Andrew S. Tanenbaum

Computer Science American 1944 97 quotes

Computer scientist and professor who wrote Minix and influential textbooks on operating systems.

Quotes by Andrew S. Tanenbaum

The best way to solve a problem is to break it down into smaller pieces.

Structured Computer Organization 1976

The most important thing in a device driver is robustness.

Operating Systems: Design and Implementation 1987

The Internet is a platform for innovation.

Computer Networks 1996

The most important thing in a virtual machine is isolation.

Distributed Operating Systems 2001

The best way to teach is to inspire.

Structured Computer Organization 1976

The most important thing in a kernel is stability.

Operating Systems: Design and Implementation 1987

The Internet is a tool for collaboration.

Computer Networks 1996

The most important thing in a system call is atomicity.

Operating Systems: Design and Implementation 1987

The best way to learn about operating systems is to build one.

Operating Systems: Design and Implementation 1987

The Internet is a library of human knowledge.

Computer Networks 1996

Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon full of tapes hurtling down the highway.

Speech 1981

The nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from.

Book 1981

Linux is obsolete.

Usenet Post 1992

Any program is either correct or it has a bug; there is no third option.

Book 1987

The use of COBOL cripples the mind; its teaching should, therefore, be regarded as a criminal offense.

Article 1975

Real computer scientists like trailing edge, not leading edge.

Interview 1980

Teaching students to design microkernels is like teaching them to build skyscrapers with toothpicks.

Speech 1990

Operating systems are like underwear: everyone wears one, but no one wants to talk about it.

Interview 2000

In the long run, every program becomes a monkeypatch.

Book 1984

Monolithic kernels are like fast food: quick and dirty.

Book 1987