Fairly cheap home computing was what changed my life

Fairly cheap home computing was what changed my life

Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system, is a prime example of how fairly cheap home computing can change someone's life. Torvalds was just a young student in Finland when he began working on what would eventually become one of the most widely used operating systems in the world. His story is a testament to the power of affordable technology and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

In the early 1990s, Torvalds was a computer science student at the University of Helsinki. At the time, personal computers were becoming more affordable and accessible to the general public. Torvalds was able to purchase a fairly cheap home computer, which allowed him to experiment with programming and develop his skills as a software developer.

It was on this humble home computer that Torvalds began working on the Linux kernel, the core component of the Linux operating system. He shared his work with the online community, and soon, other developers from around the world began contributing to the project. This collaborative effort led to the creation of a powerful and versatile operating system that is now used by millions of people worldwide.

The success of Linux is a testament to the power of open-source software and the benefits of affordable technology. By making computing more accessible to individuals like Torvalds, cheap home computers have the potential to unleash creativity and innovation on a global scale.

For Torvalds, the availability of affordable technology was a game-changer. It allowed him to pursue his passion for programming and make a significant impact on the world of technology. Without access to a fairly cheap home computer, Torvalds may never have had the opportunity to create Linux and revolutionize the way we think about operating systems.