The correct answer is Linus Torvalds.
Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer, founded the Linux Kernel in 1991. The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, which is open-source and free to use. Linus started the development of the kernel as a personal project while studying at the University of Helsinki. Initially, it was a small project to create a free and open alternative to the proprietary Unix systems, but it quickly gained popularity and became the foundation of many operating systems, now referred to as Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu, Debian, and CentOS).
Explanation of Other Options:
(B) Richard Stallman:
Richard Stallman is the founder of the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and the GNU Project, which created many of the free software tools that are used in conjunction with the Linux Kernel. However, Stallman did not create the Linux Kernel itself. He developed the GNU operating system, and while Linux uses many GNU tools, he is not the founder of the kernel.
(C) Bill Gates:
Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft and is primarily known for his work with the Windows operating system. He did not have any direct involvement in the creation of the Linux Kernel. His company, Microsoft, developed proprietary operating systems, unlike the open-source Linux Kernel.
(D) Ben Thomas:
Ben Thomas is not associated with the creation of the Linux Kernel. This name is not widely recognized in the context of the development of the Linux operating system or the kernel.
Summary:
- Linus Torvalds is the creator of the Linux Kernel, which is the foundation of the Linux operating system.
- Richard Stallman played a crucial role in the free software movement, but he did not create the Linux Kernel.
- Bill Gates is known for creating Microsoft Windows, not Linux.
- Ben Thomas is not related to the Linux Kernel’s development.