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A Linux User Group (LUG) is a private, generally non-profit or not-for-profit organization that meets (typically monthly) to provide support and/or arrange and host presentations for Linux users, particularly for inexperienced users. Similar organizations such as FreeBSD User Group (BUG) exist, although many LUGs encompass FreeBSD and other free Unix based operating systems.
Given that Linux is not dominated by any specific corporate or institutional entity, LUGs are more important for Linux users than other sorts of users' groups. Since Linux is predominantly user supported, and some support is vastly easier via phone or in person that over e-mail or over USENET Netnews LUGs.
However, LUGs are still primarily focused on hobbyist users and professionals who are engaged in self-directed study.
SVLUG [1] (http://www.svlug.org/) is among the oldest and largest LUGs. It was originally formed as a Special Interest Group for the Silicon Valley Computer Society (now disbanded?), founded by Daniel Kionka to support Xenix and "low cost PC UNIX systems" (which later became focused on Linux as the dominant free implementation of Unix).
According to Linux User Group HOWTO [2] (http://www.linux.org/docs/ldp/howto/User-Group-HOWTO.html),
- Computer user groups are not new. In fact, they were central to the personal computer's history: Microcomputers arose in large part to satisfy demand for affordable, personal access to computing resources from electronics, ham radio, and other hobbyist user groups. Giants like IBM eventually discovered the PC to be a good and profitable thing, but initial impetus came from the grassroots.
- To give just one indication of how LUGs differ from traditional user groups: Traditional groups must closely monitor what software users redistribute at meetings. While illegal copying of restricted proprietary software certainly occurred, it was officially discouraged -- for good reason. At LUG meetings, however, that entire mindset simply does not apply: Far from being forbidden, unrestricted copying of Linux should be among a LUG's primary goals. In fact, there is anecdotal evidence of traditional user groups having difficulty adapting to Linux's ability to be lawfully copied at will.
GNU does not list "Linux user groups" on their webpage, but is willing to list "GNU/Linux user groups" if they change their name to suit FSF policies.
(Richard M. Stallman believes that "Linux" should refer just to the kernel, and that operating systems built around that kernel should be referred to as GNU/Linux --- a specific instantiation of his GNU system. While it is true that the GNU project provides most of the software toolchain that is used to build any operating system based on the Linux kernel, the widespread usage prefers omitting the GNU/ prefix. In general the term GNU/Linux is most likely to be used by purists or in reference to the Debian GNU/Linux system --- since the purists who participate and predominate in the Debian project have officially dubbed their distribution with this nomenclature).
Typical Activities
LUGs typically meet once per month in facilities freely provided by universities, colleges, community centers, private corporations, or banquet rooms in the backs of restaurants. For example the SVLUG (http://www.svlug.org/) of the Silicon Valley met for about 10 years in the back of a Carl's Jr. restaurant, and has met for the last several years in meeting rooms at Cisco, while the BALUG (http://www.balug.org/) (SF Bay Area LUG) has always meet in a banquet room above the Four Seas Restuarant in San Francisco's chinatown.
Most LUGs are free, requiring no monthly nor annual dues. In many cases the participants are encourage to patronize the hosts (esp. in restaurant meetings, by buying dinner).
Some LUGs are informal conferences or round table discussions; members simply sit around and chat about Linux related topics.
Some provide formal presentations. For example Linus Torvalds has occasionally talked to SVLUG or BALUG (which are local to his adopted home in the Silicon Valley), and Han Reiser (creator of the ReiserFS --- filesystem) presented his early design plans at an SVLUG meeting. Presenters might be anyone in the community with something interesting to say. Occasionally corporations will sponsor or encourage their employees to speak at users' groups to promote their products. LUGs generally require that these presentations provide technically interesting content, and will not allow overt sales pitches.
Many LUGs also organize installfests (FreeBSD groups tend to refer to them as installathons) which are opportunities for experienced Linux users to help others, especially "newbies" (novices) with installation and configuration of Linux systems. Installfests may also have break out sessions for teaching new tips and tricks --- performance tuning, security hardening, etc.
Often LUG meetings provide an opportunity for members and guests to make announcements, especially for jobs offered and/or wanted, pleas for assistance (free or professional consulting), and objects for sale or to be given away "to a good home."
LUGs sometimes are gifted with surplus books, back issues of Linux magazines, copies of CDs and other promotional items to give away to their members.
Other than these "official" LUG activities the meetings provide opportunities for users to "network" in the social sense of the term. Members often exchange e-mail addresses, URLs, and phone numbers and provide technical support or collaborate on study or development projects together.
LUGs can also be a natural liaison point for local organizations to find Linux expertise. Professors for Unix classes at San Jose State University came to SVLUG in the early days of Linux to find guest lecturers for their classes; some LUGs help "wire up" schools and non-profit organizations, and perform other community outreach services.
See also
External links
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