Meet the Members is a look into the lives and stories behind the incredible human beings whose contributions have helped shape our project and community.
Our featured member today is @wgarcia
What’s your name (username)?
wgarcia
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m an economist, working as a university professor. Because of my research I started using open source software many years ago, Linux was not stil alive.
How did you first get involved in the Ubuntu Community?
Back in 2006 I installed Ubuntu (the 06.10 Edgy Eft version) after a computer virus left my laptop unusable being on the road and about to teach with all my teaching material there. Soon after, I contacted my Loco team, which I help create, and until now.
Can you tell us about your contributions that lead to Ubuntu Membership?
I was giving support in the Catalan Team subforum of the Ubuntu Forums and I became a member because of the contributions there.
What is the core motivation that keeps you contributing to Ubuntu and the open source movement?
I think Ubuntu is the best bet to eventually see computers being exposed and sold with Linux preinstalled side by side with the current dominant computer operating systems.
What’s your proudest moment or most memorable interaction within the Ubuntu community?
For me it was when one of my daughers adopted Ubuntu, stating that Ubuntu was for work and some other operating systems were for distractions. It worked well for her, today she is a child traumatologist in the best children hospital of the country. Nowadays probably it wouldn’t have worked so well, since Ubuntu has become also a very good gaming platform.
How has being a part of the Ubuntu community impacted you personally or professionally?
I work with data for my research, and I’ve been able to do things which my colleages with other operating systems have not been able to tackle.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to start contributing but doesn’t know where to begin?
Don’t try to start big.
Outside of the world of Ubuntu and tech, what are some of your other passions or hobbies?
I play classical guitar, I cook my own sourdough bread and, despite having some age, still kick around a football (soccer ball) with my colleagues.
What excites you about the future of Ubuntu?
I like the partnership between open source and private initiative for support and customized services, the only way in my opinion to make Linux grow.
