Linus Torvalds Awarded the Millenial Technology Prize

Karrde712 writes "In a first for the Millennium Technology Prize, both Laureates were awarded the prize. Linus Torvalds was recognized for the creation of the Linux kernel and its continuing impact on enhancing scientific progress throughout the world. Dr. Shinya Yamanaka was recognized for his work in the development of induced pluripotent stem cells for medical research." New submitter Elessar wrote in about the BBC's related interview with Linus "... touching on many subjects including Linux on the desktop, Raspberry Pi, and the weirdness of his employment contract." (He did another one with Linux.com earlier this week too).

Re:Don't you mean...

[amazeofdeath]

No, because the prize was awarded for developing just the kernel.

Re:Don't you mean...

[jellomizer]

Well Linus was mostly on the Linux Kernel. The Linux Kernel isn't GNU/Linux. Technically you can build an OS off the Linux Kernel, that isn't "Unixy" at all. The GNU (GNU Not Unix) is model to make a Unix like system without any Unix Code (unlike Free/Open/Net/... BSD) Most of what we call Linux Distributions is the GNU/Linux OS packaged with custom set of software.
However you could make an OS that doesn't look or feel like Linux or Unix. Off the Linux kernel, (with perhaps some similar boot messages) But the OS would work and behave quite differently.

Re:Spelling Error

[Anonymous Coward]

And it's not even called the Millennial Technology Prize - it's called the Millennium Technology Prize. So doubly incorrect.