Richard Stallman

By ajcohn716
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    MIT and the AI Lab

    Stallman attended MIT in 1971, where he earned a Bachelor in Physics in 1974 and a Master of Science in Computer Science in 1977. Stallman was a prominent figure in the AI Labs at MIT, where he helped define what it meant to be a hacker. During this time, he created EMACS, and fostered a culture of free and open access to ideas and software within the lab and elsewhere. Williams, Sam (2002). Free as in Freedom: Richard Stallman's Crusade for Free Software. O'Reilly Media. ISBN 0-596-00287-4.

  • The GNU Project Begins

    Stallman announces the GNU project at MIT, and aims to develop a free unix-like operating system. This would lead to the birth of the free software foundation in 1985, and set the philosophical foundation for open-source collaboration and the principles of software freedom. Stallman, Richard M. (1983-09-27). "Initial GNU announcement".

  • Release of GNU Emacs

    Stallman releases GNU Emacs, a highly extensible and customizable text editor. It would become a flagship project for the gnu project, and helped embody the principles of free software. It rapidly gained widespread adoption, and remains a staple of the linux terminal to this day. https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_mono/efaq.html#Origin-of-the-term-Emacs

  • Founding of the Free Software Foundation

    Stallman establishes the Free Software Foundation (FSF) to support the development of free software and advocate for users' freedom. FSF works to promote the use of free software and defends against the growing prevalence of proprietary software as well as introduces the GNU GPL, a seminal open-source license, to ensure software remains free and open. "Frequently Asked Questions about the GNU Licenses". Free Software Foundation.

  • GPLv1 License Release

    Stallman publishes the first version of the GNU General Public License (GPLv1), designed to ensure software remains free and open by requiring derived works to also be free. It expanded and provided a legal framework for copyleft, to protect the freedom of software. This license continues to be used today, and would evolve over time with subsequent versions. "GNU Emacs Copying Permission Notice (1985)". GitHub
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    Development of the GNU Hurd Kernel

    Stallman and the GNU Project embark on the development of the GNU Hurd, a microkernel-based replacement for Unix. They aim to create a flexible, extensible, and entirely free software kernel. Development is still ongoing. "What Is the GNU Hurd?". GNU.

  • Launch of the Free Software Directory

    Stallman oversaw the launch of the free software directory, a catalog of free software packages for use by users and developers. The goal of this project was to increase accessibility of software for users and developers. Wheeler D. A. (2011). Make Your Open Source Software GPL-Compatible. Or Else.. Released 2002-05-06

  • Initiation of the GNU/Linux Operating System

    Stallman's GNU Project collaborates with Linus Torvalds, who releases the Linux kernel. The GNU Project combines its free software tools with the Linux kernel, creating the GNU/Linux operating system. It formed a complete free and open source operating system alternative to propertiary unix. GNU/Linux is a major fource in the open source world today, and powers a wide range of devices and servers. Torvalds, Linus Benedict (August 1991). "comp.os.minix".

  • FSF's Definable Freedom

    Stallman formally defines "free software" in the document "The Free Software Definition.", which outlines the four essential freedoms: to run, study, modify, and distribute software. https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html

  • Publication of "Free Software, Free Society"

    Stallman releases "Free Software, Free Society," a collection of essays which explore the philosophical, ethical, and social aspects of free software, and served as an educational resource for those interested in the principles of the free software movement. Stallman, R. M., & Lessig, L. (2002). Free software, free society. GNU Press.

  • Launch of GPLv3

    Stallman and the FSF release the third version of the GNU General Public License (GPLv3), which introduces updates to address contemporary issues such as software patents, digital rights management (DRM), and internationalization. Stallman, Richard (25 February 2006). "Presentation in Brussels, Belgium—the first day of that year's FOSDEM conference".

  • Resignation from MIT

    Stallman resigns from his positions at MIT and the Free Software Foundation (FSF), triggered by controversial remarks related to Jeffrey Epstein and accusations of inappropriate behavior. https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/17/20870050/richard-stallman-resigns-mit-free-software-foundation-epstein

  • Restoration to FSF Board

    Following an apology he issued, Stallman is reinstated to the board of the Free Software Foundation (FSF). The decision is met with mixed reactions within the free software community, with some supporting the reinstatement and others expressing concerns. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/03/richard-stallman-returns-to-fsf-18-months-after-controversial-rape-comments/

  • Publication of "Free Software, Free Society" (2022 Edition)

    Stallman publishes an updated edition of "Free Software, Free Society.", including new insights and reflections on the evolution of the free software movement. Stallman, R. M., & Lessig, L. (2002). Free software, free society. GNU Press.

  • Recognition by ACM as Software System Award Recipient

    Stallman is recognized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) with the Software System Award, for his contributions to the development of the GNU operating system, GCC compiler, and other foundational free software tools. https://awards.acm.org/award-recipients/stallman_9380313