A brief history of the Linux Mascot

Tux the Penguin was created nearly 15 years ago. Appearing on many open source websites and merchandise he is instantly recognised by all in the Open Source community.

In 1996, a competition was held to design a logo to represent the Linux brand . At the time Tux did not win the competition but instead became the Linux mascot and is possibly better know than the logo that was chosen. Initially designed by Larry Ewing on GIMP (The GNU Image Manipulation Program) and improved by Linus Torvalds (creator of Linux) Tux became the epitome of a happy and contented penguin. Linus Torvalds believed a chubby penguin was a great mascot as it was not a typical corporate image and so would become widely recognised. It was believed that the penguin was chosen by the community when it became know that Linus had a fixation with them. He originally said it was due to being attacked by one when he was young, but later confirmed the penguin in question had only nibbled his finger. Some people in the open source community still believe this story was invented by Linus to promote the use of the penguin. But all agree Tux is a great mascot.

Tux's name, according to Linux history, is not based on the idea that penguins appear to be wearing a tuxedo, but instead on the first letter of Torvalds and the letters U and X in Unix, the system Linux is based on. As Tux was created as an Open Source image, many variations can be found on websites and merchandise. Larry Ewing has always been happy to let anyone use and modify Tux to suit their own purpose and only requests credit for the design if anyone asks about it. Some designs have seen Tux as a snowboarder, a biker and even the President of America! In the past the image has also been used by IBM in one of their advertising campaigns.