[nmglug] nmglug flyer

[Jason Schaefer]

I have setup version control using subversion on nmglug.org. Please 
contribute any comments or improvements. A small tutorial can be found 
at http://nmglug.org/tutorials_programming.html. You can also send 
changes via email, to myself or the list.

To get the latest version type 'svn co svn://nmglug.org/nmglug-flyer'. 
To upload changes type 'svn commit --username nmglug --password nmglug'. 
For a graphical front end use rapidsvn.

BTW: Feel free to use this SVN for any GPL software projects.

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New Mexico GNU/Linux User Group
www.NMGLUG.org

The New Mexico GNU/Linux User Group (NMGLUG) is a user group based in 
Santa Fe, New Mexico who are dedicated to the use of the GNU/Linux 
Operating System and other Free Software.

Our primary goal is to educate the community on the benefits of the 
GNU/Linux Operating System for personal and business use. NMGLUG 
recognizes the wonderful advantages of free software and enjoy learning 
and teaching its philosophy and powerful suite of software. As a group, 
we work together to provide the resources necessary for individuals and 
businesses to explore the extensive benefits of free software. We invite 
all to attend meetings, join our mailing list, and participate in 
events, such as attending conferences, business fairs, community events, 
etc.

GNU/Linux is a completely free Operating System, released under the 
General Public License (GPL), unlike its proprietary equivalents such as 
Microsoft or Macintosh. It runs on the same hardware and essentially 
performs the same tasks. GNU/Linux is commonly used for common tasks 
such as word processing, performing email services, browsing the 
Internet, tracking of finances, audio and video services. It offers a 
huge collection of programs to do many more specialized tasks.

Currently, Many people are unhappy with the state of computer software, 
expensive and restrictive licenses, viruses, crashes, expensive 
upgrades, useful features being dropped, etc. *[benefit of options, 
monopoly, benefits of gnulinux]* It can be very difficult and time 
consuming to use an alternative, or even know there is one.  NMGLUG 
helps minimize this overhead by providing free support and direction for 
anyone interested in this suite of world class free software. Due to the 
inherent benefits of free software, NMGLUG believes it is in everyones 
best interest to start moving in this direction.

Free software is a very exciting concept. It is a matter of freedom: 
people should be free to use software in all the ways that are useful. 
Many think of "Free" as having compromised quality, the fact is free 
software is more stable, secure, flexible and usable. All the while 
promoting technological advancement. When people are required to supply 
the source code, they cannot withhold technological secrets, thus 
hindering others knowledge and ability to contribute. The GPL (General 
Public License) allows people to freely use, make changes and distribute 
the software. Any changes made to this software must be given back to 
the community, thus creating a continuously updated set of software. It 
is revolutionizing the way people perceive and use software.

We are a resource for anyone who desires to use or learn GNU/Linux and 
all related software. This includes making software and support 
available at our meetings. If you are interested in using GNU/Linux at 
home, work or just want to know more. The meetings are open to any and 
all, you do not need to be a tech type. You may also join the mailing 
list. We meet every other Thursday at the Santa Fe Baking Company. 
Meeting dates and directions are posted on the website (www.nmglug.org).




[Back Page]

Q. What is GNU?
A. A project started by Richard Stallman that has turned into the Free 
Software Foundation (FSF) to develop and promote alternatives to 
proprietary UNIX implementations. GNU software is licensed under the 
GPL. (GNU is a recursive acronym for "GNU's Not UNIX"; it is pronounced 
"guh-noo".)

Q. What is Linux?
A.  A GPL'ed UNIX-like kernel, originally begun by Linus Torvalds. Linux 
is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine's 
resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential 
part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function 
in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in 
a combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is 
basically GNU, with Linux functioning as its kernel. Thousands of people 
have contributed to the development of the Linux kernel, and new 
versions are released every few weeks.  (Pronounced 'Lin-ux'.)

Q. What is GPL?
A. General Public License. A license for distribution of free software 
which permits copying, modification and redistribution. It was created 
by the Free Software Foundation for its projects like the GNU operating 
system. Also the Linux kernel was released under the GPL.

Q. What is Free software?
A. Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, 
distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it 
refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:

    * The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
    * The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your 
needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
    * The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor 
(freedom 2).
    * The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements 
to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access 
to the source code is a precondition for this.

Q. What is source code?
A. Computer programs and operating systems are written by a person in a 
programming language. For the computer to understand this language it 
must be translated to machine code. This is called compiling. Source 
Code is the human readable programming language, before it is turned 
into machine code.