I was first introduced to Linux while participating in a Community FreeNET (command-line only interface running Lynx, Pico, etc.) that was starting up in my area back in the mid-1990's. There were a few of us on the Training and Technology team. It was our task to train the general public on how to use the FreeNET through free intro' nights at the local library and pamphlets that we were making for handing out to new users. One of the fellows on the team, Nick, had a small laptop with a sticker on it, "My other computer runs QNix". Well, I had to ask him what was meant by that and he began to introduce me to QNix, and ultimately, Linux (which little did I realize the FreeNET was using!).

At that time I had a 386DX16 with 4MB RAM and a 120MB hard drive. So after that introduction I installed Linux on it (I think it was a Slackware distro I picked up at a University bookstore). While I didn't use it extensively back then, I did manage to compile my own kernels, etc. It was challenging, but it was lots of fun!! Once the Internet became a going concern in our area (replacing the FreeNET) I began once again dabbling in Linux, because now I could download it for free. I've been using it ever since, but not necessarily as my primary system. Due to my career, I need to use Windows as my primary deskop at work, but I did manage to install Linux on my FEA workstation for FEA work.