Linux in Canada

Linux, the world's most well-known open source software, has been popular in Canada for quite some time. Linux costs considerably less than Microsoft, so people are likely to switch over. Not just people, but government institutions, like the city of Calgary, have adopted Linux software. After all, Canada’s largest supercomputer, the IBM iDataPlex at the University of Toronto, runs on Linux. Linux’s popularity has soared in Canada to such an extent that now people worry that favourite distros like Red Hat could become the target of viruses. Though some worry that Linux adoption in Canada in general has been slow, it has been notably high in certain areas. Nowadays, there are a number of Linux organisations, user groups, forums, and dedicated professionals who teach the software and tweak it for Canadian personal users. Read ahead for more information about best known entities helping ease Linux adaptation in Canada.

Organisations

Linux Professional Institute Inc. (LPI)

LPI is a non-profit organisation in Canada that offers training and professional certification in Linux-based systems for Canadian programmers, system administrators, and other interested parties. The organisation issues LPIC certificates that are widely accepted by businesses to test employees’ and job applicants’ Linux competency. Though LPI is headquartered in Canada, it has many branches throughout the provinces. The exams the institution provides are available around the word and are administered by Linux training partners of LPI.

HPE is an organisation that offers computer educational services in Linux for residents in the US and Canada. The organisation offers a number of courses in Linux for users of all levels. There are two “paths” students can take, one in system administration and the other in project management. HPE also focuses training on multiple Linux distros, including Red Hat Enterprise, SUSE Server, and Ubuntu.

NobleProg

NobleProg is a Polish IT consultancy and training organisation that offers Linux certification courses in Montreal. The company offers Linux courses varying from the very basic to professional levels for Canadians. Course fees range from $1880 to $6440. Courses also cover a number of Linux distros.

User Groups

Ottawa Canada Linux Users Group

This user group has been active for close to two decades promoting Linux use in the Ottawa area. The group maintains several mailing lists and occasionally conducts events for members to meet. The group is run by a diverse array of Linux enthusiasts. Some have only basic levels of knowledge, while others are pros. Meetings are held at notable locations around the city, especially the local public library.

GTALUG (formerly TLUG)

This group brings together Linux fans in the Toronto area. Anyone is welcome to join. The group provides users a place to discuss how to use and learn more about Linux. The group holds in-person meetings at “F2F” locations. Before real-life meetings are conducted, users hold discussions via email. Informal get-together events are held often, usually at local restaurants.

Calgary Linux Users Group Guild (CLUG)

CLUG is dedicated to bringing Linux users and interested parties together in the Calgary area. The group holds a monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, usually at a room in the downtown campus of University of Calgary. Because the group is rather large, there are sub groups with specialised interests that meet separately. The group holds many training workshops, special get-together events and “installfests” where the public is invited to get help installing Linux software onto personal computers.

Forums

Most Canadian users discuss Linux on official Linux.com and official distro forums. In addition, they may use the following:

PegaSoft.ca – An online forum dedicated to discussing open source software including Linux.

alt.linux – This is a public Google Group for users to discuss Linux, among other topics.

Linux Professionals

According to a report published by the Linux Foundation, the demand for professionals specialising in Linux is rapidly rising. Currently, the demand seems to exceed the supply. Companies are described as being “desperate” for employees who know the open source software inside out. Companies in search of Linux professionals and hiring Linux professionals are soaring in Canada. IT professionals, therefore, should focus on getting Linux skills on their resumes.