For the 25th anniversary of the Linux kernel, I gave a 25 years of Linux in 5 minutes lightning speak at All Things Open in Raleigh. As we method the kernel’s 27th anniversary, I would wish to take a stroll down reminiscence lane and look again on the three releases which were most vital to me.
Linux 2.four.x
Initially launched in January of 2001, the 2.4.x series was vital within the kernel’s historical past and contained many main milestones. USB and Bluetooth assist had been added, ext3 was launched, LVM was launched, ISA Plug-and-Play assist was included, and far, way more.
Although 2.four.x was a profitable and long-lived collection launched throughout a vital time for Linux adoption, it is vital to me for a wholly totally different cause. Starting with 2.four.19, I maintained an -lq patchset that grew to become surprisingly widespread. In reality, regardless of my assurances that it will in all probability end in your machine beginning on fireplace, I discovered a pair massive corporations had been utilizing it in manufacturing. The patchset started with my want to have rmap and the O(1) scheduler in the identical kernel. It grew based mostly on characteristic requests from there. I ended up winding down the mission after these two options had been rolled into mainline, however it was a fantastic studying expertise and a rewarding mission that I look again on fondly.
Linux zero.99.5
This was the Linux kernel model put in with the primary model of Linux that I managed to make use of each day. The distribution was Yggdrasil, included with Linux Bible. Linux was a bit extra uncooked again then, and it took me a couple of tries to transform my essential machine. For those that have not needed to hand craft a XF86Config or manually “swapon”, these had been a lot totally different occasions.
Since that set up, I have not regarded again; I’ve used Linux on my desktop ever since. I’ve put in many distributions since Yggdrasil, which have included many kernels newer than zero.99.5, however as they are saying, you all the time bear in mind your firsts.
Linux 2.2.x
The 2.2.x launch eliminated the worldwide spinlock, however it was additionally the present model after I launched LinuxQuestions.org and after I received my first full-time Linux job. These had been two vital private milestones, which make this collection memorable for me. This launch additionally stands out to me because it’s the primary mainline model to be handed to a maintainer, which was Alan Cox.
What’s your favourite Linux kernel launch?
Those are the three Linux kernel variations which might be probably the most memorable for me, however I would wish to know which model(s) are necessary to you, and why. Let me know within the feedback.
We’re additionally operating a “What was your first Linux kernel version?” poll on LinuxQuestions.org.
