The end result of open source code is software that has more flexibility to grow and fewer boundaries
in how it can be used. Many believe that the fact that many people look over the source code
for a project will result in higher quality software for everyone. As open source advocate Eric S.
Raymond says in an often-quoted line, ???Many eyes make all bugs shallow.???
Vibrant Communities
Communities of professionals and enthusiasts have grown around Linux and its related open
source projects. Many have shown themselves willing to devote their time, knowledge, and skills
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Linux First Steps Part I
on public mailing lists, forums, wikis, and other Internet venues (provided you ask politely and
aren??™t too annoying).
Linux User Groups (LUGs) have sprung up all over the world. Many LUGs sponsor Linux installfests
(where members help you install the Linux of your choice on your computer) or help nonprofit
groups and schools use Linux on older computers that will no longer support the latest Microsoft
Windows software. The LUG I??™m a member of holds monthly meetings with talks on Linux topics
and has an active Web site, mailing list, and chat server where members can help one another with
Linux questions that come up.
Free online bulletin board services have sprung up to get information on specific Linux topics.
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