Linus Torvalds

Before the terms freeware or free source came into common usage, there was Linux, a version of Unix that was written by hundreds of programmers around the world under the "benevolent dictatorship" of a Swedo-Finnish University of Helsinki student named Linus Torvalds. Torvalds posted the source code for a freeware version of the Unix operating system, examined all the changes proposed by programmers from around the world, and decided which ones would be officially adopted and included in Linux.

The result has been an OS that is robust, relatively error-free, and constantly improved by a team of programmers larger than any single company could afford -- and it is available free on the Internet.

David Sims caught up with Torvalds at the developer convention Builder.com, and asked him about the nature of the freeware process, the business models that work for freeware, and future directions for the movement.

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Major Accomplishment
Created the Linux freesource OS

Job
Works in an unknown capacity for Transmeta, a secretive company that's primary business is "alternative VLSI engines for multimedia PCs." It is rumored to be developing a revolutionary new chip.

Home
Born, raised, and educated in Helsinki, Finland. Currently lives in Santa Clara, Calif.

Family
Married, one daughter

Major Accomplishment
Created the Linux freesource OS

Job
Works in an unknown capacity for Transmeta, a secretive company that's primary business is "alternative VLSI engines for multimedia PCs." It is rumored to be developing a revolutionary new chip.

Home
Born, raised, and educated in Helsinki, Finland. Currently lives in Santa Clara, Calif.

Family
Married, one daughter