Linux in the Year 2000   Reprinted from Linux Journal, Issue 2,
May 1994  In the past seven years we have seen Linux go from an
idea for a small Unix-like system into a movement to bring
affordable, reliable multi-tasking software to anyone who could
buy a rather minimal computer. In fact, we have seen that in
some parts of the world people are more likely to have a Linux
system than to be connected to the electric power grid.  Now we
see Linux and an Internet connection in over 100 million homes
worldwide. How did this happen? Cost is the best answer. Some of
you probably remember an old program loader called MS-DOS. Back
in the 1980s it was being marketed as an operating system and it
managed to establish a user base close to that of Linux today.
But it had three fatal flaws:    • it only ran on one type of
computer system and could not be expanded to support the full
capabilities of new microprocessors;    • it cost money;    • it
didn't support multi-tasking.  We can excuse the first flaw as
it was origin