Computer geeks that love Linux usually have a fiery hatred for Microsoft. Of course, Microsoft users don’t think anything at all about Linux. Very few of them even know that Linux exists. Microsoft, however, certainly knows that Linux plays an important role in software development. Perhaps that’s why Microsoft has been listed as one of the top five contributors to the latest Linux operating system.
 Image via CrunchBase Image via CrunchBase Top Linux ContributorsOf the top five contributors, Microsoft came in last behind Intel, Red Hat, Novell and IBM. All of these organizations, however, have shown long-term support of open source software designed for Linux users. Microsoft doesn’t have that reputation. Instead, it’s seen as a bully in the tech world that keeps prices low through shady deals and prevents compatibility by making software that will not coöperate with Linux and other systems. Perhaps Microsoft, however, has seen that Linux has a place in the world of software development. After all, the Linux operating system works much more reliably than Windows. Did Microsoft contribute in hopes that it would learn a thing or two? Microsoft’s Contribution to LinuxActually, most of the time contributed by Microsoft focused on Hyper-V, a 64-bit virtualization system that Microsoft expects to compete with VMware and Kernel-based Virtualization Manager. One could, therefore, interpret the contribution as a selfish act to promote Microsoft products. Regardless, it does show some level of coöperation. That’s more than Microsoft contributed in the past. The upcoming Linux 3.0 kernel promises to offer improved features. How many serious computer nerds will realize that the new system was partially built by a company they have grown to despise?
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