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Introduction To Linux: Linus Torvalds Computer Science Dept. University of Helsinki

This document introduces Linux, an open source clone of UNIX created for personal computers. It discusses what Linux is, the benefits of using it, and some potential downsides. The document also covers the history and development of Linux, including Linus Torvalds' motivations for creating it. Finally, it outlines the current state of Linux and possibilities for its future, such as continued development, standardization, and porting to other hardware platforms.

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Diy Doe
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94 views

Introduction To Linux: Linus Torvalds Computer Science Dept. University of Helsinki

This document introduces Linux, an open source clone of UNIX created for personal computers. It discusses what Linux is, the benefits of using it, and some potential downsides. The document also covers the history and development of Linux, including Linus Torvalds' motivations for creating it. Finally, it outlines the current state of Linux and possibilities for its future, such as continued development, standardization, and porting to other hardware platforms.

Uploaded by

Diy Doe
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Linux

Introduction to Linux

Linus Torvalds
Computer Science Dept.
University of Helsinki

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

Contents

• What is Linux
• You want Linux?
• ..or maybe you don’t
• Motivation
• History
• Making it Free
• Current State
• Future

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

What is Linux

• UNIX clone for PC clones


• Source compatible with UNIX
– POSIX
– SVR4 and BSD extensions
• Implements full UNIX semantics
– virtual memory with memory mapping
– networking
– interprocess communications
– filesystems

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

You want Linux?

• Good hardware support


– drivers for most PC peripherals
– coprocessor emulation
• Co-exists peacefully with other PC operating
systems
• Personal, professional, academic use
– low cost
– expandable
– configurable
• Technical superiority
DECUS May 1994
Introduction to Linux

..or maybe you don’t

• Lack of
– support
– documentation
– commercial programs
– trust
• Technical problems
– Limited hardware base
– Young code

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

Motivation

• Why re-write UNIX?


– DOS, DOS and DOS
– high cost
• do-it-yourself UNIX:
– ignorance
– arrogance
– perseverance
– inspiration

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

History

• Dates and Events:


– April 1991: terminal emulator
– September 1991: making it public
– December 1991: virtual memory
– May 1992: X11R5
– March 1994: Linux 1.0

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

Making it Free

• Advantages
– motivation
– feedback
– ideas
– testing
– coding
• Disadvantages
– negative comments
– somebody “taking advantage” of it
– no economic gain

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

Current State

• Large User base


– biggest PC UNIX?
• Several different distributions
– CDROM,
– disk copying services
• Media Recognition

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

Future

• Continued development
– new development tree: v1.1.x
• Source compatibility
– ratifying standards
• Binary compatibility
– with DOS: dosemu
– with iBCS2: loadable personalities
– with Microsoft Windows: Wine, Wabi, ...

DECUS May 1994


Introduction to Linux

Future 2

• Porting to other platforms


– MC680x0 port at 1.0 level
– Discussions about PowerPC and other RISC ports
• Documentation and Support
– books about Linux
– companies using and supporting Linux

DECUS May 1994

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