LWN.net's "The early days of Linux (2023)" revisits Linux's origins through the lens of newly rediscovered email archives from 1992. These emails reveal the collaborative, yet sometimes contentious, environment surrounding the project's infancy. They highlight Linus Torvalds's central role, the rapid evolution of the kernel, and early discussions about licensing, portability, and features. The article underscores how open collaboration, despite its challenges, fueled Linux's early growth and laid the groundwork for its future success. The rediscovered archive offers valuable historical insight into the project's formative period and provides a more complete understanding of its development.
The Portland Mercury article argues that Poison Idea, despite their volatile history and lack of mainstream recognition, are the greatest hardcore band of all time. The band's aggressive sound, confrontational lyrics reflecting their bleak Portland surroundings, and relentless touring cemented their influence on countless bands. Frontman Jerry A.'s outsized personality and struggles with addiction, while contributing to the band's instability, also added to their legend. The piece positions Poison Idea not just as a vital part of Portland's music scene, but as a crucial act in hardcore's evolution, inspiring generations with their raw power and uncompromising vision.
HN commenters discuss Portland's hardcore punk scene and Poison Idea's influence. Some debate the band's status as the "greatest of all time," with some suggesting other influential bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat. Others reminisce about seeing Poison Idea live, recalling their intense performances and Jerry A.'s powerful stage presence. Several commenters also touch upon the darker aspects of the band and the Portland scene, including drug use and violence, while acknowledging the band's significant contribution to hardcore punk. A few share personal anecdotes about encounters with band members and reflect on the evolution of the hardcore scene.
R.E.M.'s trajectory from college-radio darlings to mainstream giants is examined through the lens of their 1991 album Out of Time. The article argues that the band's newfound popularity, while commercially successful, diluted their artistic integrity and signaled a broader shift in alternative rock towards commercial palatability. The album's polished production, reliance on softer instrumentation, and incorporation of orchestral elements, exemplified by the hit single "Losing My Religion," marked a departure from their earlier, rawer sound. This sonic shift, while broadening their audience, alienated some long-time fans who perceived it as a betrayal of their alternative roots. Ultimately, the article suggests that Out of Time represents a turning point, not just for R.E.M., but for alternative rock as a whole, illustrating the compromises and contradictions inherent in achieving mainstream success.
HN commenters discuss the Yale Review article about R.E.M.'s shift to mainstream success. Some felt the author romanticized the band's early indie days and overlooked the artistic merit of their later work, citing examples like "Automatic for the People" as proof of continued creativity. Others agreed with the premise, lamenting the perceived decline in quality after Bill Berry's departure and the adoption of a more generic sound. Several commenters debated the nature of "selling out," acknowledging the financial pressures and creative burnout bands face after years of touring and recording. A few chimed in with personal anecdotes about seeing R.E.M. live during different eras of their career, offering firsthand perspectives on their evolving sound. The overall sentiment leans towards a nuanced view of the band's trajectory, with many acknowledging the complexities of artistic evolution and commercial success.
Wayne Dunstan, a former physical education teacher and consultant, is credited with popularizing sport stacking (or cup stacking), the activity involving quickly stacking and unstacking specially designed cups in specific patterns. While speed stacking is now a globally recognized sport with official rules and competitions, Dunstan initially developed it in the 1980s as a low-cost, inclusive activity for his students in Oceanside, California, to improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time. The activity's simplicity and engaging nature led to its widespread adoption in schools and youth programs, ultimately transforming it into the phenomenon it is today.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and popularity of "Speed Stacks" and similar cup stacking sets. Some recalled using them in school, with varying levels of enjoyment and perceived educational value. Several commenters questioned the claimed benefits of cup stacking for hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity, viewing it more as a toy or game than a serious developmental tool. Others pointed out the marketing savvy behind the product's success, creating a competitive "sport" around a simple activity. The idea of the inventor profiting handsomely from school budgets also drew some cynical remarks. A few users shared alternative, cheaper DIY versions of the cups, highlighting the simplicity of the concept.
This FBI file release details Kevin Mitnik's activities and the subsequent investigation leading to his 1995 arrest. It documents alleged computer intrusions, theft of software and electronic documents, and wire fraud, primarily targeting various telecommunications companies and universities. The file includes warrants, investigative reports, and correspondence outlining Mitnik's methods, the damage caused, and the extensive resources employed to track and apprehend him. It paints a picture of Mitnik as a skilled and determined hacker who posed a significant threat to national security and corporate interests at the time.
HN users discuss Mitnick's portrayal in the media versus the reality presented in the released FBI files. Some commenters express skepticism about the severity of Mitnick's crimes, suggesting they were exaggerated by the media and law enforcement, particularly during the pre-internet era when public understanding of computer systems was limited. Others point out the significant resources expended on his pursuit, questioning whether it was proportionate to his actual offenses. Several users note the apparent lack of evidence for financial gain from Mitnick's activities, framing him more as a curious explorer than a malicious actor. The overall sentiment leans towards viewing Mitnick as less of a criminal mastermind and more of a skilled hacker who became a scapegoat and media sensation due to public fear and misunderstanding of early computer technology.
"Work at the Mill" tells the story of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) through the lens of its unique and influential culture. From its modest beginnings in a Maynard, Massachusetts wool mill, DEC fostered a highly engineering-driven, decentralized environment that prioritized innovation and individual contribution. This culture, while empowering and productive in its early years, ultimately contributed to DEC's downfall as the company struggled to adapt to the changing demands of the personal computer market. The "engineering first" mentality, coupled with internal politics and a resistance to centralized management, prevented DEC from effectively competing with more agile and market-oriented companies, leading to its eventual acquisition by Compaq. The narrative emphasizes how DEC's initial strengths became its weaknesses, offering a cautionary tale about the importance of adapting to a changing technological landscape.
Hacker News users discuss the changing nature of work and the decline of "lifetime employment" exemplified by DEC's history. Some commenters reminisce about their time at DEC, praising its engineering culture and lamenting its downfall, attributing it to factors like mismanagement, arrogance, and an inability to adapt to the changing market. Others draw parallels between DEC and contemporary tech companies, speculating about which of today's giants might be the "next DEC." Several discuss the broader shift away from paternalistic employment models and the rise of a more transactional relationship between employers and employees. Some express nostalgia for the perceived stability and community of the past, while others argue that the current system, despite its flaws, offers greater opportunity and dynamism. The cyclical nature of industries and the importance of continuous adaptation are recurring themes.
Summary of Comments ( 108 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43225686
HN commenters discuss Linus Torvalds' early approach to Linux development, contrasting it with the more structured, corporate-driven development of today. Several highlight his initial dismissal of formal specifications, preferring a "code first, ask questions later" method guided by user feedback and rapid iteration. This organic approach, some argue, fostered innovation and rapid growth in Linux's early stages, while others note its limitations as the project matured. The discussion also touches on Torvalds' personality, described as both brilliant and abrasive, and how his strong opinions shaped the project's direction. A few comments express nostalgia for the simpler times of early open-source development, contrasting it with the complexities of modern software engineering.
The Hacker News post titled "The early days of Linux (2023)" linking to an LWN article about the same topic has a moderate number of comments, sparking a discussion around the early development and adoption of Linux.
Several commenters reminisce about their early experiences with Linux, detailing their first distributions used (Slackware being a common one) and the challenges they faced. They discuss the steep learning curve involved, particularly compared to contemporary user-friendly distributions, highlighting the need for manual configuration and compilation. These anecdotes paint a picture of a nascent but enthusiastic community driven by a desire for a free and open-source operating system.
Some comments delve into the technical aspects of early Linux development, touching on topics like the role of Minix in its creation and the reasons behind Linus Torvalds' initial choice of the Intel 386 architecture. There's mention of the collaborative nature of the project, with contributions pouring in from developers worldwide, which fueled its rapid evolution. One commenter contrasts the development process of Linux with that of the GNU Hurd, suggesting that Linux's more pragmatic, less idealistic approach contributed to its success.
A few comments reflect on the impact of Linux on the computing landscape, observing how it has grown from a hobbyist project to the dominant force in servers and embedded systems. The thread also briefly touches upon the licensing debates and the philosophy of open source that were prevalent during Linux's early days. One comment focuses on the challenges faced by Linux on the desktop, acknowledging its progress while pointing to the remaining hurdles to widespread adoption.
A compelling part of the discussion revolves around the culture of the early Linux community. Commenters describe it as being highly collaborative, albeit with occasional strong personalities and disagreements. The importance of IRC and mailing lists as primary communication channels is highlighted, painting a picture of a community connected by a shared passion for technology. Some express a sense of nostalgia for this era of computing, where experimentation and learning were paramount.
While not an overwhelmingly active thread, the comments on the Hacker News post provide valuable insights into the early history of Linux, blending personal anecdotes with technical details and broader reflections on its impact. They showcase the spirit of innovation and collaboration that propelled Linux from a student project to a global phenomenon.