User blog:Cpbills/fear. uncertainty. doubt.

in the 90s, many of you may not be aware of the conflict between the long-standing champion, Microsoft and a scruffy upstart Finnish guy. the upstart was Linus Torvalds. Linus saw the potential of UNIX, but was unhappy with the support and openness on PC architecture (i’m making that up, i don’t know his real reasons, i can’t speak for him), so he set about on a project that would revolutionize technology as we know it, in more ways i need to get into in this.

And so Linux was birthed from the loins of a dreamer. during the 90s, when Linux was maturing and becoming what it is now, Microsoft did everything they could to smear it. to make it look childish and quaint. to understate it’s true potential and power. the tactics Microsoft used to bully Linux unsuccessfully became known as FUD or Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt.

Linux found support in millions of hobbyists and through everyone’s collective efforts has become the powerhouse operating system it is, today. because Linux’s source code is readily available for anyone who can understand it, bugs are found very quickly, security holes are patched, and the functionality and reliability have become something to admire. Linux powers Google. Linux powers Facebook. Linux powers Twitter. Linux powers LinkedIn. and Linux powers your Android smart phone.

Linux is arguably more powerful than Windows could ever hope to be, and all thanks to the brilliant dreams of a frustrated Finn. I don’t imagine Bill Gates and Linus Torvalds are on speaking terms, but i’d like to think it is a possibility, now or in the future, when we can put differences behind us.

i don’t have a new operating system idea to revolutionize the world, sorry. i’m not going to make your daily life any easier, i don’t have the ability, time, care or patience to do so. i can, however, provide you with the tools to make your own life easier, and enable yourself. i am sharing the source code for my way of life. you might prefer Windows or OS X, that’s your choice, but my life is open. just like the source for linux is available for you to learn how to use, the source for me is available for you.

if you want to resist with FUD, that is also your choice. don’t expect me to put up with it.