There's a lot to see and do on the new Linux.com--so much so we thought we'd give you are quick tour of some of the highlights.

Community Is Everything

For the community, by the community, Linux.com strives to be the central source for informed, reasonable, and intelligent Linux information, software, documentation and answers across the server, desktop/netbook, mobile, and embedded areas.

The "By Community" phrase in this description is very genuine: we want Linux.com users to feel as if they can contribute to the site from day one. This means more than just commenting on articles and other content (though we welcome that, too)--it means making connections with others, suggesting new content, helping us bring in or link to existing content, and joining the community as a Linux.com blogger.

To get started, click Login to use or Register to get your free Linux.com account. You will land on your Profile page in the Community section. From the Profile page, you can start your participation.

• Write an article or tutorial that gets published on Linux.com
• Click My Blog Dashboard to begin the process of creating your own blog
• Invite some friends to Linux.com
• Add an application to your Profile, like Twitter
• Create a group for your local LUG or developer group and invite friends to stay informed with local events

Socializing with other Linux users on Linux.com is very worthwhile, but it's not the only opportunity to participate in the community. You can contribute your own content to Linux.com, too.

Here are the other ways you can contribute:

• Post a comment in our Forums
• Comment on a story in our News section
• Ask a question or give a solution in Answers 
• Add a listing or a product review in our Directory
• Create your own article or tutorial

Add Content to Linux.com

There are two types of articles that can be added to the Linux.com: a community blog entry and a standard article. For more information on how to use the MyBlog system to create your own blog on Linux.com, visit the Community Blog Guide.

To submit an article to Linux.com, log into Linux.com and click the Submit an Article link in the My Account menu on your profile home page.

On the Submit an Article page, you will find an easy-to-use WYSIWYG editor that will allow you to enter a complete article on the Linux.com site. After you have entered the Title and body of the article, click Save and the editorial staff will be notified of the article submission. After review and editing, we will post the article in the appropriate section of Linux.com.

Some hints to make submittals more efficient:

• Use the HTML Editor tool to enter HTML-formatted content. The simpler the HTML, the better.
• If you have images, link them from a source site, such as your own site or a third-part imaging site such as Flickr.

While we will try to publish all articles submitted, there will be some articles that simply won't be ready to publish. Here are some guidelines to help make your articles more publishable. For more information, visit our Editorial Policy page.

• Use English. Eventually we may make Linux.com a multi-lingual site, but for now, please keep articles and other content in English.
• Focus on a single idea. Instead of "how to use digital cameras," perhaps write "how to use application X to organize your photos."
• Use a recipe format. After a little preliminary info, use numbered steps. Make the first sentence of the step the action and the second sentence the result.
• Use graphics. Screenshots are good. Make sure no artwork is wider then 400 px wide.
• A long, preformated line of text will break out of the main content column. Try to keep them short.
• Try not to be redundant. Make sure the content is original and not reproducing a topic that is already posted on Linux.com. Duplicate topics that overlap too much will not be published, so check the site first before working on your content. Also, if you have an idea, e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it first. We'll let you know if any one else is planning on writing about that topic already, and give you some ideas on what else you could write about.
• Tone down the foul language. You can say what you need to say without relying on cursing. In fact, your writing will be regarded as that much more creative.

With Linux.com, the Linux Foundation is providing a framework for discussion and user generated information to expand the knowledge base of Linux information. Please note that articles, as well as any other user content on Linux.com (such as blogs, directory content, forums, comments, etc.), do not reflect the views or endorsements of the Linux Foundation, its staff, or its members. We recognize there may be inaccurate information reflected in this site and that users should understand that something that appears  on Linux.com does not mean the Linux Foundation has vetted or endorsed that content.

The Latest Info

The Linux.com News section contains in-depth analysis and reports for software, hardware, embedded, business, and enterprise topics. It also contains the Featured Blogs from Linux community luminaries and Linux Foundation leaders.

The Best Distro News

• Distribution News: With all of those distros out there, it can be hard to keep up with the current advances. Find out the latest happenings, releases, and events for your favorite Linux distributions, or all of them.
• Distribution Blogs: Want the inside scoop? Get insights and knowledge about Linux distributions directly from the source: the community leaders and developers who are building the next version of your preferred distros.
• Download Linux: Looking for a distro to suit your needs? Interested in exploring other flavors of Linux? Check out our listings to find the right distribution for you.

Learn All Linux

• Answers: Something about Linux you can't quite figure out? Visit our Answers section to find answers to other user's questions or post your own!
• Documentation: Remember those user manuals that came in the box of software? Most Linux software doesn't come in a box anymore, but that doesn't mean the manuals aren't around. Here's our collection of Linux documentation, which includes material from the Linux Documentation Project.
• Tutorials: There are many tasks in Linux that every computer user needs to accomplish. How to print, how to surf the Web. In this section, find out how to do the simple and the sophisticated tasks in Linux.
• Whitepapers: The Linux Foundation has a lot of knowledge under its belt, and is always researching Linux. Browse our library of publications to see what the Foundation has learned.
• Resource Center:What is Linux? How is it used? How do I use it? The Resource Center provides detailed articles introducing Linux and explaining the best path for migration.
• Careers/Training: Staying employed or getting employed. These can be real challenges. Get expert advice on how to stay current in your job with career advice and advanced training opportunities.

Get the 411

The Linux.com directory is a user-contributed and -reviewed database of software applications that run on the Linux operating system; Linux-compatible hardware; and books, hosting, and other professional services in the Linux ecosystem.

The directory's listing are entered by users who share what they know about these items. What software is the best of its class? How do you get the drivers for that piece of hardware? These are all questions that the directory can answer. As time goes on, and the directory becomes more complete, it will be an invaluable resource for Linux users of all experience levels.

Become a Linux Guru

If you participate in the site's community by providing content, you will gain guru points that will showcase your skills. Here is the current list of assigned point values:

Publish an Article: 20 pts
Ask a Question: 3 pts
Answer a Question: 5 pts
Add an Item to the Directory: 3 pts
Review an Item in the Directory: 2 pts
Add New Group: 3 pts
Add New Group Discussion: 2 pts
Leave Group: -3 pts
Invite Friends: 5 pts
Approve Friend Request: 1 pt
Add New Photo Album: 1 pt
Post Group Wall: 1 pt
Join Group: 1 pt
Reply Group's Discussion: 1 pt
Post Wall: 1 pt
Profile Update: 1 pt
Update group: 1 pt

The top 50 annual Linux gurus on Linux.com will be included in an annual report from the Linux Foundation. The top five contributors to Linux.com annually will receive invitations to the Linux Foundation Collaboration Summit and have a seat at the annual Linux.com planning meeting as community representatives. The top Linux.com user will be recognized each year as the “Ultimate Linux Guru” and be given a fully loaded “dream” Linux notebook, personally autographed by Linux creator Linus Torvalds, as recognition of his or her guru status. The top five Linux gurus and ultimate Linux guru will be determined by guru points total on Feb 15 every year.

LF employees and contractors are not eligible. Travel fees to the conference are not included but winners can apply to the Linux Foundation travel fund.