Revolution OS: The Story of Free Software

Revolution OS is a 2001 documentary film directed by J. T. S. Moore that chronicles the twenty-year history of the GNU project, the Linux kernel, and the broader free software movement. The film serves as a historical record of how a group of hackers and hobbyists transformed the computing world.

Historical Context and Key Figures

The documentary explores the shift in the computing industry that occurred in the late 1970s. It highlights the transition from a culture of shared code to the rise of proprietary software, spurred by figures like Bill Gates. The film features interviews with industry pioneers, including:

• Richard Stallman: The founder of the GNU Project and a central philosophical figure in the free software movement.
• Linus Torvalds: The creator of the Linux kernel, often described as the engineer behind the movement.
• Eric S. Raymond: A prominent author and advocate for the open source philosophy.
• Michael Tiemann: Founder of Cygnus Solutions.

Impact and Reception

The film documents significant milestones, such as the creation of the Apache HTTP Server and the decision by Netscape to release its source code. While some critics praised the film for its educational value and insight into the principles of open source, others noted that it presented a one-sided view, focusing heavily on the perspectives of the hackers while lacking input from the proprietary software industry.

Legacy

Revolution OS remains a vital piece of media for understanding the origins of modern software development. By capturing the early days of Silicon Valley's hacker culture, it provides a unique look at the individuals who challenged the status quo and paved the way for the open-source infrastructure that powers much of the internet today.