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Born in New York City, Stallman would later become a pioneer in computer programming and free software. -
Stallman programs in APL at IBM during high school, his first major programming job. -
Becomes part of MIT's AI Lab, entering a hacker culture built around freedom and knowledge-sharing. -
Stallman publicly announces GNU (GNU's Not Unix), aiming to create a free operating system. -
Establishes the FSF to support the GNU Project and promote free software principles. -
GNU Emacs becomes one of the first and most successful free software programs created under the GNU Project.
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The GPL is a revolutionary free software license ensuring users' rights to modify and share software.
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Linus Torvalds releases the Linux kernel, combining with GNU tools to form a fully free operating system.
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Savannah is developed as a platform for collaborative free software development under FSF. -
Stallman releases a collection of his key essays explaining the philosophy of software freedom.
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Stallman leads FSF’s efforts against DRM technologies restricting user freedom.
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Stallman travels globally speaking against software patents, arguing they stifle innovation. -
Stallman uses Edward Snowden's revelations to highlight dangers of surveillance and closed software. -
Stallman resigns amid controversy over email comments related to Jeffrey Epstein, sparking debate.
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Stallman announces his return to the Free Software Foundation's board, continuing his advocacy for free software.