Linus Torvalds

From SourceWatch
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Linus Torvalds is the Finnish creator of the Linux operating system kernel, the basis for all linux distributions, which are full operating systems - similar in function to Windows or MacOS. His creation has come directly under the crosshairs of Microsoft as it increases in popularity despite being a largely non-commercial phenomenon. Some linux distributions are commercial (e.g. Red Hat) and some are entirely non-commercial (e.g. Debian Linux). The linux kernel itself is entirely non-commercial (i.e., a public good), with a license requiring that any changes made to it must also be made public.

In 2004, Time magazine named him one of the most influential people in the world.