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KernelTrap Interviews Andrea Arcangeli
An anonymous reader writes "Andrea Arcangeli completely rewrote the 2.4 Linux kernel virtual memory subsystem several years ago, a surprising event during the evolution of a stable kernel series. A very intelligent 27-year-old from Italy, Andrea spoke with KernelTrap in great detail about the past, present and future of his Linux kernel efforts. An interesting interview ."
Very nice to see some recognition for the kernel developers and other Free Software developers.
To me, they really are some sort of modern day heroes.
Andrea Arcangeli: I've no degree yet, the only piece of paper I have is the high school diploma. I wasn't that bad at school, for instance I surprisingly got 60/60 votation in the diploma and maximal votes at University too for all the software related exams, and I loved studying physics and electronics too (not only computers). It always amazes me when people, without formal education, can accomplish so much. I've seen a lot of this with folks to receive their backgrounds from non-traditional sources such as Computer Learning Center and the like.
In many countries, it's customary to live with your parents until you get married and move away. That's how it is in Costa Rica, where I'm from. I wouldn't be surprised that Italy is the same way, them being so family oriented.
The perfect sig is a lot like silence, only louder
Live off the land
Modify our cars
Hack computers
Understand personal finance
Write contracts
Defend ourselves in court
Defend ourselves physically
Handle a gun safely
Think critically
Change our government for the better
It seems to me that too much focus is given to understanding the past and not enough to understanding the present. Don't get me wrong, knowing the past is valuable, but I think that if we teach people about the present, people are naturally going to be interested in the past.
In general, people don't need to know how to calculate the area under a curve. But everyone needs to know how to think critically and not be manipulated.
It just isn't the same in the USA as the rest of the world. Generally the rest of the world expects kids to stay at home until they marry. The compressed locations of Europe and Asia tend to make this most practical. They also have a real good social order that tends to respect the idea that family is very important.
The USA grew up with people who had really moved out (to another country) and also with lots of space. As such we tend to view it as a requirement to move out. I think in many ways the Non US way is superior in human terms. It does have its price. The US way has its own advantages.
Never Politically Correct ~ I prefer the facts If you don't like what I say, get a life, or comment yourself.