In contrast to the relative obscurity of the Linux OS, the Linux logo, “Tux,” has been gaining massive popularity and main stream acceptance recently. The Linux logo, a so-called “penguin,” has appeared in many movies; among other forms of media.

Appearing most recently in the movie Surfs Up, “Tux” has also been featured in such movies as Happy Feet, Madascar, and March of the Penguins. In many of these movies, the image of “Tux” assumes multiple personalities and roles, or appears more generally as a “penguin.” Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux OS, isn’t surprised: “Tux is lovable and cute and his popularity in main stream media proves this. The idea of the ‘penguin’ has also caught on and people have taken this concept and really expanded on it. That reinforces the whole idea behind open source.”

With the growing popularity of “Tux,” Linux joins the elite club of tech companies with ubiquitous logos: the Apple logo has appeared in grocery stores, teacher’s desks and orchards everywhere, while the Windows logo has been prominently featured on buildings and vehicles for years now.

With recent appearances however, the Linux logo is poised to be even more popular than the Ferrarri logo, which has product placement in ranches and fields across America. Like the Ferrarri “horse,” the “penguin” is even starting to appear in nature and has become the most common animal in Antarctica.

“It is great to see how even nature uses open source,” says Linux Monthy Magazine, “soon we might even see the Tux ‘penguin’ in clothing… maybe even Zoos.”

- Posted by chris