Linux Belgium

Linux turned 25!!!

Linus Torvalds published the Linux kernel on 25th of august 1991. Combined with the existing programs from the GNU project it became the first fully redistributable UNIX-like operating system for Intel compatible PCs. It was the start of the revolution in the computer industry which has changed everything.

Initially, in the late 1980s, the programs of the GNU Project and the Minix kernel allowed people to run a UNIX-like operating system on (relatively) cheap Intel PC's. At the time UNIX was only available for very expensive hardware and full of propietary technology. The success of GNU + Minix however was blocked by the inability to distribute the (free but not redistributable) Minix kernel. When a Finnish student called Linus Torvalds, wrote a microkernel and allowed it to be redistributed, a complete Operating System became available for everybody.

It was a hell of a ride these past 25 years, and we enjoyed every moment of it! It is a story of ups and a few downs. Many different success stories with a few hero's and a lot of hard working, super motivated people. People who do it 'just for fun', to 'better technology' or 'build a better world'. Companies who collaborate because they have a vision, or just because they want to sell more. In any case, it is our story!

Here you can find our timeline of the last 30 years. If you click on it, you get the 1920x1080 HD image so you can use it as your desktop background!

Currently the Linux kernel alone is build with 22 million lines of C program code, written by more than 5000 active developers from over 500 companies. Here you can find the birthday interview with Linus, reflecting back on the 25 years of Linux.

To better explain the speed of current Linux Kernel development, it's put together in this graphic:

Happy celebration!
Jasper Nuyens