Linus torvalds

Linus Torvalds

By baileynichols

  • College

    Torvalds attended the University of Helsinki where he studied Computer Science.

  • Military

    Being a Finnish citizen, Torvalds was required to serve in the Finnish Military. It was during his time in the military that Torvalds was introduced to MINIX.

  • The Beginning of Linux

    The prototypes of Linux were released.

  • Collaboration

    Torvalds was introduced to Richard Stallman. Torvalds used the GNU GPL to license his linux kernel.

  • Progress

    The first official version (1.0) of Linux was released.

  • Master's Degree

    Torvalds received his master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Helsinki after writing a master's thesis titled " Linux: A Portable Operating System."

  • EFF Pioneer Award

    Torvalds received the EFF Pioneer Award, which goes to individuals that make significant contributions to enabling the use of computers.

  • Lovelace Medal

    The British Computer Society presented Torvalds with the Lovelace Medal for his contributions to the advancement of computing.

  • Open Source

    After working for Transmeta from 1996 to 2003, Torvalds began working for Open Source Development Labs, which later merged with the Free Standards Group to become the Linux Foundation.

  • Vollum Award

    Torvalds received the Vollum Award from Reeds College for exceptional achievement in the scientific community.

  • Hall of Fellows

    Torvalds was inducted into the Hall of Fellows for the creation of the linux kernel and management of Linux OS.

  • Internet Hall of Fame

    Torvalds was one of the first inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame. More specifically, he was inducted into the innovators category.

  • IEEE Computer Pioneer Award

    Torvalds received the IEEE Computer Pioneer Award to recognize his contribution to the "continued vitality of the computer industry."

  • IEEE Masaru Ibuka Consumer Electronics Award

    Torvalds was given this award by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers "For his leadership of the development and proliferation of Linux."

  • Torvalds Steps Down

    Torvalds temporarily stepped down from managing Linux to "get some assistance on how to understand people’s emotions and respond appropriately."