The History and origin of Unix and Linux
Learn more about the origin, how, the misunderstandings and why Linux was created.
Table of contents
The Beginning
It all started in the 1960s when Bell Labs owned by AT&T corporation decided to create a new Operating System (O.S.) that would be more portable, multitasking and multiuser. Most modern O.S. are inspired from UNIX. It's philosophy emphasizes modular software design meaning breaking down a complex software into independent modules.
Today UNIX is a trade mark maintained by the Open Group. The Open Group will certify a system as UNIX compliant if it follows all the specifications required (features, interface, utilities....). Companies must pay to be tested and must further to use the UNIX trademark. A system having this certification is called TRUE UNIX while a system does not have the certification but it's system is similar to that of UNIX is said to be UNIX-LIKE
Since UNIX is closed source and thus not free to public use or modifications. This led to movements such as GNU and Linux as we are going to see later.
GNU and Linux
GNU
In the 1980s a free software movement led by Richard Stallman was started in order to give anyone the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve software. That is how Richard with his comrades started the GNU project to create free software alternatives Please note that by free software we DO NOT mean zero price but free speech. The aim was to produce software that was similar to that of UNIX but free.
Linux (Linux kernel)
Linus Torvalds created and released the first version of the Linux kernel in 1991. This kernel was combined with the GNU pieces to create a fully fledged O.S.. A kernel is an important part of the O.S. that helps in the interaction between software and hardware.
A Linux distribution (Linux distro) refers to an O.S. using Linux kernel and other package management system. Some Linux distros include: Ubuntu, Arch, Kali, CentOS, Parrot etc.
Conclusion
Unfortunately most people think Linus Torvalds created the entire O.S. but he created just the kernel. Not enough credit is given to the GNU projects maintainer for their work.
That's it all friends, thank you for reading and see you next Sunday for another post. Don't forget to share, like and subscribe. Wish you the best.