Linux Journal: The Long View on Linux, Part 2

"In the second half of Doc Searls' conversation with Linux Journal publisher, Phil Hughes, the two talk about the Internet, the Linux industry and turning to face the ch-ch-changes in Linux from geek OS to major commercial contender."

"Doc: You've probably watched the climbing Linux adoption curve closer than anybody. Why is Linux finding universal adoption where other free UNIXes (such as the BSDs) did not?

Phil: As much as Richard Stallman and others would like to credit this adoption with the difference between the GPL and the other software licenses, I just don't think it is the case. Linux got out there, and it worked. While the various BSD camps were fighting over which was the one true BSD, people were using Linux and seeing that it was a solution. ... Even before I met Linus, I was impressed by his maturity and sobriety. The guy just seemed to have this highly informed and calm perspective, like a judge. Not your average 20-something dude; not your average geek, either. Made me wonder what would have happened, say, if Bill Joy had stayed with Berkeley UNIX. Instead, Bill is doing fun stuff, but it's all stuff that's owned by Sun. Java. Gini. Solaris. Sun is a good company, but in their own way, they're as closed as Microsoft. ..."

Complete Story

Related Stories:

• Linux Journal: The LJ Team Evolves(Jun 01, 2000)
• Linux Journal: The Long View on Linux, Part 1(May 30, 2000)
• LinuxGO: Interview with Phil Hughes, publisher of Linux Journal(May 03, 2000)
• Linux Journal: Linux from the Beginning(Mar 04, 2000)
• Seattle Times: Linux rebels with a cause(Sep 23, 1999)