Interview with the father of Linux: the real threat to Linux is a legal dispute

Linus Torvald developed the first generation Linux system 13 years ago. Since then, he has become the technical patron saint of Linux and the spiritual leader of the open source movement. The open-source movement is fully based on mutual trust and cooperation. At present, more than 1000 programmers are obligated to develop the Linux kernel. Linux has become the second largest operating system in the server market. We recently interviewed Linus Torvald about some issues in Linux.

Q: What are the greatest challenges facing Linux?

A: From a technical perspective, I have not seen any challenges. After 13 years of development, Linux has been very mature in technology.

At present, the only concern for me is the development of the open source movement, mainly because of some legal disputes. Although our work is done in accordance with the law, there are always people who want to use legal issues to impede the development of the open source movement. For example, SCO sued IBM. Although the final result depends on the verdict of the court, this incident has had a huge impact on the development of Linux.

In addition, the problems of software patent rights also plague us. I am worried that some companies may use patent issues to create problems for Linux. I think the current patent system is not perfect yet. It is abused by some people at will. Some large companies can own thousands of patents, but it is difficult for individuals to own patents.

Linux is the wisdom of many people. I am not worried about a patent lawsuit, but worried that these lawsuits will hinder the development of Linux. However, this problem cannot be solved at present, nor can it be controlled.

In addition, I am not worried about Microsoft's patent lawsuit against Linux, because I think their operation mode is illegal. Although Microsoft has escaped the robbery in the anti-monopoly case, it is ashamed to use a method that is not bright.

Q: Do you think Linux can maintain a long-term development momentum?

A: I have always believed that open-source software is more stable and secure. It represents the future development direction.

Comparing Open-source software with commercial software is like comparing science with magic. In the scientific system, everyone's theory is built on the theory of others, and the whole system is stable and open. Magic is not. magicians have some secrets, but they never tell others. They will keep this secret and refuse others to develop new things based on it. The development model of traditional software is very similar to this. With the development of history, magic is fading, and the same is true for traditional software.

Nowadays, due to the wide application of software, people may encounter some very complicated problems. It is impossible to solve the problem simply by relying on a person or a company. Only by working with others can we solve the problem. This is also the ultimate goal of the open source movement.

Q: Some people say that Linux and many open-source software are not really innovative. They are copying commercial software. What do you think of this?

A: I do not agree with this statement. This is obviously incorrect. These people did not see the revolutionary innovation of open-source software.

A lot of commercial software will release a new version every once in a while, and it seems like there is a lot of innovation, but it is just like a stunt. This so-called innovation is largely the result of packaging and publicity. In open-source software, you do not need to play with such gimmicks. Our innovations do not need to be packaged in this way. In fact, all innovations have been developed on the basis of the past. both commercial and open-source software are the same.

In Linux, there are a lot of technological innovations I think are proud of. It has many features that are not available in other operating systems. Thanks to these innovations, the Linux system can run better, safer, and more stable.

Sometimes people complain that the cycle for developing new versions is too long, because we must ensure that the previous software can be used normally after the system upgrade. For example, the program we developed in 1992 can still run on the latest Linux system.

At the same time, I do not think there is anything wrong with the advantages of learning others. On the contrary, it should be encouraged. Although we cannot create new theories like Einstein, it is also a good thing if we can use his theories to benefit mankind. (Pacific News Center plainsman)