The History of Linux: How It All Began

The Story of Linux: From Creation to Worldwide Fame

In today's world, it is hard to imagine humanity without various devices and technologies that make our lives significantly easier and save us time and energy. Often, we don't even think about what inspired the creators in developing and enhancing a particular technical innovation. However, every discovery has a fascinating story behind its inception. Today, we will share with you the journey of how one of the most popular operating systems in the world, Linux, was developed.

Linus Torvalds, the "father" of Linux, was born in 1969 in the capital of Finland, the bustling city of Helsinki. He completed his schooling and later pursued a master's degree in computer science. It's worth mentioning that he grew up as a shy and reserved boy.

Perhaps his parents' radical communist beliefs, which often became the subject of ridicule by his peers, played a role in this. Linus spent a whole year in Moscow, which was still under Soviet rule, with his father.

As for his interest in computer technology, his mathematician grandfather introduced him to an electronic computer when he was very young. This discovery intrigued Linus, leading him to seriously delve into technology. By the mid-80s, Torvalds was already writing his first computer programs. It was during this time that he read a book by the well-known programming expert Andrew Tanenbaum, who had created his operating system called Minix.

After acquiring his first personal computer and using this software, Linus realized that the OS had significant flaws that he could rectify. Thus, Torvalds set out to enhance Minix. However, he had numerous ideas for optimizing the operating system. Thanks to his boundless enthusiasm, the young programmer created an entirely new software called Linux.

In its early stages, his creation faced criticism, primarily from Andrew Tanenbaum, who stated that if Linus Torvalds were his student, he would never have received a high grade for such architecture of his OS.

Nevertheless, many enthusiasts of the newly invented system emerged, preferring it over other software. Due to Linux's popularity, Torvalds became a globally recognized programmer and gained acclaim in Silicon Valley. For a while, he worked at Transmeta before transitioning to the Open Source Development Labs, where he had more opportunities to dedicate his free time to the improvement and development of the already sought-after Linux operating system at the time.

Today, Linus Torvalds is a well-off individual. He managed to commercialize his creation while keeping it open to society. Linus is content knowing that he has been able to benefit a large number of people. At this stage of his life, he can freely engage in his passion — creating new multifunctional programs.