A Brief History of Linux

Summary

In this video, Gary Sims takes us through the fascinating 27-year history of Linux, from its humble beginnings in 1991 as a hobby project by Linus Torvalds to its current dominance in the tech world. Key milestones include the release of Linux versions, the development of key technologies like SMP support, the creation of Git, and Linux's expansion into mobile with Android. The video highlights the evolution of Linux from a basic OS for Intel processors to a global powerhouse, powering everything from smartphones to servers, with exciting prospects for the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 1991, Linus Torvalds announced the creation of a free operating system, which would eventually evolve into the Linux kernel.
• 😀 By 1992, Linux was relicensed under the GNU GPL, ensuring it remained open-source and attracting early contributors.
• 😀 In 1993, the first Linux distributions, including Slackware and Debian, made Linux more accessible to users.
• 😀 Linux 1.0 was released in 1994, marking the official debut of a more mature Linux kernel for IBM-compatible PCs.
• 😀 The introduction of Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) support in Linux 2.0 (1996) enabled Linux to utilize multiple processors, paving the way for enterprise use.
• 😀 Linux 2.4, released in 2001, added important features like USB and Bluetooth support, as well as the journaling file system (EXT3) for increased reliability.
• 😀 Linus Torvalds created Git in 2005 to manage the increasing contributions to Linux, a tool now widely adopted in the software development world.
• 😀 In 2007, the launch of Android based on the Linux kernel brought Linux to mobile devices, leading to billions of active Android users worldwide.
• 😀 The Raspberry Pi's release in 2012 helped expand Linux's presence in embedded systems, particularly in educational and hobbyist markets.
• 😀 By 2016, Linux celebrated 25 years of development, solidifying its dominance in computing and various other technology sectors.
• 😀 Linux's ability to scale across platforms—from mobile devices and embedded systems to high-performance servers—demonstrates its adaptability and enduring relevance.

Q & A

What was Linus Torvalds' original announcement in 1991 regarding Linux?

In 1991, Linus Torvalds announced that he was working on a free operating system as a hobby, stating that it would not be professional or portable and would only work on 386 and 486 processors.

How did Linux evolve in terms of licensing after its initial release?

By 1992, Linux was relicensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), allowing it to become a free and open-source software project.

What were some of the first Linux distributions to emerge in the early 1990s?

In the early 1990s, Linux distributions such as Slackware and Debian were developed, which helped introduce many users to the operating system.

What key feature was introduced with Linux version 2.0 in 1996?

Linux version 2.0, released in 1996, introduced support for Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP), allowing Linux to utilize multiple processors on a system, which was crucial for the growing server market.

What significant change occurred in the Linux kernel with version 2.4 in 2001?

Linux kernel version 2.4, released in 2001, introduced support for USB, Bluetooth, and the ext3 journaled file system, which enhanced system reliability and recovery.

How did the development of the kernel change after 2005 with the BitKeeper incident?

After issues with the proprietary BitKeeper software, Linus Torvalds developed Git, a version control system that has since become the standard for open-source and enterprise software development.

What is the significance of the long-term support (LTS) kernel releases, starting with Linux 2.6.16 in 2006?

Long-term support (LTS) kernel releases, like version 2.6.16 in 2006, ensured that enterprises could use a stable kernel with critical bug fixes without needing frequent upgrades.

How did Android contribute to the popularity of Linux?

The launch of Android in 2007, which was built on the Linux kernel, brought Linux to a global audience, with billions of Android devices now running Linux at their core.

What major technological shift occurred with ARM processors in Linux around 2012?

By 2012, ARM-based devices, such as the Raspberry Pi, gained significant popularity, marking a shift in the Linux ecosystem as ARM processors began powering smartphones, embedded systems, and single-board computers.

What feature was introduced in Linux version 4.0 that improved system security?

Linux version 4.0, released in 2015, introduced live patching, allowing security patches to be applied without requiring a system reboot, which is particularly beneficial for enterprise environments.