Bill told us a lot about Linux, and showed us a number of different Linux programs.

For me, Linux evoked a sense of the "club-oriented" technology that we had to use back when the Davis chapter (and SPCUG) were very new. That is, you probably will need some help in getting a Linux system running the way you want it to run; and you will want to ask a lot of questions of experienced users, in order to figure out how to do useful things with it. If you do stick with it and figure out how to do things with Linux, you will probably want to share your hard-won knowledge with others.

And those are the main reasons that LUGOD exists. They help newcomers get up to speed on Linux. They are very enthusiastic about it; they even meet two times a month, and they don't charge for membership!

Certainly, you will have to be an enthusiast in order to get the most out of Linux. But if you are so inclined, it's free; just contact LUGOD.

We thank Bill for coming out to visit us and show off Linux, and for giving out lots of free CDs containing Linux.

I will, however, warn you of one thing that I have noticed many times in working with Linux, and with UNIX (which inspired Linux): Those who are truly proficient at using Linux often suffer from a strange malady. They can think of at least 3 or 4 ways to accomplish any task using Linux, and so they tend to spend a lot of time trying out those ways instead of getting the task done.

They fiddle around, write scripts, try different approaches, scratch their heads, read the on-line reference manuals, and try out all the wonderful command-line options of their favorite Linux programs.

You've been warned! And I should know: I've been using UNIX and then Linux since the early 80's. (As my son would say, "That was last CENTURY, Daddy!")

Congratulations to Howard Edwards, the Davis Chapter member who won the door prize. Enjoy, Howard!

The Chapter will meet again in the new year on the fourth Wednesday, in the Davis public library. Come on out!