t be big and professional like gnu) for 386(486) AT clones. This has been brewing since april, and is starting to get ready. I’d like any feedback on things people like/dislike in minix, as my OS resembles it somewhat (same physical layout of the file-system (due to practical reasons) among other things).
He released the Linux kernel a few weeks later on September 17, 1991.
Amazingly, the old Usenet page where Linus first announced Linux is still online thanks to Google Groups. Here’s a screenshot.
Let’s hope someone has preserved this Usenet post in a museum, and it doesn’t get trashed like this old ghetto Linux box. It probably ought to be framed.
More Linux History Information
Here are some more reference links if you want to learn more about the history of the Linux kernal and operating system:
Frank Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of combined experience in the education, small business technology, and real estate business. He now blogs as a hobby and spends most days tinkering with old computers. Wilson is passionate about tech, enjoys fishing, and loves drinking beer.
10 Things From The Oregon Trail Game That You Probably Missed As A Kid
Very cool! I actually remember reading this in this group when he posted it… seems like a lifetime ago now! “Gotta love the Linux!”
That was 2 days before my 1st birthday!!! What a present! 🙂
The Google groups page you found is already the preserved archived copy. Google groups didn’t exist in 1991!
Linux is a great OS and i am using Linux. And after reading this post i got some new points about Linux, It’s really useful for my knowledge.
right, as we can see from the “group title” – it was taken from usenet. i almost miss this time killer…
right, as we can see from the “group title” – it was taken from usenet. i almost miss this time killer…
Dr. Bill are you still a die hard linux user?
LOL. dr. bill your beard is now being discussed on Reddit http://redd.it/z89dg
you presented a link back to this very article, not to the discussion thread in question