Topic: Free as in Freedom: A History of Free Software
Presenter: Lee Warren
When: Thursday, 10 July 2025 - 7:30 to 9:00pm
Where: North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207 at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606
Parking: There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM. Detailed parking instructions can be found at https://trilug.org/meetings/
Map: Google Maps
Video: Will not be Recorded

Summary:

Even if you have never used Linux, there's an almost 100%
chance you have used Free Software at least at some point. Software like Blender, Audacity, GIMP, Krita, and even Firefox are Free Software. Beyond that, there are entire ecosystems dedicated to the principles of Free
Software, such as operating systems like Linux, FreeBSD, Illumos, and many more. But what even *is* Free Software, and what makes it "Free?" What's
the difference between "Free" and "Open Source", and why does that even
matter? And how did it become so popular that it seems like almost everyone uses it, even without realizing it? Join Lee Warren as he explains the
story behind Free Software's origins as a philosophy during the pioneer
days of computing, and how a small band of determined hackers created Free Software from simple programs to entire operating systems.

Lee is an undergraduate at NC State and a computer enthusiast. He
was recently elected to the Steering Committee, acting as Public Relations
for TriLUG.

As usual, pizza and beverages will be provided and the meeting will be held at the North Carolina College of Textiles, room 2207, 1020 Main Campus
Drive, Raleigh NC, 27606 at 7:30 PM.

Please sign up using the Meetup link so that an accurate headcount can be gathered for pizza and drinks. That link is: TriLUG Meetup

Note that TriLUG meetings start at 7:30 PM this year due to a change in venue availability. Please adjust accordingly

There is an underground parking deck next to the College at the Monteith Engineering Parking Deck. Parking is free after 5 PM.

Call for speakers and topics

We are always looking for potential speakers! If you or someone you know would like to present on a topic please let us know. Contact the TriLUG Steering Committee by email at steering@trilug.org

https://trilug.org/2025/06/25/July-10-free-software/