LinuxFest showcases popular open-source operating system in Union

Tux is a penguin. As the mascot of Linux, he is probably the most famous penguin in the world. His likeness was certainly the center of attention in Alumni Hall Tuesday, as the Unix Systems Support Group held the sixth annual LinuxFest, celebrating the open-source operating system.\nTux, in his inflatable plastic form, happily guarded the Hall entrance as computer aficionados filled the room. Linux lovers came en masse to listen to Linux leaders speaking Linux speak. \nFor those not eloquent in technology jargon, Linux is an operating system, like Windows. But unlike Windows, Linux's source code is open -- meaning anyone can legally change and redistribute it. Most fans, like Bloomington resident Matt Martin, point to this aspect as Linux's advantage over other operating systems like Windows.\n"Linux is open-source," Martin said. "It's not standardized, so it gives me something alternative I can use."\nThe exhibit, subtitled "The State of Linux," gave USSG officials a chance to showcase the alternative operating system. Staffers gave out free T-shirts and flashlights as participants were treated to presentations by upstanding members of the Linux community. The slate of presenters included Daniel Robbins, chief architect of Gentoo Linux.\nLinux was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991. Since then, it has developed a cult following unrivaled by any other operating system. No other operating system has this immense a fan base -- no other even has a mascot. Tux, in his neon sign form, was found smiling over some Linux stations open for spectators to use and explore. \nInterested partakers played first-person shooting games, checked e-mail and browsed the Internet using the operating system of the day.\nSince Linux is open-source, many developers have splintered it into many variations. So "Linux," as it is known, is not one operating system but many different operating systems all following the same mantra -- keep it open and keep it free.\nFans of Linux insist it is more than an operating system. For Nathaniel McCallum, developer for Gentoo Linux, Linux is a family. \n"An advantage of Linux is that you're not just by yourself at home feeling lonely," McCallum said. "With Linux, you're part of a community."\nThis aspect of Linux has been its saving grace, but it can also be a vice. Robbins said, in most cases, development time is allocated inappropriately due to the lack of a central committee.\n"A lot of the development is done in people's spare time, and there's a lack of resources," Robbins said. "I think we need a cooperative because software development is a time-intensive, complex process. It doesn't matter if it's free - we need resources to tackle it."\nThe "cooperative" Robbins is proposing would be the equivalent of a governing board, allocating development time and gathering resources so Linux can compete with Windows -- if that's what the Linux community chooses to do.\n"A lot of people have the idea that we're going to overtake Windows," Robbins said. "But it's not true unless we do those things -- get money, do research and development, do quality assurance, do the things big companies are supposed to do."\nWhile Linux is still an "alternative" operating system to Windows without a central nervous system, the potential exists for Linux to be the operating system of the future. It certainly has the fan base, and USSG Manager Matt Link said all it needs is direction.\n"I think the future of Linux is really bright," Link said. "It just needs a focus, and that's what lot of people realize now." \nIf Linux finds that focus, Tux might be smiling down on you in the future.\n-- Contact staff writer Rick Newkirk at renewkir@indiana.edu.