“FOR almost the first time in its history, Microsoft is to face
a competitive challenge when it launches the next version of its
Windows operating system. Called Windows 2000, the new OS
(which controls the way personal computers work) is scheduled
to launch on February 17 the same date when a rival OS, Linux,
might steal its thunder by releasing an upgraded version.”
“Windows has turned its founder Bill Gates into a
multibillionaire, but Linux (with just a few exceptions) has yet to
make anyone even remotely rich. It was written by computing student
Linus Torvalds, who drew on the aid of volunteer programmers via
the Internet to produce the first real alternative to Windows.”