Linus Torvalds

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Linus Torvalds

1970-

Finnish computer scientist responsible for the development of the Linux operating system for computers. This system, which is available for free over the Internet, was begun by Torvalds while he was a university student in Finland. The Linux system has become a favorite of a small number of computer programmers seeking an alternative to Microsoft's Windows operating system. Many programmers who favor free software cite the success and reliability of Linux as a model for future products.