 Jones calls the Linux period "the dark age".Although SDF Public Access UNIX System was registered as an operating business in 1993 according to the Dallas County Records Office, it wasn't until October 1, 2001, that the SDF Public Access UNIX System was formed as a Delaware not-for-profit corporation and subsequently granted 501(c)(7) non-profit membership club status by the IRS.SDF had operated under the auspice of the MALR corporation between 1995 and 2001.

, SDF was composed of 47,572 users from around the world.