Linus Torvalds Doesn't See Free OS X as a Threat to Linux

Apple is offering its latest desktop operating system, OS X Mavericks, for free to users. At LinuxCon Europe, Linux creator Linus Torvalds was asked about this, and he does not think that the free OS X will pose a threat to Linux.

Torvalds said that Linux has been providing a free operating system for 22 years. Apple's decision to offer free upgrades has nothing to do with Linux's philosophy, because there is a difference in meaning between being open and being free. Apple’s Mavericks upgrade system is free but not open source, and users still need expensive hardware to use the system. He believes that Apple’s decision will not affect Linux at all. When asked when he might retire, Torvalds replied that he might consider it when he can no longer write code or if advised by a doctor.