Linux and Unix Users Group

The Linux and Unix Users Group at Virginia Tech (VTLUUG or "the LUUG") is a special interest registered student organization dedicated to improving the computing skills of its members and supporting Linux and Unix use amongst the broader community.

Contents

Events

InstallFests

InstallFests have been the main event of the VTLUUG for many years. Generally, one a semester is hosted. Turnout in 2009 averaged around 15 participants. The only necessary preparation for attendees is to back their data up and bring their computer and power cord. Volunteers generally bring power strips, Ethernet cables and switches, external CD drives for netbooks, and sometimes other equipment such as monitors to lend to attendees.

Introductory Linux Courses

The LUUG has held introductory Linux courses off and on. Generally there are two distinct approaches, sometimes held on different days, one focusing on the ease of graphical user interfaces and the other concentrating on the power of the *nix commandline.

Open Street Map

In November of 2009, the LUUG co-hosted with FC@VT an Open Street Map mapping day for the first time. Prizes were donated by Qualcomm and O'Reilly and the event was made possible in part by the advice and support of Peter Sforza from the Center for Geospatial Information Technology. Around 15 people showed up. Footpaths on campus, businesses in the University Mall and roads and parking lots around The Village and Terrace View were added to the map.

Software Freedom Day

The LUUG has co-hosted Software Freedom Day in the past.

Infrastructure

The VTLUUG maintains this wiki, a chat channel, and a mailing list. Previous infrastructure included a forum and blog.

History

The Linux and Unix Users Group was founded in October of 1997 as the Virginia Tech Linux Users Group (VTLUG). After realizing the name clash with the Vermont Linux Users Group, the organization changed its name to the Virginia Tech Linux and Unix Users Group (VTLUUG). In the fall of 2009, the name was again changed, this time to comply with registered student organization regulations. Virginia Tech was moved to the end of the organization's full name, but the acronym has been kept, in part because changing domain names would be a hassle.