Linus Torvald has developed the first generation Linux system 13 years ago. Since then, he became the technical guardian of Linux and the spiritual leader of open source movement. Open source movements are entirely based on mutual trust and mutual cooperation. There are currently more than 1,000 programmers working for the development of Linux kernel. Linux has become the second largest operating system in the server market. We recently interviewed Linux Torvald.
Q: What is the biggest challenge for Linux?
A: I have not seen any challenges simply from the technical point of view. After 13 years of development, Linux has been technically very mature.
The only thing that I am worried about is that the development of open source movements is mainly because some legal disputes have occurred. Although our work is performed in accordance with the law, there are always some people who want to use legal issues to hinder the development of open source movements. For example, SCO puts a lawsuit against IBM. Although the final result depends on the court's pronunciation, this matter has caused a huge impact on Linux development.
In addition, the problem of software patent is also plagued us. I am worried that some companies may use patent issues to make trouble for Linux. I think the current patent system is still not very perfect. It is abused by some people. Some companies can have thousands of patents, but personal is difficult to have patents.
The Linux system is a lot of people's wisdom, I don't worry about a patent law, but I am worried that these lawsuit will hinder the development of Linux. However, this problem is not currently solved, nor I can control.
In addition, I don't worry about Microsoft's patent lawsuits launched by Linux, because I think their operating model itself is not legal. Although Microsoft escaped a robbery in the anti-monopoly case, it uses a unligated means, it should be embarrassed.
Q: Do you think Linux keeps a long-lasting momentum?
A: I have always thought that open source software means more stable and safer. It represents the future direction.
Open source software is like science and magic compared to commercial software. In the scientific system, everyone's theory is established above others, and the entire system is stable and disclosed. Magic, the magician has some secrets, but they never tell others, they will contribute to this secret and refuse someone to develop some new things on it. The development model of traditional software is very similar. With the development of history, Magic is moving toward fading, and traditional software is the same.
Now because software applications are getting more widespread, people may encounter some very complicated issues, which is impossible to solve someone or a company. Only with others can solve the problem. This is also the ultimate goal of open source movement.
Q: Some people say that Linux and many open source software do not have real innovations, they are plagiarisming business software, what do you think of this?
A: I don't agree with this statement. This view is obviously wrong. These people did not see the revolutionary innovation of open source software.
Many commercial software will release a new version every other week, it seems to have a lot of innovation, but this is just a kind of jariel like an acrobatic group. This so-called innovation is largely the results of packaging and publicity. In open source software, you don't need to play this kind of jar. Our innovation does not need this packaging. In fact, all innovations are developed on the basis of the previous basis, whether it is commercial software or open source software.
There are a lot of technological innovation I am proud of Linux, which has a lot of other operating systems. It is because of these innovations, Linux systems can run better, safer and more stable.
Sometimes people will complain that we have a new version of the new version of the period, that is because we must ensure that the previous software can be used normally after the system is upgraded. For example, our program developed in 1992 can still run on the latest Linux system.
