FAQ

1. What is CLUE?

CLUE is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that exists to further the appreciation and implementation of free/libre and open source (FLOSS) solutions in Canada.

2. What is FOSS?

FLOSS is defined here on Wikipedia.

3. What's the meaning of the name CLUE?

CLUE originally was an acronym for the Canadian Linux Users Exchange. However, the use of just the word CLUE was adopted in 2004 as the organization expanded to include all FLOSS organizations, such as Python User Groups, Perlmongers, BSD User Groups, etc., etc. The name is a play on the notion of being clueful or "having a clue" with respect to technology and it's use.

4. What's with the domain name?

Our domain, linux.ca is the original domain name adopted for use by the Canadian Linux Users Exchange at it's inception. As the organization has evolved into CLUE, we've stuck with the domain for several reasons:
a) clue.ca is not available presently
b) linux is a great example of clueful technology.
c) what's in a name (or domain name) anyway?

3. So is CLUE still a Linux only organization?

No. Historically the Canadian Linux Users Exchange existed to enable Linux User Groups nationally. Currently, CLUE encompasses Linux User Groups, BSD User Groups, Python User Groups, the Perl Community and essentially all other groups with a foundation in clueful use and/or appreciation of technology.

4. Where is CLUE located?

CLUE's official address is in Brampton, Ontario (see Contact page). However, CLUE is mostly a virtual organization, existing online. Members can be found across Canada in every city and many smaller towns as well.

5. What is the Adopt program all about?

Adopt is a program aimed at individuals or companies who desire to gain experience in real world implementation and usage of FLOSS technologies. The basic structure entails the "adoption" of an organization seeking to leverage FLOSS technologies to further their particular mission. The actual type of adoptee is left up to the adopter.

For example, CLUE may be approached by a school in need of file and email server upgrades or replacement. CLUE would then contact 'experts' within the local FLOSS community where the school is located to find volunteers to do the work in the scope of the schools requirements. Scope can be as narrow as simply upgrading a prio FLOSS based installation of some application or as broad as a full network architecture rebuild followed by support and services agreements. In many cases, Adopt work would likely be gratis, however, as adoption engagements development, professional (i.e. paid) contracts between adopter/adoptee may occur.

The primary benefit of the Adopt program is twofold:
a) The adopter gains substantial and practical experience in the implementation, usage and support of FLOSS solutions in the real world.
b) The adoptee gains access to local experts providing technology options outside of the confines of proprietary software.

6. Who is CLUE's executive?

As of January 2006 the CLUE Executive consists of the following individuals:
Bill Traynor
Matthew Rice
Evan Leibovitch

7. How does one become a CLUE executive?

CLUE executive membership is (in most cases) a direct result of individual volunteerism. What this means is that if you have the desire and drive to volunteer to DO things for CLUE, your value to the organization is reflected in executive membership.

For example, if you have an idea for a Project and run with getting that project off the ground successfully, appointment as your projects champion and inclusion as a Director/Executive of CLUE is likely.

However, executive membership is wholly ceremonial and comes with no inherent perks.

8. Is CLUE a membership base organization?

Sort of. The original Canadian Linux Users Exchange organization offerred membership (at one time for a small fee) and individuals were granted either member status or friend status.

Present day CLUE has dropped this completely. We've adopted a "membership of friends" in that simply 'joining' CLUE and providing the information you choose to provide as well as utilizing one of our free email aliases constitutes membership.

9. Does participating in CLUE cost anything?

No. Donations are always accepted though :)

10. Is CLUE a part of Linux Professional Institute?

No. CLUE is the Canadian LPI affiliate. This means CLUE can administer LPI Exam Labs in Canada and take a cut of the Exam Fee. NOTE: As of January 2006, this is CLUE's only means of fund raising.

11. Why would CLUE need money anyway?

Money is used within CLUE to purchase supplies such as the hardware on which this site is running.