( BW)(MA-IDG-WORLD-EXPO) LinuxWorld Offers 'A Taste of Linux' to Those
New to Open Source; First-Time Offerings are Open to All Attendees


    Business/Technology Editors
    LinuxWorld New York 2002

    FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2002--IDG World Expo,
the leading producer of world-class tradeshows, conferences and events
for IT markets, announced today the launch of a brand-new series of
introductory-level classes called "A Taste of Linux" at the upcoming
LinuxWorld Conference & Expo. Sessions will help attendees understand
the basics of Linux, as well as how the OS can be deployed effectively
and efficiently to allow companies to minimize downtime, increase
application flexibility, and save money. A Taste of Linux is open to
all attendees at LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, taking place at New
York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, January 29 - February
1, 2002.
    "As Linux enters the mainstream, we are finding greater demand for
an educational program that offers introductory-level courses," said
Charlie Greco, president and CEO of IDG World Expo. "More and more
attendees are coming to the show curious to learn more about how Linux
can help their business save money. A Taste of Linux is perfect for
those considering Linux or Open Source solutions for their company."
    "As the number of companies choosing to migrate from proprietary
computing platforms to more flexible, cost effective Linux
alternatives continues to grow, it's important that information on the
process and benefits of migration be readily available," said Mark de
Visser, vice president, marketing, Red Hat. "LinuxWorld's `A Taste of
Linux' series is a perfect forum to get the message out about the
benefits of choosing Linux."
    IDG World Expo designed these introductory sessions for attendees
who have recently begun using Linux, or are considering making the
switch to the OS. Taught by experts in the Open Source community, A
Taste of Linux sessions will cover the history of Linux, its ideology
and community, Unix to Linux migration, Linux User Groups (LUGs), the
enterprise capabilities of Linux, and the basics of Linux Standard
Base.

    Classes will include:

    Linux 101
    Chris DiBona, OSDN
    Linux 101 offers a basic introduction to the OS, including how it
began and the ideas behind its creation. Attendees will also learn how
Linux can be used effectively in business.

    Unix to Linux Migration
    Michael Tiemann, chief technology officer, Red Hat, Inc.
    This session will address ways that Linux can be used to
efficiently and effectively replace Solaris in an enterprise
environment. Attendees will learn comprehensive strategies for a
Solaris to Linux migration.

    All About LUGs
    Jessica Sheffield, community liaison
    This session will look at Linux User Groups (LUGs) and their role
in the Linux community. Attendees will hear LUG success stories, as
well as learn how to get a LUG started and coordinate events.

    Linux for the Enterprise
    Tim Witham, lab director, OSDL
    Witham will discuss the enterprise capabilities of Linux, as well
as its readiness for mission-critical applications. Attendees will
discover how their company can benefit from implementing Linux and
Open Source solutions.

    The LSB: Building an Easier Life for Everyone
    Stuart Anderson, LSB written specification lead architect, Free
Standards Group
    M. Drew Streib, community development manager, Free Standards
Group
    This session explores the benefits of Linux Standard Base (LSB) as
a stable platform for the development of applications. Attendees will
leave with a general understanding of how the LSB improves the user
experience, and what steps are necessary to make this process work.

    A Taste of Linux will be located on the show floor, and is open to
all registered attendees. To register for the event, visit the
LinuxWorld Web site at www.linuxworldexpo.com.

    About LinuxWorld Conference & Expo

    LinuxWorld Conference & Expo is the premier event exclusively
focused on Linux and open source solutions. As the world's most
comprehensive marketplace for open source products and services,
LinuxWorld provides business decision-makers with information and
resources to implement Linux and open source solutions into business
infrastructure and enterprise networks. For more information or to
register for the event, visit the LinuxWorld Conference & Expo Web
site at www.linuxworldexpo.com, or call (800) 657-1474. For exhibiting
opportunities, please contact Frank Netherwood (A-Ib) at (508)
424-4860 or Frank_Netherwood@idg.com or Beverly Griffith (Ic-Z) at
(508) 424-4852 or Beverly_Griffith@idg.com.

    About IDG World Expo

    IDG World Expo (www.idgworldexpo.com) produces world-class
tradeshows, conferences, and events for emerging IT markets. As the
leading IT event management company, IDG World Expo leverages its
experience and knowledge of IT-focused events and conferences,
enabling technology companies to capture the attention and loyalty of
influential buyers. IDG World Expo's portfolio of conferences and
events includes Macworld Conference & Expo, LinuxWorld Conference &
Expo, BioITWorld Conference & Expo, COMNET Conference & Expo and
COMNET Wireless Conference & Expo - both of which feature Enterprise
Application Summit and ESPWorld. IDG World Expo is a business unit of
IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company.

    About IDG

    IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and offers
online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around
the world through IDG.net (www.idg.net), which comprises more than 300
targeted Web sites in 70 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of
168 computer-related events worldwide, and provides IT market analysis
through 51 offices in 43 countries worldwide. Company information is
available at www.idg.com.


    --30--ma/bos*

    CONTACT: IDG World Expo
             Beth Wickenhiser
             (508) 424-4855
             beth_wickenhiser@idg.com
                or
             MS&L/Boston
             Christina Guilbert
             (617) 437-7722 ext. 2596
             christina.guilbert@mslpr.com

    KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS TRACK
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS INTERNET NETWORKING
PUBLISHING TRADESHOW
    SOURCE: IDG World Expo