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Linux is born when Linus Torvalds sends an email announcing his project to create a new computer operating system

Linus Benedict Torvalds is a Finnish and American software engineer who is the creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel since 1991.

Linus Benedict Torvalds is a Finnish and American software engineer who is the creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel since 1991. He also created the distributed version control system Git.

Torvalds was one of the recipients of the 2012 Millennium Technology Prize "in recognition of his creation of a new open source operating system for computers leading to the widely used Linux kernel". He is also the recipient of the 2014 IEEE Computer Society Computer Pioneer Award and the 2018 IEEE Masaru Ibuka Consumer Electronics Award.

Historical Significance

Linus Benedict Torvalds is a Finnish and American software engineer who is the creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel since 1991.

Key People

Linus Torvalds

American software engineer

Finnish and American software engineer

– present

Events Before

  1. Alan Hale Jr. dies

    Alan Hale Jr., American actor, known for american actor, died on 1990-01-02. Alan Hale Jr. was an American actor and restaurateur.

  2. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (41) divorces singer/dancer Sarah Brightman (29) after almost 7 years of marriage

    Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (41) divorces singer/dancer Sarah Brightman (29) after almost 7 years of marriage

  3. NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage

    NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage

  4. John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open

    John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open

  5. Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage

    Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage

Events After

  1. Grace Hopper dies

    Grace Hopper, American u.s. naval officer and computer scientist, known for u.s. naval officer and computer scientist, died on 1992-01-01.

  2. MLB baseball right fielder Sammy Sosa (23) weds Sonia Rodriguez

    MLB baseball right fielder Sammy Sosa (23) weds Sonia Rodriguez

  3. The Maastricht Treaty is signed by 12 countries from the European Community (EC) to create the European Union (EU)

    The European Union is a geo-political entity, created in 1993, covering a large portion of the European continent.

  4. American record producer Lou Adler (58) weds American actress Page Hannah (27) (Daryl's sister)

    American record producer Lou Adler (58) weds American actress Page Hannah (27) (Daryl's sister)

  5. NHL players begin first strike in 75-year history; 10 day action earns large playoff bonus increase, more control over l

    NHL players begin first strike in 75-year history; 10 day action earns large playoff bonus increase, more control over licensing of their likenesses and changes to free agency system

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on August 25, 1991?
Linus Benedict Torvalds is a Finnish and American software engineer who is the creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel since 1991. He also created the distributed version control system Git. Torvalds was one of the recipients of the 2012 Millennium Technology Prize "in recognition of his creation of a new open source operating system for computers leading to the widely used Linux kernel".
Why is Linux is born when Linus Torvalds sends an email announcing his project to cr... significant?
Linus Benedict Torvalds is a Finnish and American software engineer who is the creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel since 1991.
Who was involved in Linux is born when Linus Torvalds sends an email announcing his project to cr...?
Key figures include Linus Torvalds (American software engineer).

Explore More

August 25 in HistoryYear 1991