Linus Torvalds releases Linux OS for free, disrupting Microsoft's dominance in the tech industry.
Microsoft's shift towards open source and collaboration signals a significant transformation in the tech landscape.
Deep dives
Rise of Open Source Rebels
The rise of the internet shifted the tech war focus from desktop to enterprise, where owning a server became crucial. Linus Torvalds emerged as an unlikely hero by releasing the Linux system for free. This move by Torvalds rattled Microsoft, signaling the start of a significant industry transformation.
Microsoft's Response to Linux
Despite initial dismissiveness, Microsoft couldn't ignore Linux's growing influence, especially as its codebase expanded rapidly. Linux's appeal spread among programmers, evoking a sense of discovery similar to accessing a secret society. Microsoft's initial resistance to open source shifted as Linux's dominance in servers became evident.
Microsoft's Evolution with Open Source
Microsoft's gradual acceptance of open source marked a significant shift in its approach. By embracing Linux and becoming a top contributor to open-source projects, Microsoft demonstrated a move towards collaboration and innovation. This transformation reflected a changing tech landscape where open source software played a pivotal role in industry evolution.
It's the 1990s. The empire of Microsoft controls 90% of users. Complete standardization of operating systems seems assured. But an unlikely hero arises from amongst the band of open source rebels. Linus Torvalds—meek, bespectacled—releases his Linux O.S. free of charge. While Microsoft reels and regroups, the battleground shifts from personal computers to the Internet.
Acclaimed tech journalist Steven Vaughan-Nichols is joined by a team of veterans who relive the tech revolution that reimagined our future. Editor's Note: A previous version of this episode featured a short clip with Jon “maddog” Hall. It has been removed at his request.
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