Background

In 2003/2004, I developed a project at Studio XX Studioxx.org, a feminist new media centre based in Montreal, to install and teach on Linux workstations. For this project Studio XX collaborated with XTlabs, a non-profit organization that installs thin client networks. The technology we used is referred to in this document as an LTSP lab, which stands for Linux Terminal Server Project. The project took a year to complete and has been functional since February 2004. The following essay contains a justification for making the switch to Open Source tools for creative production, a description of the technology used, and an overview of the first workshop held in the new lab. Portions of this text have been re-printed from the Studio XX website.

Why Linux?

Installing a gnu/open source lab at XX gives Studio XX an opportunity to present truly accessible learning and creating opportunities to our community. Linux represents a philosophy of technology use and acquisition that privileges responsible use and careful maintenance over a certain, often commercially viable, user friendliness. Linux is made stable and efficient through a community of users and developers who are dedicated to fixing any bugs and constantly improving the OS performance. By installing Linux at XX, artists in Montreal are provided an opportunity which demands a certain commitment to learning how to manage and use technology in a self-confident manner. Providing women with tools to master and make informed decisions in the domain of technology is part of Studio XX’s mandate. A Linux lab is a tool of this nature and by learning to navigate the Linux OS at XX, women will be encouraged to install it and use it at home.

Because it costs less then commercially owned software (Apple, Microsoft) Linux is more accessible to the feminist arts community. There is excellent documentation on-line and many open source/ freeware resources for the development of web, art projects in the domain of sound, programming, and web development.

(adapted from the studio XX website)