LinuxChix facts for kids

LinuxChix is a group for women who use Linux, which is a type of computer operating system. It helps women learn about Linux and connect with others. Even though it's mainly for women, men are welcome to join and help out. People in the group are called "LinuxChix" no matter their gender.

How LinuxChix Started

LinuxChix started in 1999. A technical writer named Deb Richardson created it. She wanted a friendly place for women to discuss Linux. Some other computer groups felt a bit unwelcoming. The group has two main rules: always be polite and always be helpful.

It began as an email group called grrltalk. As more people joined, other email groups started. One was techtalk for computer discussions. Another was issues for talking about women's topics. LinuxChix became well-known after a technology website, ZDNet, wrote an article about it.

How LinuxChix Is Run

Deb Richardson led LinuxChix until 2001. Then, Jenn Vesperman, a programmer from Melbourne, Australia, took over. Jenn let volunteers handle most tasks. These tasks included managing email groups and keeping the website updated.

During Jenn Vesperman's time, the number of email groups grew a lot. The newchix group helped people new to Linux. The courses group was for members to teach each other. There was also grrls-only, which was just for women. This group was started by Val Henson in 2002. Around the same time, a chat server for LinuxChix was created.

The name LinuxChix refers to the main organization. This includes its official website, email groups, and chat channels. The organization is not a formal company. Many local groups also use the name LinuxChix. These local groups work on their own.

In March 2007, Jenn Vesperman decided to step down. Mary Gardiner became the new leader in April 2007. She resigned in June 2007. Today, three main volunteers lead the organization. They are called the "Tres Chix" (which means "Three Chix"). Members vote to choose these leaders. In August 2007, Sulamita Garcia, Akkana Peck, and Carla Schroder were chosen for these roles.

Local LinuxChix Groups

LinuxChix has more than 15 local groups around the world. In 2004, a group started in Africa. In March 2007, on International Women's Day, the two Australian groups joined together. They formed a nationwide group called "AussieChix." A group in New Zealand started in February 2007.

LinuxChix Events

Some local LinuxChix groups meet regularly. Others meet for special events. These events might be when members from other places visit. They also meet during big computer conferences. In 2007, the Sydney group held a LinuxChix mini-conference. This was part of a larger event called linux.conf.au at the University of New South Wales.

Other special events are also held. For example, in 2005, LinuxChix Africa organized an event. They celebrated Software Freedom Day at Wits University.

LinuxChix Learning Labs

The LinuxChix group in India, called IndiChix, started a special project. They set up Linux labs in several Indian cities. These labs have computers and internet access. They are places where women can learn more about Linux. They can also work together on projects for the free software community. Labs have opened in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune.

See also

In Spanish: LinuxChix para niños

• Ada Initiative
• National Center for Women & Information Technology
• Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology
• Girl Geek Dinners