Fsf-friends November 2002

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43 participants
108 discussions

LINK: No Windows in West Bengal schools?
by Frederick Noronha 15 Nov '02

15 Nov '02

http://www.zdnetindia.com/news/national/stories/nsl,70367.html No Windows in West Bengal schools? Indranil Chakraborty, Kolkata, November 13, 2002 The West Bengal government is considering using open-source operating systems (OS) like Linux as an alternative to Microsoft Corp's Windows OS in its school computer literacy programme, and has approached hardware maker International Business Machines (IBM) to provide the system support.

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Re: Sibrary Software
by Frederick Noronha 15 Nov '02

15 Nov '02

Really sorry, I forgot to include Shivprasad Ajgaonkar's email id in the past mail. It is i_am_shiv(a)yahoo.co.in Tks, FN

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Free Software: What does freedom really mean... to whom?
by Frederick Noronha 15 Nov '02

15 Nov '02

>From geert(a)desk.nl Sun Nov 10 15:12:16 2002 > 'Free' Software doesn't mean the same as zero-cost software. It means > that, unlike proprietory software, it gives freedom to its users as > outlined in the GNU General Public License. That's a bit of a myth, Frederic. Free software potentially only gives freedom to those users who are capable of programming, who know how to write code and want to change the source code of a program. For non-technical users this freedom is a nice idea but meaningless. With the rise in users, coders are a diminishing group of people. Normal users may expect other 'freedoms' or values. I think it is time for the programmers community to take this in account and stop the Stallman talk of freedom, free lunch and free beer once and for all. These metaphors are not only confusing but also running out in a time when free software really becomes popular and transcends its original scene where every user by default was a programmer. It is time to take the non-technical user into account. That's the 'cultural turn' the free software movement is heading towards. Ciao, Geert --------------END OF GEERT's NOTE----------------------------------- Geert, There was another point that I was thinking of, in parallel. Free Software talks about four freedoms. Freedom 0, 1, 2 and 3. Perhaps it would make sense to include a fifth freedom: Freedom of users to get access to computing power at a price that does not exclude them simply because they don't have the resources to pay. Tell me if this is being unrealistic.... Of course we're not still misconstruing the word 'free' to mean zero-price here. But the fact that GPL'd software is copyable without unfair restrictions on sharing it with your neighbour, surely means that it mostly cannot/will not be priced at astronomical prices, as in the case of proprietorial or non-free software. This may not seem important from a programers point of view. But from a user's point of view, it is. More so in the price-sensitive countries which we live in. As a user myself (who hasn't done a line of code in my life), this issue is something that has been gaining my attention subconsciously and otherwise. It is great that the idealism of the Free Software programmers eggs them on to write world-class software, often (or in many cases) without thinking of financial returns alone. That they share the fruit of their work with others is also great. So is the fact that this helps spread the process for creation and sharing of knowledge. But where does the user fit into this whole project? On another issue, I think that the ideals of Free Software need to be extended to other fields too (including journalism, where the money has become good in recent years in countries like India but increasingly journalists are feeling choked by their inability to express themselves freely). Maybe there is still confusion in understanding the issues involved. But this debate could help. Copying this to others for a wider debate. Flames welcome. 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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Re: [Fsf-india] [Fsf-press] Press Release from FSF India
by CK Raju 15 Nov '02

15 Nov '02

That was an excellent artwork, timed perfectly to match the rhetoric. FSF should be smart enough now, to eliminate and nip out in the bud, 'mock representations' of Free Software, when it comes up for discussion at Government level, to avoid recurrance of 'comic history' and further confusion. Well done and cheers. CK Raju

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swatantra billing software?
by klak＠giasbm01.vsnl.net.in 15 Nov '02

15 Nov '02

-- Khuzaima A. Lakdawala

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NEWS: Gates threatening spirit of freedom -- free software guru
by Frederick Noronha 14 Nov '02

14 Nov '02

Gates threatening spirit of freedom: free software guru >From Indo-Asian News Service New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Microsoft chairman Bill Gates threatens the spirit of freedom, the founder of the free software movement said here even as the world's richest man began a tour of India. Richard Stallman said in the Indian capital Monday evening that Microsoft and Gates -- who arrived here on a four-day visit the same day -- were perpetuating systems that threaten the freedom of computer users. Stallman was in the city to release his book "No Sir, No Monopoly! Free Software - A Perspective". Published by Prajashakti publishers, the book was released by B.K. Kcayla, convenor of the national working group on patent laws. Stallman, who has emerged as a symbol against everything that Bill Gates has stood for, is also the founder of the GNU software project out of which has emerged the Linux operating system -- available free or in low-cost software packages. Clad informally, Stallman seemed every inch the man he is reputed to be. After walking to the podium sans his shoes, Stallman said: "This is a struggle for freedom and independence. Non-free software, like the ones sold by Microsoft, divides people. "It is like not being allowed to share your favourite cooking recipes with your friends. One cannot exchange recipes, one cannot change the cooking nor does one know anything about the ingredients - that is the world of non-free software, developed by Microsoft. "It doesn't allow any software to be shared and one has to pay for running these programmes. In India, it would cost an enormous amount and a big drain on resources. "Non-free software violates the spirit of goodwill that is so important for human society and civilization. It is akin to the exploitative colonial system. "When Bill Gates donates computer systems to schools, it is like gifting cigarettes. It is initially free but when you get hooked you have to pay for it. Non-free software programmes are like that. It will be available free of cost but for a couple of years only." Gates is pledging a large donation to health projects in India through his Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Said Stallman: "Gates is donating a small fraction of what he has squeezed out of computer users." "What India should do is to resist against non-free software collectively. The good effects of globalisation can come about only through the use of non-free software," Stallman argued. In India, Linux is used by less than 10 percent of the country's personal computers and server computers. India has an estimated half-million individual software developers. There are an estimated four million PCs in use in India among the nation's billion people. --Indo-Asian News Service

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RE: Writing a text book for Free Software
by Andrea Goetzke 14 Nov '02

14 Nov '02

Dear Frederick, dear Baiju, this is an assignment that could definitely be posted as an online volunteering assignment into our website. A colleague of mine recently recruited online volunteer advisors on Linux questions for our ICT volunteer programme (UNITeS). Those online volunteers answered Linux related questions of the ICT volunteers that were placed into projects via UNITeS, and that are linked up via an online community. She had mentioned that she got some highly qualified people involved into this assignment. - In order to post your assignment into our website, and recruit online volunteers from all over the world, you need to create a NetAid account first. You do this here: http://www.netaid.org/membership/join.pt. - After that you need to register your organization, i.e. "Create a Group". You find the registration forms either in your personal page (My NetAid, that you get after creating your account) in the right column ("Create a Group"), or here: http://www.netaid.org/groups/create_group_instructions.pt?ctx=member_home (you can only access this link after creating your account). - Please indicate in your registration that you are registering because you would like to post an online volunteering assignment. This triggers an alert to us, so that we can review your registration. If everything is ok, we publish your assignment the next day. - I encourage you to read all the material about Online Volunteering that we offer in our website: http://www.netaid.org/ov/index_html, especially the section for online volunteer host organizations http://www.netaid.org/ov/hosts/index_html, and the FAQ http://www.netaid.org/ov/faqs/index_html. Please don't hesitate to contact me for any questions, concerns, suggestions etc. Best regards, Andrea Goetzke -----Original Message----- From: Frederick Noronha [mailto:fred@bytesforall.org] Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 8:20 PM To: baiju(a)sdf.lonestar.org; fsf-friends(a)gnu.org.in Cc: Andrea Goetzke Subject: Writing a text book for Free Software o Baiju M <baiju(a)sdf.lonestar.org> reports from the South Indian state of Kerala (November 2002, email): "We have required volunteers for textbook preperation in Kerala (9th standard). Please see: http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-edu/2002-November/000091.html Its very urgent, please come forward to volunteer." - - - - - - - - Baiju, I wonder if this could be a possible activity for NetAid, run by the UN volunteers. What do you feel Andrea? It's possible that someone out there has good GNU/Linux skills, the creativity and the time? A worthy cause indeed. 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 >From Andrea.Goetzke(a)unvolunteers.org Thu Nov 14 00:45:54 2002 > Dear Frederick, > nice to meet you. > I think the tasks you are looking for volunteers for can be performed well > by online volunteers, i.e. volunteers who engage in the task from anywhere > in the world, through the Internet. > Online volunteers can do research for you on Indian language solutions for > computing, and maybe you also find an expert who can advise you on how to > implement/programme Indian language solutions. > Also, online volunteers are perfectly suited to research GNU/Linux groups > and to reach out to them, and tell them about your group, build links, > maybe build and moderate online discussions etc. > > You can find online volunteers by publishing your needs in the Online > Volunteering section of the NetAid website (http://www.netaid.org/ov). > All published assignments can be found via a search engine. The number of > people looking for volunteering assignments exceeds the number of > organizations looking for volunteers, so the probability that you findgood > candidates quickly is quite high. > We don't pre-select applications,but the applications are emaileddirectly > to you, i.e. the organization that posted an assignment. > > In order to publish your online volunteering assignments in the NetAid > site, you need to: > - First register with NetAid (in the "Join" section). > - As a registered member you have your personal "My NetAid" page. Fromhere > you can register the organization that you would like to publish > assignments for. You need to post assignments on behalf of an officially > registered non-profit organization. You register your organization via > "Create A Group" from your "My NetAid" page. > - As a registered, and vetted (this just takes 1-2 days) organization you > can go ahead and publish your online volunteering assignment in the site. > > If you would like a volunteer to get involved with you on-site, there are > possibilities as well. But how I understand your question, I think "online > volunteering" is the first option to try. Let me know if you are more > interested in the on-site alternative. > > Please also let me know if you have more questions. To get a good sense of > what Online Volunteering means in practice, and to read good examples, I > suggest you browse our site: http://www.netaid.org/ov. > > Greetings from Bonn, > > Andrea > > -----Original Message----- > From: Frederick Noronha [mailto:fred@bytesforall.org] > Sent: Saturday, September 21, 2002 8:05 PM > To: andrea.goetzke(a)unvolunteers.org > Subject: From India > > Hi Andrea Goetzke, > > Could you find volunteers who could (i) help us take further plans to find > Indian language solutions for computing (ii) help build links between > GNU/Linux groups in India and abroad? ...

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Is this true?
by Frederick Noronha 14 Nov '02

14 Nov '02

From: "Roberto Verzola" <rverzola(a)gn.apc.org> There is already an internationally-recognized mechanism for bringing down prices of proprietary software (in fact, all items protected by IPR). Any government with the political will can use compulsory licensing to permit third parties to copy and distribute Microsoft products while compelling that third party to pay royalties to Microsoft, at rates set by the government. WTO has weakened compulsory licensing, but it is still there; it just needs a stronger political will from governments. Roberto Verzola Philippines

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Re: [gscp] Goa Syllabus for Linux
by Frederick Noronha 14 Nov '02

14 Nov '02

Two points: (i) The syllabus does not need to be "Linuxised", it just needs to be made product-neutral and OS-neutral, and task-oriented. (ii) Secondly, apart from just doing the above, it also needs to be reevaluated. Look at the crap they're being taught in schools in Goa! I could easily volunteer anytime. But educationists are going to turn around and say that the syllabi was framed by people without a background in pedagogy. Apparently Dr Nagarajuna of the TIFR is working on collating comparative syllabi of different institutions (if I recall right... my 'hard-disc' is too cluttered). We need to see what the others are doing, and perhaps go in for a best-case practise. FN On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, Daryl Martyris wrote: > While Kerala forges ahead on developing a Linux computer curriculum, our very own Goa computer syllabus needs to be Linux-ized. Linux is de-facto being used in all the 18 schools we have finished setting up with LTSP, but we need a volunteer to go through the syllabus and replace the MS terms with Linux ones e.g. Windows with Linux, Ms Office with abiword, Excel with Gnumeric, so that it can be presented to the Goa Board. > ..about 1 hour's worth work..any takers..? > > Syllabus attached if anyone's up for this. > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Frederick Noronha > To: Arun M > Cc: gscp(a)yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, November 11, 2002 10:53 PM > Subject: [gscp] LINK: Volunteers required for textbook preperation > > > This is for both English and Malayalam. FN > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > Section on Wordprocessing, programming, spreadsheet(partial),desktop > (partial) done. Materials on Freesoftware needs to be made so that it > can be added as boxes. Write up on tools like Dr Genius has to be made. > > More important is support service network. Arranging for training master > trainers. Providing distro CDs. > > > Can you put up the syllabus also, so that we know what exactly is the > > scope of the text book? > > Area & sub Area > --------------- > > * Word Processing > > + technological terms & tools > > > Curriculum Objectives > --------------------- > > + To open word processor > + To format typed text with an aesthetic sense and accuracy > + To insert clip arts and word arts appropriately > + To identify the situation where the templates can be used. > + To use template as part of the day day to activity. > + To edit and modify text and graphics so as to suit individual > situation. > + To insert table in a document, and format it. > + To select the most appropriate tool for specific task. > + To check spelling and grammar > > > * Spread sheet > > + tools and methods > + technological terms & tools > + practical issues > > Curriculum Objectives > --------------------- > > + To open Spread sheet > + To use appropriate &n various tasks. > + To identify most suitable method to navigate through cells > + To apply formula in a cell and bring its relation to other cells. > + To format cells and sheets. > + To apply logic in accomplishing a task. > + To aesthetically arrange a work book. > + To use graph and charts using wizards. > to enhance communication efficiency. > + To easily prepare summary and & statistics. > + To insert hyperlinks to other documents. > > > * Presentation software > > + tools and methods > + technological terms & tools > + practical issues > + As a powerful teaching and learning tool > > Curriculum Objectives > --------------------- > > + To open presentation software > + To use appropriate tool for various tasks. > + To identify the most suitable method to prepare > slides > + To insert and format texts in slides. > + To insert pictures in slides > + To insert word art on slides > + To apply colours,textures designs and pictures as background. > + To apply background designs. > + To use graphs and charts to enhance communication efficiency > + To use custom animation and sound > + To use slide transition > + To insert sounds videos motion clips etc. in presentation > + To insert hyper links to other slides, other presentation > and other documentation. > > > * Introduction to Graphical Desktop (GNOME ?) > > + tools and methods > + technological terms & tools > + practical issues > > Curriculum Objectives > --------------------- > > + Logging in to the graphical desktop. > + To navigate through the desktop > + To create a graphical file and save it. > + To delete, copy, move, rename and change attribute. > + To create a directory and move its location. > + To customize desktop. > > > * Learning support applications > > > Curriculum Objectives > --------------------- > > + To identify the power of the mathematical > drawing tools available in Dr. Genius > + To enable the student to use IT tools and applications > for effective learning and communications if various subjects > like physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, SS etc. > > > * Introduction programming. > > + Basic Elements > + Syntax > + Conditional > + loops, functions > + simple program > > > Curriculum Objectives > --------------------- > > + To understand basic elements ( variables, statements, expressions ) > + To understand basic structure of a program (syntax) > + Basic functions (I/O , Maths) > + Control structure. > + To understand iteration. > + To understand structured programming. > + To use programming for solving simple problems (maths) > and to write, run and debug simple programs. > > * Introduction GNU/Linux > > + History of GNU > + Ethical issues & free software concepts. > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Fsf-edu mailing list > Fsf-edu(a)mm.gnu.org.in > http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsf-edu > > > Yahoo! Groups Sponsor > ADVERTISEMENT > > > > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > gscp-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. > >

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NEWS: Gates says philanthropy not related to Microsoft
by Frederick Noronha 14 Nov '02

14 Nov '02

Gates says philanthropy not related to Microsoft (LEADS) By Mohammed Shafeeq, Indo-Asian News Service Hyderabad, Nov 14 (IANS) Visiting IT czar Bill Gates has said his philanthropic activities are in no way connected to the operations of his company Microsoft. "The (Bill and Melinda Gates) Foundation is something for which myself and my wife personally provided resources. It is completely independent," Gates said at a brief interaction with the media here Thursday morning. He was answering a question on whether his philanthropic activities were aimed at restoring the sheen that Microsoft lost due to anti-trust proceedings against it. "Microsoft has enabled us to do this but there is no connection between the activities of the foundation and the software activity," said Gates shortly after launching the second phase of a children's vaccine programme funded by the foundation in Andhra Pradesh. "It was our commitment 10 years ago that whatever wealth we earn we will give back to the society," said the world's richest man. Gates, who arrived here Wednesday night on a daylong visit, revealed that the urgency of health issues forced him to start the foundation early. "This what something I wanted to do in my 60s, but the urgency of health issues made me start this activity at a younger age," said 46-year-old Gates. He said the foundation has committed at least $1.2 billion worldwide to support the prevention and control of infectious diseases by either strengthening existing immunisation programmes or by developing new vaccines. --Indo-Asian News Service

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Fsf-friends November 2002