Sent to the Hartford Courant on 18 June 1998 in response to the article The Linux Alternative to Windows.

Dear Editor & Mr. Moran:

I was delighted to read The Linux Alternative to Windows on the Courant web site. This has indeed been a good month for Linux, with features in ComputerWorld, InfoWorld, and an upcoming feature in Byte magazine, not to mention coverage on Microsoft's own MSNBC site! Linux has been a vaiable alternative for quite some time, but it will take more articles like yours to let folks know they have a choice.

I must take exception with one point in your article, however. The Connecticut Free Unix Group is a fine organization, but they are by no means the only one in Connecticut promoting Linux and free software in general. The Eastern Connecticut Linux Users Group (ECLUG), which I founded with Geoff McLean in 1997, also promotes the use of Linux through monthly meetings at DownCity's offices in Norwich, a web page, and a mailing list. We also welcome users of other Unix-like operating systems, all of which take advantage of the same free software included with Linux distributions to a greater or lesser extent.

Thus, I am surprised at your quote in which Mr. Rinaldi claims that CFUG is "the only group in the entire state" spreading the word about Linux. We have exchanged email with Lou regularly since starting the group and the CFUG page includes links to our page as well as a similar group in Fairfiled. I can only assume that he was quoted out of context.

Thank you for your coverage of Linux and this opportunity to set the record straight. Please extend our invitation to folks in Eastern CT to drop by our meetings for free Unix and free coffee. They can reach us for more information at http://www.downcity.net/eclug/ or care of DownCity at 1-860-823-3000 and 1-800-954-INET.

Yours,

Robert Szarka
Managing Partner, Operations
DownCity, LLC
szarka@downcity.net

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