This special feature by CNET News.com provides a perspective on the Linux operating system, including its history, development, and the challenges and opportunities it faces today — including an interview with Linux originator Linus Torvalds — on the occasion of the 10th birthday of Linux . . .

On Aug. 25, 1991, Finnish computer science student Linus Torvalds sent an announcement that he was creating an operating system for Intel-based computers — “just a hobby, won't be big and professional,” he said.

Ten years later, Torvalds continues to release new versions of Linux every few weeks, but he was wrong when he predicted it would be just a hobby. The operating system has lured countless programmers, spawned numerous start-ups, clawed its way into the product lines of the biggest computer sellers, and won a place in the center of the most entrenched computing company of them all, IBM.

It's a rags-to-riches story, but in the next decade, Linux fans will have to work to keep their momentum.

Among the hurdles: Microsoft has begun waging serious war and is working to undermine Linux's legal foundation. And, many of the companies trying to capitalize on Linux's popularity are struggling to survive an economic downturn.

• Why Linux caught on where others failed
  Linux hasn't come close to writing Windows' obituary, but in the 10 years since it was born, Linux has carved out a niche where others have fallen by the wayside.

• Stocks burn out, companies fade away
  Linux companies that braved the public market, such as Red Hat and VA Linux, shone bright two years ago. But as the general tech market tumbled, the companies followed.

• Readers' turn: Is Linux a threat to Microsoft?
  Many say Linux is a contender to Microsoft in the server-software market but has little hope on the desktop. Others hope Linux can disrupt the giant's juggernaut — soon.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.