The early days of Linux (lwn.net)

Article summary

The article recounts the early days of Linux, written by Lars Wirzenius, who was a university student and friend of Linus Torvalds. Wirzenius shares his memories of how Linux started as a humble project and evolved over time. He mentions key events, such as Linus buying his first PC, learning Intel assembly language, and creating the first version of the Linux kernel. The article also touches on the licensing changes and the growth of the Linux community.

Main themes

• Linux history
• Early days of Linux
• Licensing and community
• Growth and adoption
• Nostalgia and reminiscence
• Book recommendations

What commenters say

• The early days of Linux were marked by simplicity and humility, with Linus Torvalds creating the kernel as a hobby project.
• The choice of license for Linux was a crucial decision, with some arguing that the initial license forbidding commercial use was a mistake.
• The Linux community has come a long way since its inception, with many contributors playing important roles in its development and growth.
• The flexibility and customizability of Linux were key factors in its adoption and popularity.
• Some commenters reminisce about the challenges of installing and configuring Linux in the early days, while others appreciate the progress made.
• The book 'Just For Fun' by Linus Torvalds is recommended as a fun and insightful read about the development process of Linux.
• The naming of Linux and its potential impact on adoption are discussed, with some suggesting that the original name 'Freax' could have had a different effect.