“Linux creator Linus Torvalds told a Comdex audience of
thousands last week that user demands rather than purely
technological interests have begun to drive the development of the
free, open-source operating system.”
“Users and what users want are really starting to show up on the
radar,” he said. He cited how Linux’s graphical interfaces have
emphasized ease of use and even sought to mimic Windows to flatten
the learning curve for new users….”
“People want convenience,” Torvalds said. Convenience is
motivating developers to improve Linux’s power management to
support wireless devices. Users also want power, which Torvalds
said is keeping him focused on delivering a new version of Linux’s
kernel, Version 2.4, with support for eight or more processors and
a higher limit on memory.“