Linux is 20 years old this summer and over the past twenty years has grown from a hobby code into the Linux operating system we rely on today, now running on 95 percent of the world’s supercomputers we use for daily communications.
Linux is literally everywhere: in your phone, at your ATM, in your TV, on your desktop, at the movies, and in your car to name just a few places. This widespread adoption is a testament to its versatility, reliability, and the robust community that supports it.
The Birth of Linux
Twenty years ago, Linus Torvalds made a bold decision to share his operating system with the world. Initially, it was a personal project for Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki. He wanted to create a free operating system kernel that could be used by anyone. On August 25, 1991, he announced his project on the comp.os.minix newsgroup, inviting others to contribute. This collaborative approach was revolutionary at the time and laid the foundation for the open-source movement.
Torvalds then chose to license Linux under the General Public License (GPL), a decision that changed the world of computing forever. The GPL ensured that Linux would remain free and open, allowing anyone to modify and distribute the software. This openness attracted a global community of developers who contributed to its rapid development and improvement.
Linux in Everyday Life
Today, Linux is an integral part of our daily lives, often in ways we might not even realize. For instance, Android, the operating system that powers the majority of smartphones worldwide, is based on the Linux kernel. This means that every time you use your phone to make a call, send a text, or browse the internet, you’re relying on Linux.
ATMs, which handle millions of transactions every day, also run on Linux. Its stability and security make it an ideal choice for these critical systems. Similarly, many smart TVs and home entertainment systems use Linux to provide a seamless user experience.
On the desktop, Linux offers a variety of distributions (distros) such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian, catering to different user needs. These distros are popular among developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts for their flexibility and control.
In the film industry, Linux is the backbone of many animation and visual effects studios. For example, DreamWorks Animation and Pixar use Linux-based systems to create their stunning visuals. The high performance and scalability of Linux make it perfect for rendering complex scenes and managing large datasets.
In the automotive industry, Linux is used in in-car entertainment systems and increasingly in the development of autonomous vehicles. The Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) project, a collaborative open-source effort, aims to create a standard platform for automotive software, further driving innovation in this field.
Visit the Linux Foundation 20th website to view a list of the up and coming events both online and in real life, to celebrate the 20 anniversary of the Linux operating system created by Linus Torvalds back in 1991
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Linux with us. Watch the Story of Linux to remember – or learn for the first time – how Linux disrupted a market and has begun to change the world. Do you see yourself in its story?
Source : Linux Foundation
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