[Bush2000]

Even if true. It is not illegal, or against copyright laws. Its like saying that I cannot read a book to learn how to write.

It's not a question of legality. It's a question of attributing the source of your work.

[N3WBI3]

And where in the first usenet post was proper attribution not given? He mentioned that is needed GNU and the Minix libraries to run. the fact is he wrote the Kernel its so structurally different than Minix that there is no way it was used in any other way than an inspiration.

Look lets put it on the line, fine something (fully quoted and in context, and preferabbly linked) where Linus or anyone on this board said he did this in a box? Of course UNIX and its POSIX standards were the inspiration, just like apple was the inspiration for windows (to a much lesser degree or windows might be somewhat more secure)..

[myself6]

So, what you are saying is that...

If I ever write a book I will have to write a supplemental book that lists all the books I have ever read so that I am sure to attribute those who taught me how to write. I must also ensure not to have my writing style influenced by any of the authors that I happened to like and read allot of.

[antiRepublicrat]

It's not a question of legality. It's a question of attributing the source of your work.

He did, all right there in the original email. He said he was re-making MINIX using his own code for the kernel. He said he ported GNU apps to work on his new kernel. Where's the lack of attribution? Maybe like Stallman, you're mad that people don't usually call it "GNU/Linux" which is the real name of the whole package (kernel+utilities).