Torvalds didn’t invent Linux
p2pnet.net News:- Linus Torvalds’ claim to have invented Linux is “probably false,” claims a report on the free software movement.
“Popular but controversial ‘open source’ computer software, often contributed on a volunteer basis, is often taken or adapted without permission from material owned by other companies and individuals,” says the Alexis de Tocqueville Institution here, going on:
“Kenneth Brown, president of AdTI, traces the free software movement over three decades – from its romantic but questionable beginnings, through its evolution to a commercial effort that draws on unpaid contributions from thousands of programmers.”
His account is based on “extensive interviews with more than two dozen leading technologists including Richard Stallman, Dennis Ritchie, and Andrew Tanenbaum,” says a puff piece.
Use of the word ‘probably’ in the heading – Torvalds claim to “invent” Linux probably false, says new study – is interesting.
In the meanwhile, for the real story, go here.





May 17th, 2004 at 6:27 pm
Al Gore invented Linux, of course!
May 17th, 2004 at 6:40 pm
Heh. Right. Al Gore : )
May 17th, 2004 at 8:10 pm
Quote “Use of the word ‘probably’ in the heading – Torvalds claim to “invent” Linux probably false, says new study – is interesting.”
IMHO use of the word “invent” is a very odd choice of words also…