Linux Logo: History of Tux the Linux Mascot

Did you know that Linux has a logo that has never changed since it was first created? Although several versions have been made, the first logo is still used today. Although Linux is widely used, for example, Android, not everyone knows it.

A Glimpse of Linux

Linux itself is an operating system created by Linus Torvalds in the early 1990s, created similar to the Unix operating system but with different code. The Linux OS is an open-source software that is always a hot topic for computer geeks, especially Free Open Source Software lovers.

History of the Linux Logo

Competition

Initially, the open-source community proposed the idea of creating a logo for Linux, along with the popularity of the technology.

With various different ideas, some proposed parody logos of other operating systems, sharks, eagles, weasels, and even peacocks. But Torvalds stated that he preferred penguins, because they represent fun and he disliked abstract logos that depict companies.

Then a competition was held three times to choose which Linux logo was the best.

When Linus Torvalds visited the national zoo in Australia with the Open Source community, he was chased by a cute little penguin until he was bitten.

Then Linus joked that he felt a lot of love for penguins.

Logo Concept

Inspired by a penguin statue found on an FTP site, the initial concept of the Linux logo, the statue resembled the character of Nick Parks’s Creature Comforts. If you are curious about the image, please open Wikipedia Tux.

Torvalds was looking for something sympathetic and fun, so he felt that a penguin sitting after being full, felt suitable for his thoughts.

Creation of the Linux Logo

The logo we often see as the identity of Linux was created by Larry Ewing using GIMP, the first version released to the public. A unique fact about the penguin logo is that it never won any of the contests held. However, the logo was used unofficially until it finally became the official identity of Linux.

The logo also drew inspiration from the work of others, including Alan Cox, who first suggested the penguin animal.

Permission to use and/or modify this image is granted provided you acknowledge me [email protected] and GIMP if someone asks.

Naming

The Linux logo was named by James Hughes, namely TUX, which means Torvalds Unix. However, some people interpret Tux as an abbreviation of the word Tuxedo, because the penguin looks like it is wearing a Tuxedo.

Mascot not Logo

If you open Wikipedia about Tux, in the title section it is stated that Tux is a mascot. The mascot Tux is often used in various open-source software related to Linux, for example, Slackware, TuxGuitar, and TuxPaint.

Larry Ewing licensed the penguin logo as open source, which means anyone can use and/or modify it.

New Linux Logo

This question crossed my mind: does Linux have a new logo? Why is it that every time I browse about Linux, what appears is always the penguin logo with a somewhat strange smile? The answer is that Linux has never had a new logo, unlike other operating systems that always update their logos and adjust to design trends.

It’s not entirely true that Linux doesn’t have a new logo; there are several versions of the penguin that look different. However, the first logo is still used today and has become the identity of Linux.

I found someone asking in a large forum with the question, “Why doesn’t Linux create a serious logo?”

Almost everyone said it’s because Linux doesn’t need a logo, just Tux as a mascot. Linux is also not a company, so there’s no need to do branding.

I can accept that answer. Besides, Tux is very meaningful to everyone who knows Linux.

Final Words

If you introduce the Linux logo to ordinary people and say that the logo represents an operating system, they might think that this technology is old-fashioned. But in reality, Linux is one of the sophisticated technologies, and it is even widely used as a server.

Linux is not a technology that is widely recognized by the public, but Linux has its own market share.