Queer Tech History / Jon “maddog” Hall

Jon “maddog” Hall is a self-described aging, gay, hippy, and geek who has dedicated over 50 years to the tech space, with a particular passion for Free Software, especially GNU/Linux. Known for his advocacy of the open-source movement, Hall has always championed the principles of collaboration, transparency, and freedom as central to this movement.

Jon Hall’s fascination with technology began at a young age. Inspired by a retired neighbor who repaired a variety of mechanical and electronic devices — think jukeboxes, clocks, radios, and wire recorders — he spent his youth reading magazines like Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, and Popular Electronics, and helping his father assemble complex toys. His formal education in technology began with three years of electronics shop in high school, followed by a focus on Electrical Engineering at Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University). However, Hall’s passion for programming soon took precedence, leading him to switch majors.

At the age of 27, Hall earned his nickname “maddog” from his students at Hartford State Technical College, where he was the Department Head of Computer Science. The nickname stems from his anger during a time in his life when he admittedly had less control over his temper. While he has since worked on managing his anger and improving communication, he says he keeps the name because he “… realized that showing my anger just made me lose the argument, but I keep the name to remind me every single day, every single hour, every single moment, not to lose my temper.”

Hall’s career is marked by significant contributions to various companies, including AT&T, Aetna, Compaq, and notably Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), where he contributed to the VMS operating system. His time at DEC also introduced him to DECUS, the DEC user group, where he first encountered the free software philosophy — years before the GNU project and the Free Software Foundation came into existence. This early exposure deeply influenced his professional path and solidified his commitment to the principles of free software.

In 2012, in a poignant article for Linux Magazine titled Paw Prints: Writings of the maddog, Hall came out as gay. The article, written in honor of one of his heroes, Alan Turing, marked a significant moment in his life, coinciding with the anniversary of Turing’s birthday. Hall has often cited Turing, along with Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper, as personal heroes who have inspired his work in computing. His parents, whom he lovingly refers to as “Mom&Pop™,” also played a formative role in his life, despite not being particularly technical themselves.

Today, Hall serves as the Executive Director of Linux International and the Board Chair for the Linux Professional Institute. He is also an author at Linux Pro Magazine, where he continues to share his insights and experiences with the community. His dedication to free and open-source software principles has played a significant role in the growth and acceptance of open-source technologies in the broader computing world.

Jon “maddog” Hall’s life and career have been defined by his relentless commitment to the ideals of the open-source movement. His work continues to shape the way we think about and use software in the modern era, ensuring that the principles of freedom, collaboration, and transparency remain at the forefront of technological development.

References & Resources

Free + / vs. Open — Jon “maddog” Hall, Free Software vs Open Software
Jon “maddog” Hall Discusses Global Open Source Certification
Jon «maddog» Hall: Exclusive interview for AT
Jon ‘Maddog’ Hall — Important LGBTQ+ figures who shaped tech’s history
LinkedIn
Paw Prints: Writings of the maddog