RHCSA (12): The History of GNU/Linux
MInd Map
GNU_Linux_History
│
├── Unix Origins (1969-1970s)
│ │
│ ├── Developed at Bell Labs
│ ├── Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie
│ └── Key Features: Portability, Multi-user, Multitasking
│
├── GNU Project (1984)
│ │
│ ├── Founded by Richard Stallman
│ ├── GNU General Public License (GPL)
│ └── Key Tools: GCC, Bash, Coreutils
│
├── Linux Kernel (1991)
│ │
│ ├── Created by Linus Torvalds
│ ├── Initial Announcement on Usenet
│ └── Combined with GNU to form full OS
│
└── Commercialization and Adoption
│
├── Red Hat, SUSE, Debian (1990s)
├── Widespread Server Adoption
└── Modern Use: Cloud, Embedded Systems, Desktops
Alphabetical List of the Abbreviations used in this article:
AT&T = American Telephone and Telegraph Company
Bash = Bourne Again Shell
Bell Labs = Bell Laboratories
Debian = Debian GNU/Linux Distribution
GCC = GNU Compiler Collection
GNU = GNU's Not Unix
GPL = GNU General Public License
LLM = Large Language Model
RHCSA = Red Hat Certified System Administrator
Red Hat = Red Hat GNU/Linux Distribution
SUSE = Software und System-Entwicklung GNU/Linux Distribution
Usenet = User Network News System
How I Used Reference 1 in This Article:
On pages 10 and 11 of 107, Reference 1 discusses the history GNU/Linux, which is the 100% focus of this article.
Executive Summary
The history of GNU/Linux is a remarkable story of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance that has shaped the modern computing landscape. It begins with the development of Unix in the late 1960s at Bell Labs by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie. Unix introduced revolutionary concepts such as portability, multitasking, and multi-user capabilities, laying the groundwork for future operating systems.
In 1984, Richard Stallman launched the GNU Project with the vision of creating a completely free and open operating system. His work resulted in the GNU General Public License (GPL), a groundbreaking legal framework that guaranteed users the freedom to use, study, share, and modify software. The GNU Project also produced vital tools such as GCC, Bash, and Coreutils, which became foundational components for many Unix-like systems.
The next major milestone occurred in 1991, when Linus Torvalds released the first version of the Linux kernel. Initially announced on Usenet, Torvalds’ project attracted a worldwide community of contributors. When combined with the GNU tools, Linux formed a complete, free operating system that soon spread across the globe.
Throughout the 1990s, GNU/Linux moved from hobbyist circles into mainstream use. Distributions such as Red Hat, SUSE, and Debian emerged, making installation and maintenance easier for users. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, GNU/Linux became a dominant force in server environments.
Today, GNU/Linux powers a wide range of technologies, from cloud infrastructure and embedded systems to desktop environments. Its flexibility, security, and open development model continue to drive innovation across industries worldwide. This article explores these historical milestones, highlighting the enduring impact of GNU/Linux on modern computing.
Keywords: Unix, GNU, Linux, GNU/Linux, Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Richard Stallman, Linus Torvalds, Bell Labs, GNU Project, GPL, GNU General Public License, GCC, Bash, Coreutils, Linux kernel, Usenet, Red Hat, SUSE, Debian, operating system, open source, free software, multitasking, multi-user, portability, servers, cloud computing, embedded systems, desktops, software freedom, distributions, computing history
Credits
The folllowing research assistants were invaluable tools that allowed me to complete this article in a timely manner: Mistral (an open-source local large language model - LLM) and ChatGPT (an online portal to OpenAI's remote LLMs).
1. Unix Origins (1969-1970s)
1a. Developed at Bell Labs
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a groundbreaking operating system was developed at Bell Labs, a well-known research center operated by AT&T. This system was called Unix. Its creation marked a significant milestone in the history of computing.
1b. Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie
The project was led by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie, two highly respected computer scientists who sought to create a more efficient and flexible operating system. Their goal was to design a system that could be used for a wide range of computing tasks in both academic and commercial environments.
1c. Key Features: Portability, Multi-user, Multitasking
One of the most important achievements of Unix was its portability. This means that the operating system could be adapted to run on different types of computer hardware with relatively little effort. At the time, most operating systems were designed specifically for one type of machine, making it difficult to transfer software from one system to another. Unix broke away from this limitation by making it easier to move the operating system and its programs between various hardware platforms. This innovation allowed Unix to spread quickly and to influence the design of many future systems.
In addition to its portability, Unix introduced other key features that would later become essential to modern computing. It was built to support multiple users, meaning that many people could use the same computer at the same time. Each user could operate independently through separate terminals, making Unix a highly efficient system for shared environments. Unix also allowed multitasking, meaning it could run several processes at once. This allowed users to complete multiple tasks simultaneously, which greatly increased productivity and system performance.
1d. Unix Origins (1969-1970s): Conclusions
The focus on portability, multi-user capability, and multitasking made Unix a highly influential operating system. These core ideas have shaped many of the systems that followed, including GNU/Linux. For students preparing for the Red Hat Certified System Administrator exam, understanding the origins of Unix is essential. It helps explain the philosophy and design of the systems they will manage and gives them valuable insight into the evolution of modern computing tools.
2. GNU Project (1984)
2a. Founded by Richard Stallman
In 1984, the GNU Project was launched by Richard Stallman, a computer programmer and advocate for software freedom. Stallman founded the GNU Project with the goal of creating a complete, free operating system that users could run, study, modify, and share without restrictions. He believed that users should have the freedom to control the software they use, rather than being limited by proprietary licenses that restrict modification and redistribution. The name "GNU" stands for "GNU's Not Unix," emphasizing that the system would be Unix-like but would be entirely composed of free software.
2b. GNU General Public License (GPL)
A key element of the GNU Project was the creation of the GNU General Public License, commonly known as the GPL. This license became the legal foundation of the project. The GPL grants users the freedom to run, study, modify, and share software, but it also ensures that any distributed modified versions of the software must also remain free and open under the same license. This requirement is known as "copyleft," and it guarantees that the freedom to use the software cannot be taken away by later developers or companies. The GPL quickly became one of the most widely used licenses in the free software community and remains highly influential today.
2c. Key Tools: GCC, Bash, Coreutils
Over time, the GNU Project produced a number of essential tools that are now found on nearly every GNU/Linux system. Some of the most important tools include GCC, the GNU Compiler Collection, which allows developers to compile programs written in various programming languages. Bash, the GNU Bourne Again Shell, became the default command-line interface for many systems and is widely used by system administrators for scripting and automation tasks. Coreutils is another crucial component, providing the basic file, text, and shell utilities that are necessary for everyday tasks on a Unix-like system. Together, these tools formed the backbone of the GNU system and played a major role in the development of the modern free software movement. Understanding the origins and purpose of the GNU Project is essential for every aspiring system administrator, as these tools remain central to the daily use and management of GNU/Linux systems.
3. Linux Kernel (1991)
3a. Created by Linus Torvalds
In 1991, a major development in the world of computing took place when Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland, created the Linux kernel. Torvalds had been inspired by his experiences with the Unix operating system and its limitations on personal computers. He wanted to build a free and open-source kernel that would allow users to run a Unix-like operating system on their own hardware. The kernel is the core part of an operating system that manages hardware resources and allows software to run. Torvalds designed Linux to be efficient, fast, and freely available to anyone who wanted to use or modify it.
3b. Initial Announcement on Usenet
Torvalds announced his project to the world through a message posted on Usenet, an early online discussion forum popular among computer enthusiasts. In his post, he described his project as a hobby and invited others to contribute to its development. This initial announcement sparked widespread interest, and many programmers from around the world began to help improve and expand the Linux kernel. The open and collaborative nature of the project allowed it to grow rapidly, attracting contributions from both hobbyists and professionals alike.
3c. Combined with GNU to form full OS
Although the Linux kernel itself was a major achievement, it was only one part of a complete operating system. Fortunately, the GNU Project had already developed many of the essential tools and utilities needed to create a full system. These included compilers, shells, and core utilities. By combining the Linux kernel with the tools and libraries from the GNU Project, developers were able to create a fully functional operating system that was free, open source, and highly versatile. This combination, often referred to as GNU/Linux, became the foundation for many popular distributions that are widely used today. For students preparing for the Red Hat Certified System Administrator exam, understanding the history of the Linux kernel and its connection to the GNU Project is crucial, as it provides insight into the structure and philosophy of the systems they will be working with.
4. Commercialization and Adoption
4a. Red Hat, SUSE, Debian (1990s)
During the 1990s, Linux began to move beyond hobbyist circles and entered the world of commercial computing. Several companies and organizations recognized the potential of combining the Linux kernel with the GNU tools to create complete, stable operating systems for broader use. Among the most notable early distributions were Red Hat, SUSE, and Debian. These distributions packaged the Linux kernel with installation tools, configuration utilities, and software repositories, making it easier for users to install and maintain a GNU/Linux system. Red Hat, in particular, focused on business users and enterprises, laying the groundwork for what would later become Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a widely used commercial product. SUSE also targeted enterprise users, particularly in Europe, while Debian remained focused on community-driven development and free software principles.
4b. Widespread Server Adoption
As Linux distributions became more polished and easier to use, their adoption quickly spread, especially in server environments. Companies and institutions began to recognize the reliability, security, and low cost of Linux servers compared to proprietary alternatives. Linux became a popular choice for web servers, file servers, and other network infrastructure roles. Its stability and flexibility made it well-suited for critical tasks, and many large organizations started migrating their systems to Linux. The rise of the internet further accelerated this trend, as Linux-powered servers became the backbone of many websites and online services.
4c. Modern Use: Cloud, Embedded Systems, Desktops
In the years that followed, Linux expanded far beyond the server market. Today, it is used in a wide variety of environments, from cloud computing to embedded systems and even desktop computers. In cloud environments, Linux dominates as the operating system of choice for many virtual machines, containers, and cloud-native platforms such as Kubernetes. Embedded systems, which power devices like routers, smart TVs, and industrial controllers, also rely heavily on Linux because of its adaptability and low resource requirements. Additionally, several Linux distributions now offer user-friendly desktop environments, making Linux accessible to everyday users for personal computing. For those studying to become Red Hat Certified System Administrators, understanding the growth and adoption of Linux highlights its importance in both modern enterprise environments and everyday technology.
Conclusions
This concludes Article 12 of my RHCSA series. We discussed the history of GNU/Linux computer systems:
- In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a groundbreaking operating system was developed at Bell Labs, a well-known research center operated by AT&T. This system was called Unix. Its creation marked a significant milestone in the history of computing.
- In 1984, the GNU Project was launched by Richard Stallman, a computer programmer and advocate for software freedom. Stallman founded the GNU Project with the goal of creating a complete, free operating system that users could run, study, modify, and share without restrictions.
- In 1991, a major development in the world of computing took place when Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland, created the Linux kernel.
- During the 1990s, Linux began to move beyond hobbyist circles and entered the world of commercial computing.
References:
[1] 2020 - Lecture - CSCI 275: Linux Systems Administration and Security - Moe Hassan - CUNY John Jay College - NYC Tech-in-Residence Corps. Retrieved June 26, 2025 from https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1053&context=jj_oers