Hurd/L4 Developer Marcus Brinkmann Interviewed

wikinerd writes "A few years ago when the GNU OS was almost complete, the kernel was the last missing piece, and most distributors combined GNU with the Linux kernel. But the GNU developers continued their efforts and unveiled the Hurd in 1990s, which is currently a functioning prototype. After the Mach microkernel was considered insufficient, some developers decided to start a new project porting the Hurd on the more advanced L4 microkernel using cutting-edge operating system design, thus creating the Hurd/L4. Last February one of the main developers, Marcus Brinkmann, completed the process initialization code and showed a screenshot of the first program executed on Hurd/L4 saying 'The dinner is prepared!' Now he has granted an interview about Hurd/L4, explaining the advantages of microkernels, the Hurd/L4 architecture, the project's goals and how he started the Debian port to Hurd."

Comments

DNF

[Poromenos1]

Now they can begin porting Duke Nukem: Forever!

Re:DNF

[ndogg]

GNU is hoping to release this opposite the release of Longhorn, and 3d Realms has a deal with both GNU and Microsoft to have a port ready for both operating systems.

I can't wait!

Question for Marcus

[Anonymous Coward]

Hi Marcus,

How many people do you think will submit questions thinking that this is a Slashdot interview?

Linus Torvalds

[rbarreira]

Does anyone remember this quote from Linus Torvald's first announcement of his pet project "Linux"?

I can (well, almost) hear you asking yourselves "why?". Hurd will be out in a year (or two, or next month, who knows), and I've already got minix. This is a program for hackers by a hacker. I've enjouyed doing it, and somebody might enjoy looking at it and even modifying it for their own needs. It is still small enough to understand, use and modify, and I'm looking forward to any comments you might have.

This was in 1991...

Missing piece?

[Jovian_Storm]

The kernel is the last missing piece? What's the first piece, an integrated browser?

Re:Missing piece?

[rhymesmith]

The kernel is the last missing piece? What's the first piece, an integrated browser?

Yes, they named it emacs

Re:Missing piece?

[roman_mir]

nah, Emacs was a pretty good operating system, it would have taken over the world faster than Linux, if only it had a decent text editor...

Re:The continued splintering of OSS

[Anonymous Coward]

So if I start a new p[roprietary software company you won't say I'm "splintering" but if I start a new free software project then you will.

I'm not suggesting that you've said it's a bad thing. I just think that what you're saying makes no sense.

Re:And how long have they been working on this?

[Ralph Yarro]

What a waste of time. What are they trying to accomplish by still working on the HURD?

Be fair: let us all know what you do in your spare time so we can sneer at you too.

Special Request to the Tech Press

[Ohreally_factor]

Could you please stop interviewing him and let Marcus get back to work? If you keep interviewing him, we're never going to see Hurd in a usable state.

Re:And how long have they been working on this?

[Anonymous Coward]

Reminds me of the joke about the new bride who's thinking about getting an annulment for her marriage to a computer engineer.... "Every night he just sits on the edge of the bed telling me how great it's going to be."

Re:Please, good people, RTFA!

[ultranova]

IMHO, Hurd is the kernel of the future.

And it always will be ;).