The 3rd International Linux Kongress will be held May 23 and 24, 1996 at the Haus am Koellnischen Park in Berlin (Tagungszentrum Berlin Mitte). It follows the tradition of the Linux/Internet conference series (Heidelberg 1994 and Berlin 1995) which has been since its inception one of the most important meetings for Linux experts and developers. The conference is a must for those who are interested in Linux technology and applications.

The main focus of the forthcoming conference is on current developments of Linux and its various components. However, since Linux has become a well-established and widespread system, the development of applications and usage in commercial environments—even for mission critical purposes—is another major conference topic. Moreover, the Internet in the context of current Linux developments will be covered by various talks and presentations.

Key speakers of the conference will be Linus Torvalds, Theodore T'so and Alan Cox. Because of the growing commercial interest in Linux, a trade show will be part of the conference, featuring companies that offer products based on or using Linux.

The conference will be organized by GUUG (Association of German Unix Users) and supported by several companies (ASKnet, Fachbuchhandlung Lehmanns, Lunetix, Thinking Objects) and publishers (Addison-Wesley, dpunkt, Thomson/O'Reilly). Any profits from this event will be used to support Free Software Projects.

For information or registration contact Ms Tauchert in the registration office (Tel. +49-30-8207 406, Fax +49-30-8207 465, e-mail: info@linux-kongress.de ; www.linux-kongress.de).

The First Conference on Freely Redistributable Software (sponsored by the Free Software Foundation) will take place Friday to Monday, February 2-5, 1996 at the Cambridge Center Marriott in Cambridge, MA. Keynote speakers will be Linus Torvalds and Richard Stallman. The conference will feature two days of tutorials on Linux (Phil Hughes), Advanced Emacs and GCC (Richard Stallman) expect (Don Libes), PERL (Tom Christenson), and other topics, as well as refereed papers.

Peter Salus will give seminars entitled ''Linux: An Open System For Everyone'' and “Installing and Running Linux.” The first seminar will look at Linux from its beginnings through its current capabilities, including a look at what some companies are currently doing with Linux. The seminar will conclude with a look at the future of Linux. Peter's second seminar will consist of a ''Look Under the Hood'' covering what makes up a Linux system, what you need, how to install it and what to do when something goes wrong. Interconnectivity options will also be addressed. Requests for registration materials and full programs may be made by e-mail: conf96@gnu.ai.mit.edu); phone (617-542-5942) or fax (617-542-2652).