User Groups in New Hampshire and Boston

**matthewcraig** · March 9th, 2008

The Ubuntu Local Community Team is focused on Free Software advocacy in NH. Some Ubuntu users are not ready to participate enthusiastically in a grass-roots promotion effort. Instead, you may be seeking a casual user group focused on general Ubuntu usage. There are, in fact, many such Linux user groups in the area. With a little driving, you could even attend a half-dozen meetings every month. Here are the details on where to find these groups.

GNHLUG provides the information and the event scheduling on the four Linux-interest clubs in New Hampshire and on three programming-interest clubs.

The Boston Linux and Unix user group holds large, monthly events at MIT. They have a long history, since they started out as the venerable Boston Computer Society.

**matthewcraig** · May 14th, 2008

The New Hampshire Community College offers several 3-credit Linux foundation training courses:

Linux I CIS146: The purpose of this course is to provide students with the fundamental skills needed to work in a Linux environment. A recent version of the popular public domain operating system, Linux, will be used as a vehicle for course delivery. Topics to be covered include the file system, file management, text editors, running and creating shell scripts, X windows, and basic system administration. Installing the Linux operating system and networking issues will also be discussed.

Linux Applications CIS149: In this course, students will explore the various common business applications available to run on Linux. These include Star Office, Open Office, Evolution, Mozilla, Gimp, and many other useful, open-source programs, which are generally available free from sources on the Internet.

Linux II CIS246: Building upon fundamentals previously acquired, students will further develop Linux skills and knowledge in a hands-on environment. Students will install a dual boot operating system, develop shell scripts for application management, configure secure business productivity applications, discuss Linux security issues, and gain a further understanding of Linux administration with respect to using and configuring various network services, including the Apache web server, Send Mail, MySql and others.

Linux Databases CIS249: In this course, students will establish a firm foundation in Linux database installation, design, construction and use. Students will install and use My SQL and Postgres SQL, two popular open source database programs, along with a variety of useful tools to work with these databases. Students will also write basic PHP/Perl code to link these databases to websites.

One could recommend this low-cost, college-accredited class as an alternative to the traditional Microsoft-Windows-Focused computer introduction classes.