not just online
BLUG usually meets in The Prince public house, 467/469 Brixton Road, from 9pm, on the last Thursday of the month, to appreciate the four software freedoms, and discuss all things linux and opensource. Look for John
.
There's a range of Linux distros (a "distro" or "distribution" is an integrated collection of Linux software), tailored for various requirements.
There's a lot of them, for all sorts of specialist needs, but with Ubuntu reported as doubling its user base every eight months, you can be sure it's a sound choice for the home, small office, or business. It's easy to use as XP or Vista, and the security is far better, especially if you're not an expert. It include suites of office, internet, graphics and other applications that work with Windows file formats. And the price is right!
You can order it online at shipit.ubuntu.com, or at the linux emporium.
Or you sometimes can pick up a live CD of Ubuntu linux (presently "Hardy Heron" version 8.04) for free in office hours from the metroshack computer learning centre at 64 Railton Road. You can call them on 020 7733 8878 to make sure they have it and they're open.
Then there's the Brixton Linux distro, which could well be ideal if you want more than Ubuntu offers, or if you want to gain experience and understanding of the software development and deployment life-cycle. Brixton Linux and GNU ("BLAG") is a fedora distro (ubuntu is based on debian), which makes it a good choice for more leading-edge technologies, wireless and internet media. And there's no software in BLAG that you cannot amend, recompile & run, so it's ideal for development too.
not just linux
BLUG will help you enjoy the superior security of open-source applications on Windows and on Macs. You can start now ... if you haven't already done so, why not try a new kind of browser -- one that puts you in charge ... download Mozilla or Firefox!
not just opensource
Everything you need may be available with Ubuntu Linux. Its suites of opensource office, internet, graphics and other applications suit most purposes. And the software you get on the CD or DVD is supplemented by a repository, an online warehouse, of additional easy-to-install applications. Ubuntu is aimed squarely at the typical user.
But if that's not you, we can help you pick and install the right distro. And we're happy too, to help you get the closed source commercial software of your choice running under Linux.
by design