Who designed the Linux operating system?

The Linux operating system was designed by Linus Torvalds, who initiated the project in 1991 as a personal endeavor to create a free and open-source alternative to the proprietary Unix operating system. Torvalds sought to develop a kernel that would allow users to simply run software on a range of hardware, while also fostering a collaborative environment where developers could contribute and modify the system. This philosophy of open source not only allowed for rapid development but also led to the establishment of a large and engaged community of contributors, which has been pivotal in Linux's growth and success over the years.

The presence of other associated figures and companies, such as Bill Gates with Microsoft, Steve Jobs with Apple, and Mark Zuckerberg with Facebook, highlights their contributions to their respective fields, but they were not involved in the creation of Linux. Thus, the acknowledgment of Linus Torvalds is crucial for understanding the origins and continuing evolution of Linux as a dominant operating system in servers, embedded systems, and even personal computers.