Linux User Group (LUG) is a private organization that provide services for Linux users, particularly for inexperienced users. Similar organizations such as FreeBsd User Group (BUG) exist.
According to Linux User Group HOWTO [1],
- Computer user groups are not new. In fact, they were central to the personal computer's history: Microcomputers arose in large part to satisfy demand for affordable, personal access to computing resources from electronics, ham radio, and other hobbyist user groups. Giants like IBM eventually discovered the PC to be a good and profitable thing, but initial impetus came from the grassroots.
- To give just one indication of how LUGs differ from traditional user groups: Traditional groups must closely monitor what software users redistribute at meetings. While illegal copying of restricted proprietary software certainly occurred, it was officially discouraged -- for good reason. At LUG meetings, however, that entire mindset simply does not apply: Far from being forbidden, unrestricted copying of Linux should be among a LUG's primary goals. In fact, there is anecdotal evidence of traditional user groups having difficulty adapting to Linux's ability to be lawfully copied at will.
GNU does not list "Linux user groups" on their webpage, but is willing to list "GNU/Linux user groups" if they change their name to that. This is caused by GNU's belief that the "Linux" operating system should be known as "GNU/Linux" to recognize their contributions.
