Torvalds calls Apple file system “utter crap”

I was reading last week how Apple fans feel an air of superiority against Microsoft users. Well it seems that Linus Torvalds, the famous Linux boy, is not eating any of this. When in Melbourne for Linux Conference Australia that finished on February the 2nd, he was asked to compare Microsoft Windows to Apple OS X.

Depending on what you read and who you speak to, you will hear opposing opinions. Well Torvalds did not hesitate to say that the OS X file system is “utter crap”. This sinks in heavily, but wait for the second part, he thinks that “OS X in some ways is actually worse than Windows to program for”. One would expect that Torvalds would prefer to compare Linux against Windows and Apple separately without getting involved in the endless Microsoft against Apple debate.

As far as Torvalds is concerned, I am limited to what everybody knows of him related to Linux and his involvement with open source operating systems. But I have a suspicion that he is a guy that has got bored of listening all the time by Apple users how much better OS X is, and how it turns everything else into dust. And as an open source driving force, it is certain that the close approach that Apple takes with every single piece of software and hardware it delivers is hardly promoting a neutral stance, against everything that Torvalds and Linux represent.

As for the file systems, I am not a programmer and therefore would not like to take chances and judge one way or another -or in favour of Linux either. However, I agree completely with Torvald’s other statement that a new version or update of an operating system is not a cause for major celebration and marketing. In Microsoft’s case, things are bad enough as the things to be fixed with Vista’s SP1 should be working in the first place. But at least you get this for free -after you have paid for the initial installation of course- something which is not the case with OS X whose new versions are sold as a new operating system or upgrade with hardly any serious feature to convince that it is worth the expense.

Of course Torvalds did not forget to stress the all important mobile operating systems where a new battle is forming up and Google is attracting his praise. It is certainly interesting to hear a different view and although Linux has not managed to carve out a sizable portion of computer users for everyday tasks, it is good to know that it is a credible alternative that shapes up nicely with time.

Link 1: Sydney Morning Herald

Link 2: Linux Conference Australia