Man behind Linux: Axis (Xia Wei) *
LINUS and BILL
It seems that this name suddenly became the biente. Gates is the same understanding. But Bill. Gates, even if the price is unclear millions of dollars, will never become Linux Torvalds. The 29-year-old Finnish, a simple and powerful Tinux operating system, surpassed the myth of Gates. There is also a rumor that Gates is a superior programmer, but Linus is a genuine master. He also completed a genuine operating system in the university. When you are young, Gats calls the programmer of his own mediocre program, and the generous Linus share his masterpiece with the world. Which person, which sports will win, may determine the future of technology development.
Two years ago, if there is a technical giant and Microsoft's intimate partner HP, it will be busy to ensure that the computer produced is running smoothly, then it will be the heavens. However, Linus has taken development model, inviting the world to share and improve his personal original, which has triggered a revolution. Suspected people think Microsoft faces the prosecution of the US Department of Justice and lays Linux as a competitor worthy of attention, just in the manufacture of false people, eluting the monopoly. But Microsoft's truth may be much more than they imagine. At the end of last year, a Microsoft's internal white paper called "Halloween document" leaked into the media, and its conclusion may let Gates sleeplely sleep.
Linus is considered to be the best representative of open source software (Open Source Software), and Microsoft's traditional routine of competitors may have no choice but to him. "Linux and other open source software, it is determined that OSS is also strong with commercial software. If there is no surpassing latter." Microsoft engineer Vinod Valloppillil's white paper wrote: "OSS accumulates, playing thousands of internets The ability of people collectively intelligent is amazing. "
But "Halloween documents" did not mention that Linus has proven that he is the highest, most powerful in many anti-Gatz characters. Oracle's CEO Larry Ellison's NC offensive is just over-eyed clouds. Sun's CEO Scott McNealy although huge success in Java, it seems that it is deeply involved in the muddy against Gates; in contrast, Linus has no deviation. Our path. Although he will never admit it, you can say that he is a smooth and late politician. He avoided the confrontation between the supporters of pure free software and the newcomers of the manufacturer of profit, practicing Linux. He welcomes all commercial Linux versions and commercial Linux software that enhances software reliability and availability, and still helping those free software rejuvenation that will create a situation with him.
Unbelievable is that in this IPO and high-tech billionaires have an endless era, Linus is not eager to exchange success into cash. He still opened in early 1997, leaving Finland to start in the US first work (and the only work so far - this is the Pontiac Grand AM bought by Silicon Valley). A year ago, when Santa Clara's small apartment couldn't live in Linus, his kindergarten teacher wife and their two daughters, they rented the first house in the road - opposite the road. Regarding his employers, highly confidential Transmeta's various rumors, in Silicon Valley, but so far, Linus does not seem to have a sign of Yokoka.
When chatting with face, this person who is commensurate with a name linus, wearing glasses, gentle voice, easy access, is full of pride for his talents and achievements, and is very humorous. He used to be a nameless to eat, and now there is a special louder. Due to too many programming, his stomach has been a bit convex, but his voice and his urchin-like smile have not lost the feature of Finnish characteristics. Linus appears to be a civilianist, he wants to break the ideological way of monopolistic software pricing, but also in his other taste. For example, he does not buy a hardcover book, because he believes that the hardcover book is not very good, so the pricing must be expensive. Similarly, he prefer Hollywood entertainment films, rather than Europe's high-quality art movie. His father works on the radio, his mother translates newspaper news, uncle works for Finnish TV, and grandfather is a newspaper reporter, so he understands the news media, and it seems to be more and more than you are more than yourself.
2. Rebellion, rebellion
Q: Do you think you are traditional, positive hackers, a rebellious person? I think it is not enough to say that you are "a programmer".
A: I usually try to avoid the word hacker. When I talk to other people, I will call my hacker. But when I contact the media, I just say "programmer", because hackers are often another one.
Q: What is the label of "Rebel"?
A: "Rebel" means you fight for some kind of career, and it is opposed to others. I don't say my rebellion, I said that I have a guideline. The fundamental meaning of rebellion is against, and I think there is your own purpose, the difference between the two is like this. I have my own guidelines, I don't care whether others also believe in these guidelines, I think this is exactly a personal choice.
Q: How do you describe your guidelines and goals?
A: My basic life guidelines are: "Don't want to do it, don't do it to others", this is not only the idea of Christianity, this is worldwide. This criterion is simple, and in most cases it can tell you what to do. If you don't play "what should I do", you can ask "I will want him (she)?" You will know the answer.
Q: Do you believe in your work or your technology, have a certain social or political factor?
A: It is not the case from the beginning. At the beginning and the society is completely unrelated, the initial power is the technology and my personal interest. There is no politicalness because politics is essentially to change people's ideas, I have never hoped that this kind of thing happened to me.
But many other "open source" people may not have an idea with me. Many of them are political: some people try to make other people accept their own point of view, I don't want to do it. I also talk about my opinion, but just asking me if I ask me.
Q: There are a lot of opportunities you can go to the sea, or you decide that the Linux operating system should trade, but you obviously don't do this, which makes me very strange. why?
A: This is my personal interest problem. It has always been the technology that attracts me Linux. It was not to make money at the beginning, even when you can make money, it is not my intention. Commercialization will change my motivation.
I am very happy that people make money on Linux, which increases the depth of Linux, and introduces new motives and new factors, if not because of business purposes. But when I started Linux, commercialization is not my choice.
Q: Many people will think that it is a difficult choice. But you are at the Thai, what do you think?
A: Maybe in the United States is a difficult choice, but there are many places in the world. The United States is based on money, everyone pays attention to money, which is of course beneficial. But in Finland is different. In the cultural context of there, success is worthy of appreciation, but you also appreciate something else, maybe more. For example, my family attaches great importance to the degree. They think that learning is important, they don't care too much.
3. Linus 2.0
Q: There is a mystery in TRANSMETA's work, can I prompt me to tell me the truth?
A: No. Maybe it will be tomorrow, maybe wait for 15 years.
Q: Is Transmeta looking for you or looking for Transmeta?
A: Two-way choice. I know a Sweden, he works in Transmeta. He got to Helsinki and met with me. At that time, I said: "I can graduate.", Because I haven't relaxed it a few years. Then he asked me if I would like to go to Transmeta, then I talk to his boss. After a week, in 1996, I took the plane to California.
Q: I understand what you can't disclose and work, but can you tell me which job is excited?
A: Part of the reason is that I have been working on Linux for 6 years, and I hope to have something else. I don't want to hang on a rope. I don't want Linux to be all my life, I hope to find something that can motivate people itself. Moreover, the small company is relatively full. Also, people involved in some areas of no other people in the world are also exciting.
Q: Does those things and Linux?
A: They use Linux inside. I use it every day. They also welcome my work on Linux. On the one hand, because of the public relations effect, on the other hand, it is also used inside.
Q: But your work on Linux is no compensation. Many people are strange, how can you spend so many times without money ...
A: Even those who can't imagine someone in the world, it is very sad, but there is such a person, I can also explain to them: If Linux is really smooth, it is true after 10 years. I am going to wind, I have to rain, just like banking in bank. This is not my purpose, but you can tell those people who can't understand it.
I think I am an artist, I am doing something that I am happy. And I don't have to live special, because the programmer's treatment is not bad.
4. Time is everything
Q: You are very interesting about capitalism. It seems that you also believe in some views of free software, but it is not against software and service charges. In what circumstances are more reasonable, what is more reasonable?
A: The charge is always reasonable. But when I started, I couldn't use commercial software because they were too expensive. Part of Linux exists is that I don't want anyone to fall into the kind of situation - this is "I don't want to do it, don't do it to others." But at the same time, I don't think it is wrong.
I am not against money. Money is an interesting concept, but you have to choose the most important thing? Linux is good, if you are a company and willing to pay for a year 365 days, 24 hours a day, you have to pay a lot of money - Even in Linux is expensive, if you are a poor student, or in the third world country, Linux will bring you a chance to contact some new things.
Q: Is Linux development speed or the direction of Linux developed nothing?
A: Last year's things are also brewing processes. To some extent, when a company decides to support Linux, so many companies will respond, which is surprising. However, I have never seen it at home. In addition to "Wow", I can't say anything else. My reaction is more like "um, cool, really happened." Q: Can you say it? Linux is very well grasping the timing?
A: Linux success is a combination of timing, demand and market opportunities. For example, when Linux has just been developed, people have no CDROM. One year after Linux, CDROM can be seen everywhere, so suddenly there is a possible possible commercialization of high performance ratio. Therefore, the time is really good. Internet is also a great opportunity. Before the Internet is popular, there is already Linux, but once the infrastructure of the network is established, Linux does benefit more or less.
Q: I still feel that from Microsoft's development, Linux has also coincided with it?
A: For the reason for the public relations, the Ministry of Justice has turned into a big gathering of Microsoft. Two years ago, no one questioned Microsoft. Everyone thought that Microsoft did what the things were taken. People worship Microsoft: big company, success, big money, people think that is the American dream. One result of the Ministry of Justice is that some people like Microsoft now have changed now.
5. Development source code is democracy
Q: And they also know that there is another option other than Microsoft?
A: This fact that you mentioned means that suddenly you have noticed that there is something else. It used to find other options. Now, even if you don't go from Windows to Linux, or as other big changes, you will also say: "It seems that Microsoft said that" I think this is very important. "
6. Open VS. Close
Q: How do you compare you open source mode and Microsoft develop Windows and Windows NT's closed mode?
A: On Linux, the system's user can affect the direction of development. From the user not to abandon the control, this is democracy. Everyone can do anything. Of course, basic premise is that you have to have enough ability, but it is also a good way to distinguish between people and people who don't work. Moreover, even those who do not modify the software can also recommend, test, and so on.
I think, as a development mode, development source code is quite superior - especially compared to traditional commercially closed development environments. How to organize people to create.
But there are still many jobs that are not interesting, if you don't have fun, you must rely on other incentives. The most obvious thing is to pass money. To a certain extent, it is easier to earn money in a closed environment. Closed mode relies on providing complete information to others to limit competition. Restriction competition is advantageous for the company.
Q: What is the difference you can describe these two modes?
A: I will say this: Closed mode is a publishing house, which is grasped by pencil instead of language. The user has the freedom of reading, the freedom writes, but the publishing house decides what kind of thing can be published, and it is circulating. You can read it, you can also write it with your hand, but if you want to improve your book, you have to start from the beginning, or ask the publication.
Q: Then, the metaphor of open source mode should be a printer, the printer is not limited.
A: Yes, you can have any printers, and you can share fonts between printers.
Q: This is an interesting metaphor. Why is Linux and open source patterns so successful, can you tell me your opinion? A: Linux can go to this step today, one of the reasons is that it is a weak. To a certain extent, the market's power is not much significant to Linux developers. People develop Linux because they are interested in things that are not enough market share, and they don't have any board followed, and must explain financial status every quarter.
You changed the rules of the game, and therefore also changed the market. (You Also Change The Market By Changing The Rules In Ways That Microsoft Isn't Willing to Fail On) The source code is open to a selling point. Suddenly there is a new game rule, not all people care about this rule, but as long as someone cares, he will not think about Microsoft. This is like two armies: You can't let the enemy will choose the battlefield, you have to master the active.
Q: Do you think Linux may change Microsoft or other mainstream manufacturers to change their strategy or battlefield?
A: Every extent I hope it will be like this. Use a metaphor that I think that I think is to explain: Let us look at the largest five software companies in the United States, compare them to the 5th car manufacturers in the United States in the 1950s. At that time, all car companies competed in new features, new attachments, and new models were launched each year.
Is it very familiar? Now there is a new version of Windows every year. At that time, the work of the automotive company was to pay attention to the annual model of models. So the 51-year Cadillac and 52 years of Cadillac are very different. People will certainly pay attention to the model. why? The company is to hope that people don't care what models are open. For several years, the new model of the New Year will give the company a lot of profits. Although the models of the previous year are working very well, the company still wants to sell new models.
I and Linux are like the Japanese car manufacturing industry. Indeed, there are other factors in the 1970s oil crisis in history. But the nature of the problem is that the US automotive industry is not careful, but cares about new features, and there is a new model. Then, the Japanese cars appeared, at the beginning they were so good, the reputation was not so big, but the users gradually understood: "Hey, the Japanese car is good. They are there is no streamlined tail (FIN), but words Speaking of the end, what do I do every year? "
I believe this is an accurate metaphor. If Microsoft can change its practice like a US car industry, I will be very happy. If Microsoft is really changing, it is my victory.
Q: Microsoft's Steve Ballmer recently mentioned the source code for developing Windows, what do you think about this?
A: All my development work is done on the Internet, and one thing you have learned on the internet is that it doesn't practice. (AND THE FIRST Thing You Learn on The Internet is Talk IS CHEAP.) Unless I saw the result, I don't believe in any words, which is the same for all things, including Ballmer's statement. Seeing it is real. (Show me the Money!)
7. Linux vs. NT
Q: Talking about Ballmer and his truly intention, do you think Microsoft is really afraid of Linux, or it only uses media speculation to deal with the Ministry of Justice?
A: I believe that this is Microsoft's intentional operation, especially when Linux has started attention last fall. Nothing in Microsoft will look like this seriously, but they see it can be used as a basis for the court's defense. But they have lost, the results of things have attracted many public opinion people: "What is this Linux?" Q: Do you think Linux is more wide than NT?
A: If you just compare Linux and NT, my answer is yes. Windows NT and Linux have almost market share. Editor's note: According to IDG report, the NT server market share is 38%, 16%, other UNIX 19%, NetWare 23%. In the future, Linux will exceed NT. I won't be too strange when I arrived. The real goal is the desktop system. This is impossible for one year and two years, but may be achieved in 3 years, 4 years and 5 years.
Q: Do you think Linux will challenge the status of Microsoft in the desktop market in two to three years?
A: It is three to four years. I hope that Linux will become one of the choices of non-technical computer users.
Q: What impact will it affect the computer industry and Microsoft?
A: It is not necessarily that it will be like. I just think that the market that users have not chosen is ill.
Q: Do you use a pathological word?
A: Yes, it is a pathological state. You have a very broad, complex market, but there is a company that controls most of this market. However, the final monopoly is not maintained.
In emerging markets, a company often has huge strength. This year, the oil industry is the same, the auto industry is the same, the computer industry is also the same, when people think that IBM is unable to defeat. Finally, it will evolve into a partial situation of five or six major companies, which will be stable. So I think the current market is morbid.
8. The road in the next five years
Q: What do you think about the opposition between free software and commercial power? Some pure people don't like redhat or any other company to sell Linux commercial version, they think Linux should remain free forever.
A: I tried to avoid reading the black and white. My point is: With Linux, you really can avoid commercialization. You can download everything you need from the Internet, you don't have to pay a penny. But frankly, I don't want to download all things anymore. Now, if you have a new machine, I will insert a redhat or sush disc, then install, then add the other things I need. I don't need to pay for the disc, but if necessary, I am happy to pay. They really provide real service. This is the choice. If you see something, you must be black and white, think Linux should be completely free, then you have made your own choice, but I think that is limit it.
Q: It seems that you don't worry about RedHat and the other companies will manipulate Linux?
A: That is because the company does not want to take over the development of the kernel - this price they understand. They will hope that there are many kernel developers in their employees. Once a problem, you can solve your own people.
But they don't want to be involved in kernel development. A like-like business company will spend time to do market research, figure out what customers do, can bring to the user to ensure that the product is easy to install, solve important detail vulnerabilities. The key is finished - complete a product, and market operations and organization operations. (IT's About Finishing Touches, And It's Marketing and Logistics.) Q: What is Linux develops after five years?
A: For me, the most interesting point is always its various purposes. I am interested in embedding, because there will be some special purposes that you can't find. From the perspective of technology, supercomples are always sexy, but from another aspect, they are interesting because they have no special needs.
I think the most interesting market is a desktop market because there is no specialization of the desktop. Moreover, this means that there will never have a perfect solution - there are too many things that people want. Technically, this is an extremely difficult problem, which is why I pay special attention to the desktop. I hope that within 5 years, you can see that Linux has become a choice of desktop system. Maybe not replacing Microsoft, but at least be a real choice. When someone went to the computer store to buy his first computer, they would stop thinking about Linux, Windows or MacOS.
Q: Linux and open source model seem to work very well, is there any new business model to cause your interest?
A: There is a kind of interested, but I can't let me believe that it is the business model of "Internet phraasing". The content includes the head of the company in front of the company, and then speculate on the market value of the stock One order of magnitude. I think this is very interesting, but it will not succeed in the long run.
Q: What do you think?
A: I think the traditional industry will attach great importance to the Internet. A small portion of the company will become famous in the forefront, then develop well; the remaining successful opportunities may exceed 10%. Maybe Yahoo will survive - its reputation is too similar, and you can make money in this name - brand identity is still very important. But through the current business model, they will not make money, maybe they have already understood.
Q: What do you think of the price of software products?
A: The PC company and Microsoft are universally expensive markets that have entered the software by making cheap software. You look at these small scale, but it's rich in enterprises, such as Borland, now called Inprise, be famous for the compiler, or Microsoft, relying on Basic, they are like this. Defusion is that Microsoft has so strong that the market is so secure, and the new round of price increase begins again. Inprise took the lead in launching a compiler with less than 100 US dollars, it caused a sensation, but the sensation of the time has been forgotten. When we returned to the software price, we couldn't say that there were a big company. "You should pay so much."
I hope that we will have a sensation. The current economy is allowed to sell software with high price, but I believe that it will not last. This makes some people think that I am a communist, but I am not - I absolutely believe in competition. I just believe that the competition will win, the price will fall again.
