Sometimes we trust what we pay for more than what we get for free.  The Linux Users Group seeks to reverse this philosophy in their never-ending quest to crush commercial operating systems with the liberation front that is open-source.

"Linux works off the premise that software should be free....  People take it, improve it, and resubmit it for all to use free of charge," says current LUG President Aaron Luptak.  And what could be more important to a college community where computers are the primary tools of the trade.  Especially when that community is exquisitely budget-sensitive. 

LUG has been active since 1999, helping provide UAF students an active forum for Linux use. 

"Installing Linux is the hardest part," Luptak admits.  "We give students support in getting over that hump.  After that, Linux is much easier to maintain than most other operating systems out there."

Because Linux is open-source, literally thousands of people are constantly working to enhance the program, updating it to optimize efficiency and security.  While the club has remained comparatively small, it maintains a dedicated base of roughly 15 members who work to inform others and discuss Linux-related issues. 

"It's good to keep the resources local," says Luptak.  "There are a surprising number of people who use Linux at UAF and having people on hand, face-to-face, for your problems is invaluable." 

To lure new members, LUG has utilized the classic bait.  "Most come for the pizza.  But hopefully, for all those who come to eat, we can get maybe one or two to seriously consider the club," reports Luptak.  "The rest is word of mouth."

LUG also plays an active part in giving back to UAF.  In the past five years, LUG's paramount accomplishment has been setting up the streaming broadcast for KSUA.  Most recently, LUG has been looking to update a local server which distributes mirrors of Linux.

"We're always looking to provide the newest and best version of Linux that we can," said Luptak.  "To do this, we'll have to put in a new hard drive."

LUG's biggest event comes in the form of a massive "Install Fest" performed nearly every semester.  In it, students can come and get professional help installing the open-source king while talking up their related computer woes. 

Meeting every other Thursday (1:00 PM) in the Chapman Building, the Linux Users Group will remain a strong source of outside tech support on campus.  For those interested, contact the website at linux0.cs.uaf.edu. 

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