OStatic

Although the next Linux.conf.au isn't until January, 2010, it's never too early to start planning. Conference organizers have put out a call for papers and miniconfs so if you've got an idea you want to share, now's the time to put together your proposals.

Past conferences have proven to be very popular with the FOSS community and draw speakers from all over the world, including Jon maddog Hall and Bdale Garbee. Linus Torvalds has even been known to make an appearance or two. Benjamin Mako Hill, is the first scheduled speaker slated to attend next year's event in Wellington, New Zealand.

Shortly after lunch at the last day of LCA, Linus Torvalds took the first snip of Bdale Garbee's beard with a pair of garden shears. Garbee, acting secretary for the Debian Project and HP's Linux CTO, has given his beard to help save the Tasmanian Devil.

The Linux community is nothing if not altruistic. This year's Linux.conf.au has not only served as a vehicle to gather community and learn about Linux, but also as an opportunity to educate about the plight of Tasmanian Devils.

Heeding the call to March South Together, FOSS enthusiasts from all over the world descended on Hobart, Australia this week to take part in Linux.conf.au. Although the conference proper doesn't officially get underway until Wednesday, there were plenty of speakers to check out during the mini-conf.