Propaganda (Linux distribution)
Encyclopedia
PROPAGANDA is a large collection of GPL
-licensed seamless
desktop
backgrounds included in various Linux distribution
s, and available via free download over the web. While no longer being produced or even officially hosted online, the collection consisted of approximately 15 volumes of largely abstract and surreal art, numbering over 1,000 images in total. Created in GIMP
by Bowie J. Poag, the images were meant to attract users to the platform by virtue of the art having been 100% Linux-generated.
The style of the images produced by Poag were unusual in terms of their geometric qualities. Appearing to repeat seamlessly along all four edges, PROPAGANDA images became attractive for use in 3D modeling
, and particularly for use as desktop wallpaper, in that limitations in graphics hardware at the time often prevented users from using full screen 24-bit images. Using smaller, tileable images for desktop backgrounds helped keep memory utilization to a minimum, while still allowing early Linux desktops to be visually appealing.
After ten months, Poag turned control of the project over to Naru Sundar who was then a student at the California Institute of Technology
. Although Sundar would subsequently release two additional volumes, Poag terminated the project in April of 2000 citing a lack of activity by Sundar, and a falling out with Chris DiBona, a manager of community projects at VA Linux Systems, who provided hosting space for his project.
As a side source of amusement, PROPAGANDA's website featured a satirical storyline that John F. Kennedy
had faked his own assassination in 1963, and had placed himself into cryogenic suspension until the time was right to lead the charge against Microsoft, and help the Linux movement gain footing. While not greatly influential, Poag's work with PROPAGANDA led many to develop an interest in Linux as a platform during its formative early years.
The Propaganda site was formerly officially hosted at http://propaganda.system12.com/ and then http://propaganda.themes.org before going offline.
GNU General Public License
The GNU General Public License is the most widely used free software license, originally written by Richard Stallman for the GNU Project....
-licensed seamless
Seamless
Seamless means not to have a seam and may refer to:* Seamless robe of Jesus** Seamless garment, an abortion-related phrase referenced to the above*** Seamless Garment Network, a pro-life organization founded in 1987Technology...
desktop
Desktop environment
In graphical computing, a desktop environment commonly refers to a style of graphical user interface derived from the desktop metaphor that is seen on most modern personal computers. These GUIs help the user in easily accessing, configuring, and modifying many important and frequently accessed...
backgrounds included in various Linux distribution
Linux distribution
A Linux distribution is a member of the family of Unix-like operating systems built on top of the Linux kernel. Such distributions are operating systems including a large collection of software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, media players, and database applications...
s, and available via free download over the web. While no longer being produced or even officially hosted online, the collection consisted of approximately 15 volumes of largely abstract and surreal art, numbering over 1,000 images in total. Created in GIMP
GIMP
GIMP is a free software raster graphics editor. It is primarily employed as an image retouching and editing tool and is freely available in versions tailored for most popular operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux.In addition to detailed image retouching and...
by Bowie J. Poag, the images were meant to attract users to the platform by virtue of the art having been 100% Linux-generated.
The style of the images produced by Poag were unusual in terms of their geometric qualities. Appearing to repeat seamlessly along all four edges, PROPAGANDA images became attractive for use in 3D modeling
3D modeling
In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of object via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model...
, and particularly for use as desktop wallpaper, in that limitations in graphics hardware at the time often prevented users from using full screen 24-bit images. Using smaller, tileable images for desktop backgrounds helped keep memory utilization to a minimum, while still allowing early Linux desktops to be visually appealing.
After ten months, Poag turned control of the project over to Naru Sundar who was then a student at the California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Pasadena, California, United States. Caltech has six academic divisions with strong emphases on science and engineering...
. Although Sundar would subsequently release two additional volumes, Poag terminated the project in April of 2000 citing a lack of activity by Sundar, and a falling out with Chris DiBona, a manager of community projects at VA Linux Systems, who provided hosting space for his project.
As a side source of amusement, PROPAGANDA's website featured a satirical storyline that John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
had faked his own assassination in 1963, and had placed himself into cryogenic suspension until the time was right to lead the charge against Microsoft, and help the Linux movement gain footing. While not greatly influential, Poag's work with PROPAGANDA led many to develop an interest in Linux as a platform during its formative early years.
The Propaganda site was formerly officially hosted at http://propaganda.system12.com/ and then http://propaganda.themes.org before going offline.
External links
- Comment posted by Bowie J. Poag to Slashdot article on "New Propaganda Series: Rebirth", retrieved 2007-12-30
- Download location