https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90N6oWIkDZI
In this episode of Destination Linux, the hosts Michael, Jill, and Ryan interview John “maddog” Hall, a pivotal figure in the Linux community. The interview is highly anticipated and regarded as one of their best. John Hall, affectionately known as “maddog,” shares his journey from his early days in computing to his significant contributions to the Linux ecosystem.
John’s initial encounter with open source dates back to 1969 when he was a university student learning Fortran on an IBM 1130. His passion for computing grew through his involvement with DECUS (Digital Equipment Corporation User Society), where he accessed a wealth of shared software and knowledge. This early exposure to collaborative software development laid the foundation for his future work in open source.
John’s professional journey took him to Bell Labs, where he learned Unix, and later to Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), where he worked on Unix systems. It was at DEC that he encountered Linux for the first time. In 1993, he came across an advertisement for a complete Unix system with source code for $99, which turned out to be Linux. Although initially skeptical, he was impressed by its performance on a modest Intel PC.
John’s collaboration with Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, began when he facilitated the porting of Linux to DEC’s Alpha processor. This collaboration was crucial in making Linux a multi-architecture operating system, allowing it to run on various hardware platforms. John’s efforts helped elevate Linux from a hobbyist project to a serious contender in the enterprise space.
The interview also touches on John’s views on the future of open source, particularly in relation to AI and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architectures like ARM and RISC-V. He emphasizes the importance of keeping AI systems under human control and highlights the potential of RISC architectures for efficient computing.
John discusses Project Cauan, an initiative aimed at helping students in Brazil and other Latin American countries earn money through free software. The project provides students with the tools and training to start their own small businesses, offering IT services to local businesses. This initiative not only supports students financially but also promotes the use of open source software in small enterprises.
The episode concludes with a lightning round of fun questions, revealing John’s favorite Linux distro (he doesn’t have one), preference for waffles over pancakes, favorite band (Eagles), and his fondness for the PDP-8 computer.
Overall, the interview provides a deep dive into John “maddog” Hall’s contributions to the Linux community, his vision for the future of open source, and his ongoing efforts to support the next generation of technologists.
Main points:
- John “maddog” Hall’s early exposure to open source began in 1969 with DECUS.
- His professional journey included significant roles at Bell Labs and Digital Equipment Corporation.
- John’s first encounter with Linux was through a $99 Unix system ad in 1993.
- Collaboration with Linus Torvalds led to porting Linux to DEC’s Alpha processor.
- This collaboration helped make Linux a multi-architecture operating system.
- John emphasizes the importance of human control over AI systems.
- He highlights the potential of RISC architectures like ARM and RISC-V.
- Project Cauan aims to help students in Latin America earn money through free software.
- The project provides tools and training for students to start small IT businesses.
- The interview concludes with fun personal questions about John’s preferences.
Conclusion:
- John’s early involvement with DECUS shaped his open source journey.
- His collaboration with Linus Torvalds was pivotal for Linux’s multi-architecture support.
- John sees significant potential in RISC architectures for efficient computing.
- Project Cauan supports students financially while promoting open source software.
- The interview offers a comprehensive look at John’s contributions and vision for open source.