In today's open source roundup: The first predictions about Linux and 2015. Plus: Audio editing applications for Linux, and the Linux Foundation's holiday membership drive has begun The state of Linux in 2015? We’re coming to the end of the year, and the first batch of predictions about what 2015 might have in store for Linux have arrived. Share your own predictions about Linux and 2015 in the comments below. What do you think will happen? Jack Wallen at TechRepublic speculates on Linux and 2015: TechRepublic In previous years, I’d don the rose-colored glasses and make predictions that would shine a fantastic light over the Linux landscape and proclaim 20** will be the year of Linux on the _____ (name your platform). Many times, those predictions were wrong, and Linux would wind up grinding on in the background. This coming year, however, there are some fairly bold predictions to be made, some of which are sure things. Read on and see if you agree. 1. Linux takes over big data 2. Linux leads in home automation 3. The Linux desktop must move beyond the past to succeed More at TechRepublic Audio editing applications for Linux The Mac has long been regarded as a haven for audio engineers, but these days Linux also has much to offer in that regard. Xmodulo has a list of Linux seven audio editing applications. Adrien Brochard reports for Xmodulo: Whether you are an amateur musician or just a student recording his professor, you need to edit and work with audio recordings. Linux now has what it takes to do the job. In short, here is a non-exhaustive list of good audio editing software, fit for different tasks and needs. 1. Audacity 2. Jokosher 3. Ardour 4. Kwave 5. Qtractor 6. LMMS 7. Traverso More at Xmodulo Wikipedia also has a broader list of Linux audio software: 1 Audio players 2 Distributions and Add-Ons 3 Graphical programming 4 Audio programming languages (text-based) 5 DJ tools 6 Drum machines 7 Recording, editing and mastering 8 Sound servers 9 Patch bays 10 Synthesizers 11 Effects processing 12 Format transcoding 13 Radio broadcasting 14 Radio listening 15 Tablature software More at Wikipedia The Linux Foundation’s holiday membership drive is in full swing The Linux Foundation has started its holiday membership drive, and when you join the Linux Foundation will make a $25 donation to Free Geek. You can become a member on the Linux Foundation site. The Linux Foundation announces its holiday membership drive: The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux and collaborative development, today announced its biannual Individual Membership Drive in which the organization will donate $25 to Free Geek for each new member who joins today through January 16, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Individual members of The Linux Foundation help advance the Linux operating system and support the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds. Free Geek is a nonprofit organization focused on reusing and recycling computer equipment that might otherwise end up as hazardous waste. Its refurbished computers are granted to schools, community organizations and sold in the Free Geek thrift store. Free Geek uses Linux and open source software to make refurbished computers more accessible to all, allowing many more people to experience the power of open source software. More at The Linux Foundation What’s your take on all this? Tell me in the comments below. Open Source