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Windows 7's latest fan: Linus Torvalds

By Jason Perlow | October 22, 2009, 5:40pm PDT

Summary

Linus Torvalds, pictured at an unidentified Yodobashi store in Tokyo, Japan. Source: Chris Schlaeger (click to enlarge)

I was determined to not write about Windows 7 today, because any analysis I wrote would get buried in all the other news. I was going to wait to deliver my “last word” sometime next week. But then a [...]

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Linus Torvalds, Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Software, Jason Perlow

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Jason Perlow

Jason Perlow
Jason Perlow is a technologist with over two decades of experience with integrating large heterogeneous multi-vendor computing environments in Fortune 500 companies. A long-time computer enthusiast starting the age of 13 with his first Apple ][ personal computer, he began his freelance writing career starting at ZD Sm@rt Reseller in 1996 and has since authored numerous guest columns for ZDNet Enterprise and Ziff-Davis Internet. Jason was previously Senior Technology Editor for Linux Magazine, where he wrote about Open Source issues from 1999 to 2008.

In his spare time, Jason is an avid amateur chef and food writer, where his work reviewing New Jersey restaurants has appeared in The New York Times. He is also the founder of the popular food web site eGullet and blogs about restaurants and cooking at OffTheBroiler.com.

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Scott Raymond

Scott Raymond
Scott Raymond has been a technologist and system administrator for over 20 years. Starting as a hobbyist in his teens, Scott quickly learned that he could translate his passion and knowledge into a full-time career. He currently works as the lead systems administrator for a neuroscience marketing company. He has written technology articles for various publications in the past and began contributing to ZDnet as a guest blogger on Jason Perlow’s Tech Broiler. Scott and Jason met in New York in the 1990s where they co-managed the New York City Palm Pilot Users’ Group with Scott’s wife Rachel.

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Linus Torvalds, pictured at an unidentified Yodobashi store in Tokyo, Japan. Source: Chris Schlaeger (click to enlarge)

I was determined to not write about Windows 7 today, because any analysis I wrote would get buried in all the other news. I was going to wait to deliver my “last word” sometime next week. But then a co-worker emailed me the photo above, clearly of Linus Torvalds at the software counter at Yodobashi, a Japanese consumer electronics store in Tokyo in front of a huge display of Windows 7 boxes, giving it the international sign of recognition: Thumbs Up. I HAD to post that.

Of course, if you happen to be Japanese, the custom is to make the “V” sign rather than a “Thumbs Up” when you are being photographed, but I won’t criticize Linus for his trivial knowledge gap.

Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.


However, what I do think is significant here is that Linus has a sense of humor, and has no interest in being caught up in the Free Software nonsense where one of the major sticking points in their ideology is a hatred of “Unethical” software companies in which Microsoft is the poster child — and in utter contempt and protest the products they release, which includes a recently started campaign against the “Sins” of Windows 7.

Do I actually believe Linus was endorsing Windows 7? No, he was in town for the Japan Linux Symposium. But it shows he has a clear sense of humor, understands tolerance, and knows how to lighten up when his Free Software counterparts are frothing at the mouth during one of the most important software launch days in Microsoft’s history.

So is Linus Torvalds the latest entry on the Free Software Foundation’s and Richard Stallman’s “Traitors” list for daring to appear in front of a pile of Windows 7 boxes without lighting them on fire first? Talk Back and Let Me Know.

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Jason Perlow is a technologist with over two decades of experience integrating large heterogeneous multi-vendor computing environments in Fortune 500 companies.

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Jason Perlow

My Full-Time Employer is IBM. I write as a freelancer for ZDNet.

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I own no investments or direct financial instruments in the companies I write about.

Biography

Jason Perlow

Jason Perlow is a technologist with over two decades of experience with integrating large heterogeneous multi-vendor computing environments in Fortune 500 companies. A long-time computer enthusiast starting the age of 13 with his first Apple ][ personal computer, he began his freelance writing career starting at ZD Sm@rt Reseller in 1996 and has since authored numerous guest columns for ZDNet Enterprise and Ziff-Davis Internet. Jason was previously Senior Technology Editor for Linux Magazine, where he wrote about Open Source issues from 1999 to 2008.

In his spare time, Jason is an avid amateur chef and food writer, where his work reviewing New Jersey restaurants has appeared in The New York Times. He is also the founder of the popular food web site eGullet and blogs about restaurants and cooking at OffTheBroiler.com.

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Talkback Most Recent of 96 Talkback(s)

  • Linus is great....
    He appears to have his feet on the ground than most tech icons.

    While I can't stand Richard Stallman, Balmer, Jobs, I always will slow down and read about Linus. A nerd of the 1st class.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    JoeMama_z
    (Edited: 10/22/2009 07:10 PM)
  • I totally agree
    Linus always struck me as someone who just wanted to make a great OS. And he (and millions of his helpers), succeeded. Jobs is an egomaniac who just wants to steal as much money as can by telling lies on TV (see Mac vs PC for an example) and Stallman is an idealogical freak who would cut off his own nose just to spite his face.

    I would actually enjoy reading a review of Windows 7 by Linus because, unlike frothing at the mouth posters on ZDNet, I believe Linus would be able to put most of his bias aside and actually give it a fair review.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    NonZealot
    10/22/2009 07:17 PM
  • Bit much coming from you!
    I don't mean to offend, but having read an awful lot of posts on the 'interesting' comment boards at ZDnet, it's a bit rich to read this comment from you.

    unlike frothing at the mouth posters on ZDNet

    Ladies and gentlemen of the jury I present this;

    http://talkback.zdnet.com/5208-17932-0.html?forumID=1&threadID=70749&messageID=1360106&tag=content;col1

    and

    http://talkback.zdnet.com/5208-17932-0.html?forumID=1&threadID=70749&messageID=1359791&tag=content;col1

    While I agree with what you are intemating, I'd count you among the "mouth-foamers" that make ZDNet a bit of a laughing stock amongst my colleagues an me.

    I take it you know Jobs personally to qualify your ad hominem attack? Can you prove this as fact? I doubt it, certainly no more than any entrepreneur out there. That would make your slurs libelous and the ZDnet editor should really treat it as such and remove it. You are of course entitled to your opinions, as am I. I look forward to your inevitable accusations of being some sort of fanboy.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    A none mouse Cow Herd
    (Edited: 10/23/2009 06:04 AM)
  • You have to look at the idiot I was responding to
    That stalker deserves no respect. I am far more respectful to people who deserve it. I won't apologize for that and if you think less of me for it, so be it. Luckily I don't base my self worth on your opinion of me. happy
    ZDNet Gravatar
    NonZealot
    10/23/2009 10:18 AM
  • Here is the thing.
    You do it un-provoked! Any give article about Apple, you are there trolling! I agree that Apple aren't as great as they'd like people to think! Neither are Microsoft. They are BUSINESSES! They exist solely TO MAKE MONEY! My point is this. You are no better that those that you accuse. I've been reading these threads for a short time, mainly for entertainment as the reporting and commenting is National Enquirer level. You stand out as an individual that seems to revel in "taunting fanboys". Don't get me wrong, they need keeping in check on all sides, but your rhetoric is Windows/Windows Mobile is the best! Both you and those you taunt are wrong. They are different. Arguing the merits of your preferred OS is fine, as is expressing your views, but understand that your views aren't FACT and that hypocrisy and name-calling is unnecessary. It cheapens any actual valid points that you make. It's great that you don't base your 'self worth' on my opinion. I didn't ask you too. I couldn't give a toss what you think, given your hypocracy.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    A none mouse Cow Herd
    (Edited: 10/25/2009 05:02 AM)
  • It's a good thing you
    aren't a lawyer, since you have no clue what constitutes libel.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    sackbut
    10/26/2009 01:03 PM
  • the main thing is choice
    Well said, I too think linus would give Win 7 an honest evaluation and call it as he sees it.

    I get frustrated with the ideologues who rave on about how their "religion" is superior and how all of the others will lead you to computing Hell.

    Use what you like, use what works and lighten up............Linus does

    ZDNet Gravatar
    tom@...
    10/23/2009 08:22 AM
  • Good Job Linus Torvalds
    Not only does he have a sense of humour, but as a true techie I'm sure he'll buy a copy, appreciate the elegance of parts of it, and sleep soundly knowing he can more than hold his own against it.

    That's more that the Linux fan boys can do. Windoze this, and Micro$oft that... everything is a learning opportunity and there is stuff to admire about Windows 7.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    croberts
    (Edited: 10/22/2009 07:38 PM)
  • Too bad
    ZDNet doesn't have a 'Liking' system Facebook does.

    But I agree. Well put.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    NStalnecker
    10/22/2009 08:23 PM
  • Seriously
    What is wrong with proprietary operating systems?


    It has its ups and downs, but then again... so does open source!
    ZDNet Gravatar
    NStalnecker
    10/22/2009 08:22 PM
  • Tagged as good
    Tagged as good
    ZDNet Gravatar
    bitsmythe
    10/26/2009 02:15 PM
  • Nothing is wrong
    Exept the perception by the Cult of Stallman that Microsoft and Apple are the creation of the devil.

    Same thing goes for the Cult of Jobs since they also seams to think that Windows is the devil's child or something.


    PS: IMO, tech is the religion of the new millenium.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    Ceridan
    10/28/2009 08:00 AM
  • In the end, it's an OS.
    In the end, it's an OS. A tool on the toolkit. Geez, yeah, I'm gonna have to agree - we do tend to get all wrapped up and defensive about them, even myself. Good to see there are senses of humor out there, I think we all need more happy.
    ZDNet Gravatar
    CobraA1
    10/22/2009 09:19 PM
  • Well Said!!!
    Cobra,

    We all need more humor in our lives! happy Isn't laughter the best medicine?

    I think that the fact the creator and founder of Linux, Linus Torvalds, to which the an amazing OS is named after - that being Linux, is showing his "thumb-up" for 7 shows :

    1. He has a good sense of humor
    2. He understands that "it's an OS"
    3. An OS is a "tool on the toolkit"

    So many people these days get "defensive" and caught up an the "OS Wars", of which is better, etc. They like to defend their "preference".

    I have installed and used Linux, Windows, MacOSX, BeOS, etc. If there is anything I have learned is that all of them do one thing in common :

    Install Software Applications.

    Each of them provide a GUI to use the app,
    in some shape or form, and that's it. Some look better than others too. But the simple fact is this:

    Computers are made to run software. They are tools to do things. That's why we have them.

    Hey, even Apple has issues and problems with their products, just like Windows PCs, and there's even issues with Linux apps too. Trust me i know. I hate "dependency issues". The point I am making is :

    Nothing is perfect! Everything has problems.
    Sometiems it's hardware, or software. or both.

    And I do want to point of that Linux is a success story of the determination of the human spirit to produce something that works. I give kudus to Linus and his ideal to make an OS that would work, and to all the millions of people who helped produce it!

    My preference now is Ubuntu Linux. But I could easily change over to something else. I don't care about what is better. I care about if it works!

    The thumbs up by Linux shows that he understand that is just a tool, an OS. We all should realize this! Anyhow, just my "tidbits".
    ZDNet Gravatar
    thorpedonj
    (Edited: 10/23/2009 11:14 PM)
  • Knowledge gap?
    "Of course, if you happen to be Japanese, the custom is to
    make the ?V? sign rather than a ?Thumbs Up? when you are
    being photographed, but I won?t criticize Linus for his trivial
    knowledge gap."

    Maybe not, what's thumbs up mean in Japan (particularly if
    moving upwards)?
    ZDNet Gravatar
    Richard Flude
    10/22/2009 09:41 PM
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