Product: 0066620732

I think I understand the mixed reaction to this book. Hardcore computer geeks and open source freaks may find it a bit too light, not serious enough, lacking an inspiring vision. On the other hand, those who know little about the nuts and bolts of computer hardware and software might get bogged down or bored.

Torvalds depicts himself as a good programmer who worked really hard at writing code. He created Linux to give himself something to work with as he studied computer science. Linux caught on almost as an accident of fate, complementing and completing what already existed in open source. Torvalds is not one to self-aggrandize, but he acknowledges what some say is a key to the success of Linux: As Linux evolves, he doesn’t take sides, he doesn’t state personal preferences. When there is competing code, he allows Linux users to decide what they prefer, and in this way Linux is truly market driven and democratic.

I felt that this book did a good job of balancing the technical and the personal. Torvalds has a pleasant, natural sense of humor, and a healthy sense of self. He is sincere and earnest without taking himself (or Linux, or Microsoft, or Apple, or open source) too seriously. In Chapter X in the third section, Torvalds wrote a very affecting chapter on how seriously people have taken him, which leads to his most heartfelt philosophical musings on people in general. And I was struck by the realization that here was a geek telling other geeks to get a life, relax, and have a little fun. :-) Torvalds doesn’t dislike fame and fortune, but they aren’t his primary motivations.

This is a short and enjoyable book. I’m glad that I got to know Linus and Linux a little better.
Rating: 4
0066620732
Count: 36