** What is Linux ? I just thought that persons visiting this sight may be looking for an explanation as to what Linux is. If you are one of those people, I hope that this following explanation may help.
Linux is an open source operating system. i.e. An operating system is a computer program that makes the computer work. The prime example of this is Microsoft's XP, Vista or widows 7.
Open Source are computer programs that have been developed by people world wide, who believe that the programs they develop should be free for any one within the world wide community to use.
Therefore Linux is an operating system that can be downloaded from the internet and you are welcome to use it for free. Prime examples of the distrobutions are :- Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, Debian.
For various reasons, we Linux users feel that Linux is superior to Microsoft. We are not saying that it is perfect but we prefer it. Certainly Linux has come a long way in the past few years and it has a lot to offer.
Linux does have its problems, mostly with compatibility issues, e.g. codecs for music and video players. They are available, you just need to know where to look. So we as a group get together to help each other with any problems that we may have.
We're a random group of people, living somewhere in the vicinity of Bromsgrove or Redditch (Worcestershire, UK).
As of 1st. of June 2010, we meet on the first Tuesday of every month. We alternate our meetings between Redditch and Bromsgrove.
Anyone interested in joining us for future meetings should contact either myself Roger Frisby at rogerfrisby@yahoo.co.uk or Scott Nichol at nextbutone@googlemail.com
Report on the meeting: Scott and I were joined by a new member Doug. We decided to alter the days of future meetings to a Tuesday, as we feel that venues may be quieter. Doug had done some research and found that the Washford Mill, Redditch, has an Internet service for its customers. We decided to make that our next venue. Scott brought his lap top and we looked at and discussed the merits of using Virtual Box, to run Windows and other programs, within Linux.
We met at the Washford Mill, Redditch, Worcestershire as arranged and were joined by Paul Walsh and newbie Vic. Vic dominated the evening with an account of his past history and his enthusiasm to become involved in Linux. As a result it was decided to use him as a guinea pig for our next meeting, by teaching him how to download a copy of Linux, with a view to us ironing out any problems and thereafter, holding an “Install Fest” at some future date.
The Washford Mill, Redditch.
We spent the evening supping our ale outside in the gardens of the Washford Mill. Apart form the usual general discussions, Vic had managed to get a copy of Linux and had loaded it onto his lap top. Unfortunately he did not bring the lap top with him, so we could not help him further. Doug however did spend some time with him, showing him around the linux desk top. For my part I was having problems with a recently purchased Web Cam. Which Paul worked on for most of the evening. Thanks Paul.
Membership is free - all you need to do is either sign up to mailing list, and occassionally contribute (or start) a discussion - which may be anything to do with Linux and open source software (e.g. Help?! How do I get XXX to work).
Alternatively, just turn up to a meeting - we normally try and pick relatively quiet venues, and there will normally be a Linux magazine (or a group of people wearing geeky t-shirts - not really, we're quite normal.).