Fsf-friends October 2002

fsf-friends@gnu.org.in

27 participants
55 discussions

November 6, 4 pm, Goa
by Frederick Noronha 29 Oct '02

29 Oct '02

Please mark your diary. Richard M Stallman speaks at Goa Engineering College Farmaguddi, 4 pm November 6, 2002. The Free Software Movement as we know it was founded in 1985 by Richard M. Stallman. The basic tenets of free software are -- freedom to study, freedom to change, freedom to share or distribute, the right to sell free software, and the principle that the software 'source' has always to accompany binaries.

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QUERY: GNU/Linux in science and culture...
by Frederick Noronha 28 Oct '02

28 Oct '02

Would anyone know of interesting GNU/Linux applications in the field of science and culture in India? This is for something I'm planning to write on. Thanks, FN -- Frederick Noronha * Freelance Journalist * Goa * India 832.409490 / 409783 BYTESFORALL www.bytesforall.org * GNU-LINUX http://linuxinindia.pitas.com Email fred(a)bytesforall.org * Mobile +9822 122436 (Goa) * Saligao Goa India Writing with a difference... on what makes *the* difference

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Linux article in Hindustan Times
by Raju Mathur 28 Oct '02

28 Oct '02

Apart from Niyam Bhushan's trouble-shooting column, which tells how to make an EPABX or KTS system using Linux and talks about scanning in Open Office, today's Hindustan Times (2002-10-28) carries a largish article on Linux in the Tech4U (sic!) section, page 15. The article, titled `Linux looks at a window of opportunity', is written by Nina Mehta. Starting off with a couple of paragraphs about the growing popularity of Linux, the article moves on to briefly describing the history and advantages of Linux and open source. It points out that `governments all over the world have started adopting Linux as the preferred desktop OS' and cites the UK police department and the Government of Kerala as examples (no details). Quoting various people such as RMS, Michael Robertson (CEO of Lindows), Arindam Bose (IT head of LG India) and Javed Tapia (Director, RH India) the article describes how Linux is free (as in beer), more stable than Windows and as user friendly. The article concludes with the line, `With such a cheap OS option available, PC makers may now have to aske their customers a question Microsoft would be mortified to hear: "Windows or Linux".' The online text of the article is at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/printedition/281002/detTEC01.shtml Niyam's question-answer column is at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/printedition/281002/detTEC04.shtml Please send kudos and flames directly to the HT. Regards, -- Raju -- Raju Mathur raju(a)kandalaya.org http://kandalaya.org/ It is the mind that moves

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RMS visiting India
by gnu＠vsnl.net 28 Oct '02

28 Oct '02

Richard Stallman is visiting India. He will be in Bangalore from 31st to 5th. On 31st he is giving a talk organised by CSI. The venue is JN Tata Auditorium Indian Institute of Science Bangalore. Time; 14.45 to 15.45 hrs. On Nov 1st he will be talking at IT.com (I guess in Palace grounds) He will e at Goa from Nov 6th and 7th and will be giving talks at engineering colleges. Venue to be decided. So mark your calenders and plan to attend them. best regards -- Ramakrishnan M (http://www.hackGNU.org/) Use Free Software (http://www.gnu.org/)

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DEADLINE APPROACHING: IBM Scholar Challenge. Win an IBM ThinkPad
by Frederick Noronha 27 Oct '02

27 Oct '02

How 'e' do you want to be? Welcome to the IBM Linux Scholar Challenge - a chance to test your worth against the best. The Challenge invites you to make improvements to Linux, create usability tools or enhancements, or design Linux applications. Not only will you have contributed in your way to the world of Linux and its users worldwide you could also win Linux ThinkPads, Summer 2003 Internships at IBM or Linux 16-node 'start-up' cluster. If you are a full time student enrolled in a 2, 3 or 4 year accredited college or university, this is an opportunity of a lifetime, a time to put to action all those ideas you have been pottering with. Just ensure that you register on-line at www.ibm.com/university/linuxchallenge by October 31, 2002. The Challenge You select a Linux project, describe your objectives, methodology, research, and results in a 3-page paper and submit it for evaluation (optional project ideas are provided). You could build an Eclipse-based WebSphere Studio plug-in Linux development or work on the development of a Network Adapter (Ethernet) failover support by network drivers in a standalone Linux or do something more whacked out like Fridge Fun, where you create an embedded Linux machine front of your refrigerator. The prizes Not only will you have contributed in your way to the world of Linux and its users worldwide you could also win: - 20 Linux ThinkPads (approximately US$ 2, 500 each) - Summer 2003 Internships at IBM 's Linux Technology Center for 3 qualified winners. - One Linux 16-node 'start-up' cluster for the university that has the highest overall average score of student entries (Valued at US$ 130,000) Dates to remember August 13 Launch of Linux Scholar Challenge in San Francisco. Aug 13 -Oct 31 Last date for registration online at: ibm.com/university/linuxchallenge December 13 Last date for papers/projects submission. Dec 16 -Dec 20 Contest Vendor validates entries & forwards to appropriate judges. Jan 2 -Jan 13 Judging begins 2003. January 20 Winners announced 2003 Regards, Sandeep Menon Linux Business Manager, IBM ASEAN/SA .

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free software../g.n.u,linex--one day training.C-dit ..details..
by Harilal 26 Oct '02

26 Oct '02

dear friends, A one day freesoftware /G.N.U./linex training program conduct by C.dit at trivandrum from next week onwards.most probably on every saturdays.training for those using windows to be familiar with G.N.U/Linex is the motive.more over to promote the concept of free software &to give awarness on it.those having basic experience in P.C Operation can apply.Appln. form can be had from C-Dit city centre at tvm.(pho.no 335995) or download from www.cdit.org (kerala kaumudi news dated 25-10-2002) harilal,cusat. N.B- kindly sent this to as much as persons,you know

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A counter-case for government supporting GPL development
by Raju Mathur 26 Oct '02

26 Oct '02

After all the MS hoopla about trying to get the US to ban the use of GPL for publically funded software, here's a counter-argument: http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/aigrain2.pdf Abstract: This text provides a framework to discuss the consequences of licensing choices that are applied to publicly funded libre software. It discusses these choices from the angle of general public interest and policy. It concludes that one is led to prefer GPL copylefting licensing especially for any libre software component whose development is publicly funded, and when it is providing functionality that plays or may later play a critical role as part of the common infrastructure of the information society. At the same time, some interesting questions derive from a better understanding of the reasons that lead some to disagree with the choice of copylefting. Regards, -- Raju -- Raju Mathur raju(a)kandalaya.org http://kandalaya.org/ It is the mind that moves

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Fw: reply to protest on it@school
by Harilal 25 Oct '02

25 Oct '02

----- Original Message ----- From: <itschool(a)asianetindia.com> To: Harilal <harilal(a)cusat.ac.in> Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2002 3:47 PM Subject: Re: > > > Dear Harilal, > It is not a virtual Surrender to MNCS. Think about the logistics > involved. We have to train some 500 Master Trainers for training other > teachers. All the 2000 Schools should have sufficient copies of Software. > Then there is the need of a unified syllabus through the State, then only > exams could be conducted in the SSLC. Think about the training alone. > We are employing now 165 Master Trainers after giving them 15 days > training in association with Intel. These people are to give training to the > 60000 teachers. What do an average person learns on IT after15 days > training? But they are managing it because they are familiar with > Microsoft products, which are common through out this state. What about > the course materials for 60000 teachers? What about the Software at the > training centres? Does the free Software foundation man a call centre > where people can get help in our language whenever they encounter a > problem with Hardware or Software while using the free Software? There is > so many other logistical issues associated. > You must understand that IT @ School was started way back > in 2000. It is making some progress only during this year. Please note > that I took over on 17th August 2001 and was running pillar to post to > arrange all these logistics till April 2002. Apart from the DEOs and others > you may be astonished to hear the number of people with Project team, > which is implementing this mammoth the project. > > Executive Director-1 > Officers-5 > Data entry operators-3 > Peon-1 and > 165 MTs who are busy with training . We are training around 1300 high > school teachers is around 75 training centres every two weeks. > > We adopt a strategy to introduce Microsoft for the 1st year then move to > open office during 2nd year (for IT-2 text book) and introduces Linux and > open office in 50:50 arrangement with windows and Ms office from IT-3 > textbook onwards. When sufficient groundwork is done the school level > and teachers level we may increase the weightage of open Software in our > curriculum. This year Prof. Krishnan (University College, > Thiruvananthapuram). President of Trivandrum chapter Free Software > foundation is a member of the expert Committee overseeing the > preparation of IT-2 textbook. Need I say anything more. > > regards > > > Biju Prabhakar > > Executive Director > > IT @ School Project > >

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[raju@linux-delhi.org: [LIG] London University doesn't permit Linux/Unix]
by Nagarjuna G. 24 Oct '02

24 Oct '02

RMS, are you aware of this? FSF should protest. Nagarjuna ----- Forwarded message from Raju Mathur <raju(a)linux-delhi.org> ----- Envelope-to: nagarjun(a)hbcse.tifr.res.in From: Raju Mathur <raju(a)linux-delhi.org> List-Archive: <http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/forum.php?forum=linux-india-general> List-Help: <mailto:linux-india-general-request@lists.sourceforge.net?subject=help> List-Id: General non-technical discussions about Linux in India <linux-india-general.lists.sourceforge.net> List-Post: <mailto:linux-india-general@lists.sourceforge.net> List-Subscribe: <https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/linux-india-general>, <mailto:linux-india-general-request@lists.sourceforge.net?subject=subscribe> List-Unsubscribe: <https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/linux-india-general>, <mailto:linux-india-general-request@lists.sourceforge.net?subject=unsubscribe> Reply-To: linux-india-general(a)lists.sourceforge.net Subject: [LIG] London University doesn't permit Linux/Unix To: ilugd(a)wpaa.org, linux-india-general(a)lists.sourceforge.net X-AntiVirus: OK! AntiVir MailGate Version 2.0.0.0 at hbcse.tifr.res.in has not found any known virus in this email. X-BeenThere: linux-india-general(a)lists.sourceforge.net X-Mailman-Version: 2.0.9-sf.net X-Original-Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 09:35:23 +0530 X-Spam-Status: No, hits=0.4 required=7.0 tests=SUPERLONG_LINE version=2.31 Interesting... http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&selm=7d532ada.020918… I'm moving into King's College (London University) student accomodation at the moment. They give out LAN connections, which is great! But to my horror, I find this text in their terms and conditions: > You may not run any Unix operating system since they can represent a serious > risk to network integrity. Any student found running a Unix system (e.g. > Linux) connected to the College network will have that system disconnected. <snip> -- Raju -- Raju Mathur raju(a)kandalaya.org http://kandalaya.org/ It is the mind that moves ------------------------------------------------------- This sf.net email is sponsored by: Influence the future of Java(TM) technology. Join the Java Community Process(SM) (JCP(SM)) program now. http://ads.sourceforge.net/cgi-bin/redirect.pl?sunm0002en _______________________________________________ Linux-india-general mailing list Linux-india-general(a)lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/linux-india-general ----- End forwarded message -----

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US State Congressman tries to ban the GPL
by Sayamindu Dasgupta 23 Oct '02

23 Oct '02

Hello, I just got this at newforge - entire text copy pasted (apologies for that) It would be helpful if you can fwd this to your American friends, who in turn can write to these Congressmen. -regards- Sayamindu PS: Sayan, could you post an article on this at www.peacefualction.org, I am not being able to access the administrative interface =========Begin Message================ Wednesday October 23, 2002 - [ 12:47 PM GMT ] Print this Article Topic - Government An anonymous reader writes: "Leaders of the New Democrat Coalition attempt to outlaw GPL. A call to sign off on explicit rejection of "licenses that would prevent or discourage commercial adoption of promising cyber security technologies developed through federal R & D." has been issued by Adam Smith, Congressman for the Ninth District in the State of Washington. It's already signed off on by Rep. Tom Davis(R-Va), Chairman of Government Reform Subcomittee on Technology, and Rep. Jim Turner (D-TX) Ranking Member of the same committee, with the backing of Rep. Jim Davis (D-FL), and Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI). It's a note to fellow New Democrats under the guise of protecting commercial interest's right to make money from the fruits of federal R & D, and to sign off on an attached letter to Richard A. Clarke, Chair of the President's Critical Infrastructure. They are attempting to convince Clarke, Chair of the President's that licensing terms such as "those in the GNU or GPL" are restrictive, preclude innovation, improvement, adoption and establishment of commercial IP rights. Let's take a look at the highlights: 1) They use the Internet, by virtue of TCP/IP, as "proof" of their thesis. 2) They state that you cannot improve OR adopt OR commercialize GPL software. 3) They state that you cannot integrate GPL'd software with proprietery software. 4) They say you should keep publicly funded code away from the public sector, so that proprietary interests can make money from the work. 5) They equate a lack of understanding of the GPL with valid reasoning against it. In essence, that non-proprietary interests should not be allowed to use, adopt, improve, or make money from the work. That taxpayers should pay for it twice. And that nobody should be able to stop commercial entities from taking publicly funded code, they will then close off. Write or fax each of the Congressmen mentioned as supporting this, and let them know they have been given bad information and that categorically anti-opensource and anti-GPL stance will be reflected at voting time: Rep. Jim Davis 424 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3376 Fax: (202) 225-5652 Webmail: http://www.house.gov/jimdavis/message.html Rep. Tom Davis 306 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-4611 Phone: (202) 225-1492 Fax: (202) 225-3071 Rep. Ron Kind 1713 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202.225.5506 Fax: 202.225.5739 Rep. Adam Smith 116 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-8901 Fax: 202-225-5893 E-Mail: http://www.house.gov/adamsmith/contact/contact.htm l Rep. Jim Turner 208 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2401 Fax: (202) 225-5955 For those without e-mail listed, email them at: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ Here's the note to the New Democrats from Smith, Kind and J. Davis: Support Innovation in Cybersecurity -- Sign The Attached Dear Colleague Deadline: Friday, October 18th Dear New Democrat Colleague: Attached is a letter that is being sent to Dick Clarke, the Chair of the President's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board. As he shapes the "National Strategy"on cybersecurity, it is important to affirm that government R&D should be made available under intellectual property licenses that allow for further development and commercialization of that work. Licenses such as the General Public License (GPL) are problematic and threaten to undermine innovation and security. I urge you to sign this letter. As you know, the basis of the Internet - the TCP/IP protocol - is a result of federal R&D efforts at DARPA. The advancement and commercialization of this research provided significant economic growth as well as gains in productivity and efficiency. Public-private partnerships have been hallmarks of technological innovation and government has played a positive role in fostering innovation by allowing the private sector to develop commercial products from the results of publicly funded research. As such it is important that the National Strategy reject any licenses that would prevent or discourage commercial adoption of promising cybersecurity technologies developed through federal R&D. The terms of restrictive license's - such as those in the GNU or GPL - prevent companies from adopting, improving, commercializing and deriving profits from the software by precluding companies from establishing commercial IP rights in any subsequent code. Thus, if government R&D creates a security innovation under a restrictive license, a commercial vendor will not integrate that code into its software. So long as government research is not released under licensing terms that restrict commercialization, publicly funded research provides an important resource for the software industry. New Democrats have long supported public-private partnerships -- it's important that any licenses do not compromise a company's intellectual property rights in their own technology. I encourage you to sign the attached letter to Mr. Clarke. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Mullen (Rep. Jim Turner; 5-2401) or John Mulligan (Rep. Adam Smith; 5-8901). Thank you. Sincerely, Adam Smith Member of Congress Ron Kind Member of Congress Jim Davis Member of Congress Text of attached letter to Mr. Clarke Congress of the United States Washington DC 20515 October 8, 2002 Honorable Richard A. Clarke Chair, President's Critical Infrastructure Board The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. Clarke: We are writing to submit our views on the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace that you circulated for comment on September 18, 2002. We believe the National Strategy should explicitly recognize that overall cyber security will improve if federally funded research and development is made available to Americans under intellectual property licenses that allow for further development and commercialization of that work product. This is a long-standing federal principle that should be explicitly stated in the National Strategy. The leading example of this principle is DARPA's research in the 1970s that resulted in TCP/IP - the key set of communications standards that form the technical basis of today's Internet. These communications standards were made available under licensing terms allowing their integration into commercial software, which in turn enabled a wide range of companies to develop innovative communication and networkingservices. Taxpayers are still realizing a tremendous return on that federal investment through Internet driven productivity gains, economic growth, job creation, and individual empowerment that could not have been predicted by the federal, academic and private sector researchers who developed TCP/IP. However, none of these returns would have been possible unless the research was made available under licensing terms that allowed the private sector to commercialize TCP/IP. Nor would the government and industry have enjoyed the fruits of this economic activity-- fruits that have funded additional research and development-- unless it had been made available for commercialization. It would be very unfortunate - indeed, couterproductive and contrary to the public-private partnership that is at the core of the national cyber security strategy - if companies were reluctant to adopt promising security technologies produced by federal research for fear that doing so may compromise their intellectual property rights in their own technology. For these reasons, it is essential that the National Strategy affirm federal tradition by explicitly rejecting licenses that would prevent or discourage commercial adoption of promising cyber security technologies developed through federal R&D. We commend your hard work on an issue of pressing importance, appreciate the opportunity to participate in this process, and trust you'll consider our views when you issue the final version of your report. Sincerely, (signed) Tom Davis (signed) Jim Turner Ranking Member, Reform Subcommittee on Technology NOTE: Their letter is addressed to Mr. Clarke who has *not* expressed support of this initiative."

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Fsf-friends October 2002