A History of Linux and the Rise of Distributions

A History of Linux and the Rise of Distributions
This briefing document reviews the history of the Linux operating system, drawing from three sources: Wikipedia's "History of Linux," an excerpt from "The Making of Linux: The World's First Open-Source Operating System," and an excerpt from "Why so many distros? The Weird History of Linux."
Key Themes:
The Genesis of a Free OS: Linux was born from Linus Torvalds' desire for a free and open-source operating system alternative to proprietary options like MINIX.
Collaboration and Community: The open-source nature of Linux fostered a global community of developers who contributed to its growth and refinement.
The GNU/Linux Connection: While the Linux kernel is the core, the operating system most people use is a combination of GNU software and the Linux kernel. As Linus Torvalds stated, "making Linux GPLed was definitely the best thing I ever did."
Distributions: Tailoring the Experience: The flexibility of the Linux kernel enabled the creation of numerous distributions, each customized for specific purposes, user bases, and philosophies.
Important Facts and Ideas:
Early History and Influences:
Unix Legacy: Linux draws inspiration from Unix, created by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie in 1969. The desire for a Unix-like system without the limitations of proprietary licensing played a crucial role in Linux's development.
The GNU Project: Richard Stallman's GNU project, aimed at creating a free Unix-like OS, provided essential software components that complemented the Linux kernel.
MINIX's Role: Andrew Tanenbaum's MINIX, a teaching tool for students, inspired Torvalds. Its limitations, particularly its 16-bit architecture, pushed Torvalds to create a more powerful and adaptable system.
Birth and Early Development:
1991: A Hobby Becomes History: Linus Torvalds announced his "free operating system" project on August 25, 1991.
GPL and Community Growth: The decision to release Linux under the GNU General Public License in 1992 attracted a wave of developers and accelerated its progress.
The Rise of Distributions:
Meeting Diverse Needs: Linux distributions package the kernel, GNU tools, and other software to create complete operating systems tailored for various applications.
Key Players Emerge: Early distributions like Slackware, Debian, and Red Hat paved the way for a multitude of options.
Notable Distributions and Their Impact:
Debian and its Progeny: Debian, known for its focus on software freedom, became the foundation for numerous other distributions, most notably the popular Ubuntu.
Red Hat: Enterprise Focus: Red Hat's enterprise-oriented approach and focus on stability and security established it as a major force, leading to the creation of RHEL, CentOS, and Fedora.
Arch and the Pursuit of Simplicity: Arch Linux, known for its rolling release model and emphasis on user control, inspired distributions like Manjaro, focusing on minimalism and performance.
Linux Today:
Ubiquitous Presence: Linux powers a vast array of devices, from supercomputers and servers to smartphones and embedded systems.
A Collaborative Success: The open-source model has proven remarkably successful, enabling continuous innovation and adaptation to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Quotes:
Linus Torvalds on his initial announcement: "I'm doing a (free) operating system (just a hobby, won't be big and professional like gnu) for 386(486) AT clones. This has been brewing since april, and is starting to get ready."
Linus Torvalds on the importance of the GPL: "making Linux GPLed was definitely the best thing I ever did."
Conclusion:
The story of Linux is a testament to the power of open collaboration. From a student's hobby project to a global phenomenon, Linux's journey has been marked by innovation, community spirit, and a dedication to the principles of free software. The wide variety of distributions ensures that Linux remains a versatile and adaptable platform for a diverse range of users and applications.