February 7, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"Local Linux Community offers Free Software at Microsoft Event"
On February 17th members of the Kansas Unix & Linux Users Association
(KULUA) will be giving away copies of the Linux operating system outside
of Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City during the Microsoft Windows2000
launch event. KULUA will be giving away free software and handouts
starting at 5:00pm CST.
Linux is a free alternative to Windows that is rapidly gaining in
popularity. Linux distributor Red Hat estimates that there are some 8
million Linux users worldwide. Research firm International Data
Corporation reports that the Linux server market has ballooned to some
750,000 installations.
While Microsoft is giving away free T-shirts in order to lure users into a
sales pitch for their $300+ "Windows 2000", the Linux community is giving
away actual copies of their operating system for free. Microsoft has sent
many press releases out in order to promote this commercial product, and
it is anticipated that many local news outlets will cover this marketing
drive as a community "event".
As an alternative, KULUA, an organization made up of local users of Linux,
is promoting their free alternative to Windows. We will be giving away
free copies of Linux to those attending the Microsoft event. Says Dustin
Decker of KULUA, "Microsoft would like us to believe that Windows 2000 is
the only viable operating system out there, and that you need to pay a lot
of money for a reliable and scalable operating system. This simply isn't
true. Linux is a free alternative that really works. While Bill Gates is
handing out free T-shirts, we'll be handing out free software." This is a
great opportunity for reporters to offer a balanced view of the software
industry when reporting from Microsoft's carefully scripted marketing
event.
Members of KULUA are available for interviews before February 17, and we
encourage any live coverage reports of the event to visit us and interview
KULUA members handing out free software.
ABOUT LINUX
Linux is an operating system written cooperatively by computer programmers
all over the world. Linux is available for download free off of the
Internet, or one can buy a distribution complete with documentation and
support from many different vendors at stores such as Best Buy and
CompUSA. Linux is considered "Free Software" or "Open Source", and is
available under the GNU General Purpose License (GPL). Linux is currently
available for many platforms, including PCs and Macintoshes, and has been
embraced by such prominent companies as IBM, Dell, and Oracle. Popular
websites such as eToys.com and DejaNews.com use Linux extensively.
Recently, IPOs by companies related to Linux such as Red Hat (RHAT) and VA
Linux (LNUX) have set stock market records.
ABOUT KULUA
The Kansas Unix & Linux Users Association (KULUA) is a local user group of
Linux and Unix enthusiasts with over four hundred members. KULUA's
membership is very diverse, ranging from hobbyists and students to
professors and IT professionals. KULUA was founded in 1995 and covers the
Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka area. Anyone interested in Linux or
Unix is welcome to join. For more information, go to .
There is no fee to join.
CONTACTS
Jeffrey Watts
President, KULUA
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(913)534-3726
Dustin Decker
Event Coordinator
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(816)803-9922
