I've been using the Linux operating system (OS) for many years (since 1994) and in that time I've installed and used many different distributions (versions) of the OS.

During the past couple of years, I've mainly settled on using Debian/GNU Linux, Ubuntu and/or Linux Mint, although I will frequently download and try other versions just for fun. I also like Bodhi Linux for quick/easy "Internet Cafe" type installs. I tend to stick with Debian based systems (package management) and have never been a big fan of RPM or other packaging systems. While I can understand why some people like the "do it yourself" approach (Gentoo, et al.), I just don't see the point (on modern hardware) and, frankly, don't have the time or energy to do it from scratch every time (I don't grow my own food for the same reason).

Recently, while 'doodling' with The Gimp, working on a submission for a logo design challenge - for the Perth Linux Users Group (PLUG), I decided to combine some of the elements into a Wallpaper image.

The attached images include the following elements: A "black swan" logo, representing Perth, that is also a map of Western Australia. The 'web' and connecting dots represent various locations of existing (and potential) PLUG members.

Tux is included for obvious reasons...

PLUG, apart from promoting Linux, also supports free, open source software.... thus the inclusion of various free software logos.

The logos on the far right are 'representative' of just a few of the Linux versions use by members of PLUG. http://plug.org.au

The image may be a little 'busy' for those of you with lots of stuff on your desktop.... I did leave a little bit of room on the left for a few icons :-)

I figured it might make a bit of a conversation starter for those wanting to introduce their friends to Linux and/or PLUG.

I've been using Linux in one form or another since some time back in late 1993. Things were a little different then. Installing and using Linux wasn't for the faint of heart.

Things have changed!

Back in the day I used Slackware, because it was pretty much the only choice out there unless you wanted to do 'everything' yourself. I purchased a couple of CD's and started digging in to the wonderful world of open source software. It was a challenge... and it was exciting!

Admittedly, I continued to used another operating system for my day-to-day stuff for some time but a couple of years later, with the introduction of Debian/GNU Linux, things started to become a little easier.

I know there are some 'hard core' Linux users out there who prefer to do everything from source (compiling everything themselves) and while I can understand why (I've tried Gentoo), at the end of the day I just a little to lazy to bother with that anymore.

I've continued (to this day) to use Debian on my servers but have tried a wide variety of Linux distributions on the 'desktop'.

I have a good friend who loves to paint cars in Forza 3 on Xbox 360/Live.  He has created many great designs for the members of our team but there is a small problem.  My friend is color blind. 

Depending on the colors he wants to use, he often has to rely on feedback from others (his wife and friends or team mates).  He has at times ended up with some very 'interesting' designs because his friends were a little miss leading in their color recommendations  ;-)

I have received a few cool designs and wanted to do something in return.  I decided to create a couple of "Color Charts" so my friend could match the colors in the paint shop to references on the chart, hopefully helping him to create better designs with waiting for others to check his use of colors.

My friend suggested this may be of help to others as there are likely to be other 'designers' facing similar challenges.   Note:  The color references are 'subjective' (I tell it as I see it) and should not be seen as the official colors in Forza 3.  

I hope they are useful for some of you!