India’s first “Linux Only” magazine
LINUXForYou Vol.1 No.1 Feb, 2003.
“The Complete Magazine on Open Source”, is how India’s first magazine devoted to GNU/Linux and the world of Open Source Software, describes itself.
This is an event. Trust me.
Before this there have been Indian publications with a Linux-oriented focus, most notably PCQuest. But LFY, published by the Electronics For You Group, has the honor of being the country’s first “Linux Only” publication. For readers, the magazine costs Rs. 50 (approx. USD $1) off the newsstand and includes a CD.
According to the magazine, the target audience includes: “Newbies, Power users, IT implementors, Developers & Corporates”. Hmmm… I hope they don’t spread themselves too thin with the “something for everyone” fallacy?
So what will this do for the Linux movement in India?
Over time:
- Assist the jump in Linux’warness (It is the fastest growing OS in the world)
- Greater “hands-on” momentum (Thanks to the accompanying CD. The first one contains the neat Knoppix distribution.)
- Increased visibility of Linux as the underlying platform, due to the “Linux Certification” drive by LFY; and therefore a move towards porting/devlopment of applications to/on Linux
- A boom in the education business (Linux on the desktop, system administration, network administration, security, etc)
- Increased computerization (Since affordability of tools/software is much greater than commercial software)
- More jobs (A natural by-product)
- And… greater corporate acceptance and support
Yes sir, I see a lot of Penguin Power in our future.
Why am I so happy? Its simple. I like GNU/Linux. I think it rocks. I use it a LOT. For practically everything. My desktop. My servers. And… to make coffee.
Okay, I lied. Not to make coffee. Not yet :)