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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, supporting Linux and Unix use on campus, and serving the community through [[free information]].
==Events=====InstallFests===
[[File:Luug_installfest_fall2012.jpg|thumb|right|alt=A VTLUUG installfest|A VTLUUG installfest]]
[[w:Linux_User_Group#Installfests|InstallFests]] have been the main event of the LUUG 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 from time to time. Generally there are two distinct approaches, sometimes held on different days. On one occasion the speaker will focus on beginner-friendly graphical user interfaces and the other, he or she will concentrate on the power of the *nix commandline.
===Map Blacksburg Day===
In November of 2009, the LUUG co-hosted with [[Free Culture]] an [[vtluug:OpenStreetMap|OpenStreetMap]] 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. Since that first mapping day, the LUUG has continued to hold about one mapping day a semester, with variable turnout and different tasks such as importing data from the [[Blacksburg|Town of Blacksburg]].
===Software Freedom Day ===The LUUG has co-hosted Software [[Freedom Day]] in the past.
==Infrastructure==The LUUG hosts See [[Gobblerpedia|this wikiInfrastructure]], has ownership of a [[vtluug:Internet Relay Chat|chat channel]], renders a [[maps|map]] from OpenStreetMap data, and operates a [[Listserv|mailing list]]. Previous infrastructure included a forum and blog.
===Wiki===The '''Linux and Unix Users Group at Virginia Tech Wiki''' ('''LUUUG Wiki''') is a repository of [[free information]]. It is run by the [[Linux and Unix Users Group]] leveraging [[w:MediaWiki|MediaWiki]] software. Like Gobblerpedia, anyone can add to and edit it. The annoyingly long name is a means to optimize for search queries involving "Virginia Tech" while staying within [[registered student organization]] naming guidelines.
====Relation to Gobblerpedia====
The LUUG Wiki was used between 2009 and 2011 as a staging area for non-technical material that has since been moved to [[Gobblerpedia]]. While the idea for Gobblerpedia was born from discussions of the [[Free Culture]] student group, a good deal of crossover in membership between FC@VT and the LUUG meant that there was little hesitation to begin work using the latter's existing infrastructure.
====Relation to Uniluug====
The current instance of the LUUG Wiki uses templates from the LUUG-created Uniluug project where possible. The Uniluug project was founded to share the work of updating instructions, such as how to connect to wireless networks like [[VT-Wireless]], when new versions of software are released.
== Benefits ==* Job opportunities* Share technical knowledge* Learn more about Linux and other technologies ==History==''See [[VTLUUG: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.