Fsf-friends December 2003

fsf-friends@gnu.org.in

43 participants
89 discussions

Re: [Fsf-friends] Free(dom) Software?
by Manoj tr 30 Dec '03

30 Dec '03

Hai All, Free as in freedom is a good idea. We can use freedom instead of the cunning word "free". But one thing is important. We will accept all free software movments as a freedom mind and prevent all things that against the freedom s/w with no excuse. Manoj ----- Original Message ----- From: Krishna Pagadala <krishnaact(a)yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2003 21:46:44 -0800 (PST) To: fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in Subject: [Fsf-friends] Free(dom) Software? > Hi All, > I am calling "free software" as "freedom software" > these days. This is to emphasize that we are talking > about freedoms, this way I am able to avoid the idiom > ``free'' as in ``free speech,'' not as in ``free > beer.'', and I hope that the idiom will become > unnecessary. > > Does anybody have an opinion on this? Unless I hear > good reasons for why it should be otherwise, I will be > using "freedom software" when I try and explain free > software movement. > > Also in written communication, I am writing > "Free(dom)" instead of "Free", should I just be using > "Freedom". Please let me know. > > RMS, if you are reading this. Do you have any > opinion on this usage? > > This is particularly important for me, since I am > starting to give talks on Free Software Movement, (to > friends mostly, in Bay Area, California, USA). The > title of the next talk is > "Freedom, Development and Justice in the context of > Free(dom) Software Movement" > > Thanks > Krishna > > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. > http://photos.yahoo.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > Fsf-friends mailing list > Fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends -- ______________________________________________ Check out the latest SMS services @ http://www.linuxmail.org This allows you to send and receive SMS through your mailbox. Powered by Outblaze

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[Fsf-friends] DOEACC Drops Microsoft From Syllabus, Ushers In Open Source
by Soundara Rajan N.S 30 Dec '03

30 Dec '03

DOEACC Drops Microsoft From Syllabus, Ushers In Open Source ASHU KUMAR NEW DELHI: In what could hit MicrosoftÂ's interest in Indian market, the government owned non-formal software education outfit DOEACC has silently modified its syllabus dropping subjects on Microsoft technologies and increasing focus on open operating systems such as Linux. DOEACC Â- earlier known as Department of Electronics Accreditation of Computer Courses Â- currently has around 4.6 lakh students enrolled with its accredited institutions in different courses known as O, A B and C Level schemes. Microsoft Â- a majority market share holder in operating and desktop software products Â- spends substantial money and efforts to promote its own technologies in the student community. The idea is to catch students young and increase the skillbase of Microsoft technologies. The new DOEACC syllabus, which is applicable for the ongoing semester, does not include Windows Programming and Visual Basic for A and B level courses. Besides, Linux has been added in the detailed syllabus of a subject called Â'Operating SystemsÂ'. The DOEACC revises its syllabus every three years. The syllabus books of DOEACC clearly mention that one of the salient features of revised version is Â'inclusion of free domain softwareÂ'. When contacted, a highly placed official of DOEACC Â- an autonomous body under the administration of Department of Information Technology Â- confirmed the move to increase focus on open source software. Â"We have dropped obsolete technologies such as COBOL programming and several new subjects have been introduced such as Mobile Computing and Software Quality management. Moreover, the new syllabus focuses more on open source technologies rather than on proprietary technologies,Â" he said. Microsoft officials could not be reached for comment. DOEACC imparts computer training to students through its own and accredited private institutions across the country while keeping control of course curriculum and examination process. DOEACC has also started imparting courses in emerging areas such as computer hardware, bio-informatics and call centre skills. Â"We have recently started a bio-informatics course which is available through our own seven institutes and will soon be expanded to accredited computer training centers as well,Â" said a DOEACC official. The government agency has also started offering courses to train manpower with communication and computer skills to be used in emerging call center industry. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=49421 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Posted by N.S. Soundara Rajan, Freelance IT journalist, Columnist "Deccan Herald" Knowledge networker ...connecting people to people and people to knowledge

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[Fsf-friends] Free Software CD's (Clean Distributions) and learning to reason
by Ramanraj K 29 Dec '03

29 Dec '03

Manilal wrote: > I think we should think in this direction. > But the main problem who will provide the funds ? We heavy rely upon the commercial distributions for installing the kernel, shells, cron, gcc, KDE, GNOME and the basic directories and scripts that we collectively call the system. Knoppix, that is released under the GPL, does a decent job of installing these. However, the only issue with Knoppix is that it uses *.deb files to install applications, ie. precompiled software. Ideally, we should compile the other applications we use regularly, from source. This way, we can quickly update with patches, make customizations, make contributions, uninstall old versions and install new releases with ease. The clean and easy installation and distribution method should be preferred. The source code in tar or bzip files may be expanded in /usr/local/src into their respective directories. A simple script like the one given below, can make and install from the sources: #!/usr/bin/bash echo "installing apache, php and postgresql ..." cd apache_1.3.20 ./configure --prefix=/usr/local/apache cd ../php-4.3.2 ./configure --with-apache=../apache_1.3.20 --enable-inline-optimization make make install cd ../apache_1.3.20 ./configure --prefix=/usr/local/apache --activate-module=src/modules/php4/libphp4.a make make install cd ../postgresql-7.3.2 ./configure gmake gmake install # installation complete. # start servers ... # /usr/local/apache/bin/apachectl start # read and follow the INSTALL directions for each exit As you see, it does not require lots of funds to write and use a simple script like this. Further, this is also desirable, because, for an application like php, one may add more arguments to the configure line, if appropriate. The most important thing we can learn from Free Software, is the importance of reasoning for one's self, without shifting this burden to others. Constant reference and use of source code is a must to understand how and why the code works. *rpm and *deb do not encourage reasoning. Seeking source files, and compiling from them, is the right way to stay in control. Once all users understand how to install and use applications directly from the sources, would they seek a commercial package?

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RE: RE: [Fsf-friends] Free(dom) Software?
by Senthil_OR＠Dell.com 29 Dec '03

29 Dec '03

> -----Original Message----- > From: Suraj > > Senthil_OR(a)Dell.com wrote on Mon, Dec 29, 2003 at 01:52:41AM -0600: > ,---- > | The term "Freedom Software" is really good. If it had > been used > | intially, It could have perhaps ( In my opinion) > `---- > > The main problem lies here, though: > > http://www.freedomsoftware.com/pages/1/index.htm > > They have nothing to do with Free(dom) software. And even there is no Registration or Trademark information. So "No Problems". But during the start of the movement, why was not "Freedom Software" discussed? -Senthil

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Happy birthday Linus!
by SRIKANTH NS 28 Dec '03

28 Dec '03

Hey, Has anybody noticed? In Slashdot, it was mentioned that today (28th Dec) is Linus Torvald's birthday. http://slashdot.org/articles/03/12/28/005231.shtml?tid=137&tid=185 Let us all wish him "Happy Birthday" N S Srikanth

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[Fsf-friends] Unique Event to show case GNU/Linux in Mumbai and Call for Help!
by Nagarjuna G. 28 Dec '03

28 Dec '03

Long Mail! Hi, Summary: this note is to inform and seek your help for FSF Stall at the WSF Event, manage the Media Centre, and give any helping hand (time and money). Richard Stallman and several other leaders of Free software from Europe, Latin America will be visiting. We have a unique event to organize and witness in Mumbai this January, an international event called World Social Forum. Read more about it from http://www.wsfindia.org. Since the use of Swatantra Software (read free software) is concieved as an important social and ethical practice by the organizers of this event, which actually takes place every year at one place or other in the world, they have agreed to use only GNU/Linux in an important facility of the event called Media Centre. Media Centre is a place where all the journalists from all around the world who will visit the place to cover the event will be using the computers to send emails, exchange documents with their offices, compose articles etc. This Media Centre will be using exclusively GNU/Linux. An important occassion for all of us to celebrate! But, at the same time a very crucial responsibility. There will be 160 PC running GNU/Linux. We dont want to accept any failures. All the journalists who will be coming there are NOT GNU/linux users. At most they know how to use a desktop. So we will provide them with the best of what GNU/Linux provides with best office software, and a few of the communication tools they need to work. These PC are required to be internationalized so that they could with a touch of a button could be able to use different keyboards. It is expected most people will be using French, Spanish, German and English. Several East Europian and Asian friends are also expected. We should install, test, and maintain all the machines before they are deployed for ten days, the actual event is from 16th to 22nd January. Media Centre should begin functioning from 15th afternoon to 23rd morning. There is another facility where online translation of the speaches will be provided. The people who want translation will be using a radio, sets will be provided, and an FM station will be setup for this purpose. Even for this hitech event the organizers have chosen to use GNU/Linux. FSF Europe and others are helping this to happen. FSF India Stall: At this stall we will have people telling and distributing information, and other goodies if any to the visitors. Richard Stallman will be there all the six days in Mumbai and he will be giving around 4-5 speaches and will be participating in several round table meetings. Our repsonsibility is to provide enough volunteers who know GNU/linux Desktop well to help the journalists and other important visitors to use the computers at the Media Centre. So, please try to volunteer to support this event and take up a responsibility. Since the media centre is required to be running 24 hours, we need to do a shift system so that we are always there to help. We need to people who would like to help the users to do their tasks, such as sending mails, printing documents, saving files, making CDs when they leave, composing documents, spell checking, setting the language options, providing internet facility etc. The technical skills needed are not very high. More than general familiarity to GNU/linux is enough. The PC will have either GNOME or KDE installed. We also need some experts around to trouble shoot and fix installation related problems. We need about 40 volunteeers in all, with about 15 people to be there during the day time on any day. Let me remind the dates are 15th to 22nd. Installation will team however will start the work by 12th morning. BTW, the venue is National Stock Exchange grounds Goregaon. We cant get a better opportunity to show case to the world that Swatantra Software is mature and will meet the IT aspirations of people. If you want to become a volunteer, please subscribe to the mailing list at http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/wsf-volunteers This list will be used to coordinate and understand the skill profile of people so that we know what to expect from whom. Those of you who cannot donate your time, please generously come forward to donate money to FSF India. Only cheques drawn in favour of FSF India will be accepted, no cash. Let us join hands to make this event a big success. Nagarjuna Director FSF india

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Indian Express
by Manilal K M 26 Dec '03

26 Dec '03

We had demonstrated the software before Sajith at IT Mission. He then commented that they opt Mandrake for this purpose. I think there is no difference between Mandrake and RedHat. The copyright issues were not raised by Sajith but complained only about the functioning of the Software package developed by CDIT. I don't blame him for this matter. Because raising such issues(copyright) is not his duty. The Akshaya logo was printed on all CD's. But the RedHat logo is printed only on the CDs which contained the RedHat distro. Manilal ----- Original Message ----- From: Arun M <arun(a)gnu.org.in> Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2003 17:04:02 +0530 To: Anil <anil(a)samadhanam.org> Subject: Re: [Fsf-friends] Indian Express > > > Here there is no case of trademark infringement. The CDs which are labelled > > with redhat logo contains only redhat distributed packages. All the stuffs > > developed by CDIT is distributed in a CD with Akshaya logo. It does not > > contains any reference of redhat. > > > > Whatever CDIT has attempted is legally justified. > > > I saw a package which had RedHat logo and Akshya logo. Also i dont > remember seeing any paper which said warranty is not available with the > CDs. Any way as CDs were not yet distributed technically CDIT is in safe > position. IT Mission would have faced legal probs when they distribute > the CDs to Akshya Centers. > > Myself and Sajith told IT Mission and a CDIT person involved in the > project abt possible issues. Response from the CDIT person was really > bad. Later some discussion happened between IT Mission, CDIT, RedHat > India etc. > > BTW, the reporter of India Express seems to be anti-free software guy. > It is not the first time he is making a report which can hurt free > software movement. > > > > _______________________________________________ > Fsf-friends mailing list > Fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends -- ______________________________________________ Check out the latest SMS services @ http://www.linuxmail.org This allows you to send and receive SMS through your mailbox. Powered by Outblaze

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In Goa (India), we meet by the beach.
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 26 Dec '03

26 Dec '03

GOA is one of the popularly-visited tourist destinations of India. Our GNU/Linux users' group decided to shift this month's event (and possibly future ones too) to a venue by our scenic coast. We meet-up at the canteen of the Kala Academy, an arts and performing centre just outside the state-capital of Panjim. Holidayers in this part of the globe are more than welcome! ILUG-Goa, the GNU/Linux network, meets in Goa this Saturday, Dec 27, 4 pm. In keeping with our plans for meeting at more scenic locales, we will be meeting up at Campal this week. Someone suggested we meet up at a beach shack -- who knows, we might. Our friendly LUG's motto is shifting to: "You pay for what you eat and the tea; the beach and the technology come free." Talks for this week: LinuxBIOS project and a made-in-Goa Grub patch (by Yunus Shaikh and team, from Ponda) XFCE and why it appeals to me -- Prof Anil Seth, head of IT Department, PCC College, Verna. Mario Alvares -- Saraswati: one-mind. An information sharing system for schools in Goa, through connecting them via the Internet. A low-cost solution that enables member schools to share knowledges and resources with others. http://www.knowledgeinitiatives.org/saraswati Discussion (Animesh Nerurkar): plans for promoting GNULinux to Khandola, a local college. More details at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa Contact: mobile 0 9822 122436 (FN) FN -- Frederick Noronha : http://www.fredericknoronha.net Ph 0091.832.2409490 Freelance Journalist : http://www.bytesforall.org Ph 0091.832.2409783 http://fredericknoronha.blogware.com Cell 0 9822 122436

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Free Media should understand Free Software
by Manilal K M 26 Dec '03

26 Dec '03

Hai Ramanraj, I remember that once we had a discussion in affording computer access to everybody in the country. At that time you have pointed out many facts including the scandals in India The Government itself had taken a initiative in promoting IT among common people(AKSHAYA). It gains more significance when the project happens to be implemented on "Free Software" also. So that the advantages of FS may reach them also. An attempt is made to topple this effort and that was the background of such a report in NIE. CDIT is one of the public sector institution which had earlier admitted the superiority of FS and had started a good campaign on it. Its getting immense influence in the society. Efforts are also made to downsize CDIT's activities in FS. More details about the CDIT's activities can be had from www.cdit.org/ost.htm regards Manilal ----- Original Message ----- From: Ramanraj K <ramanraj(a)md4.vsnl.net.in> Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2003 14:25:01 +0530 To: fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in Subject: [Fsf-friends] Free Media should understand Free Software -- ______________________________________________ Check out the latest SMS services @ http://www.linuxmail.org This allows you to send and receive SMS through your mailbox. Powered by Outblaze

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Re: [Fsf-friends] Indian Express
by Manilal K M 26 Dec '03

26 Dec '03

Actually there are two sets of CDs. The first set contains 3CDs which contains the RH LInux 9 OS. The logo is printed only on these CDs. The OS is not customized. It is copied as it is in the RedHat's site. The second set contains a single CD with packages developed by CDIT. This CD doesn't bear the logo of RedHat. The Akshaya project is completely a non-commercial initiative and as I have said earlier there is nothing in copying the logo. Manilal > Apparently, there are two CDs. One containing RPM binaries + sources > of packages created by C-DIT for the Akshya project. The quote above > apparently refers to this CD. > The other contains a customised version of RH. The first quote > apparently refers to this CD. Hope I got it right. Then I take it that > the letter from RH refers to the CD containing the OS. > > May be, you distribute the ISO as it is from RH site; but, as pointed > elsewhere, the RH trade mark policy does not permit that wholesale. > > Maybe, C-DIT/Akshya is not charging anything for the CDs > themselves. But whether one is doing a `commercial activity' is > decided by the Courts by looking into other factors too. > > But more than the Courts, we need to look into the ethical issues > involved. RH does not like their logos to be used; the logos are not > under a free license. Do not distribute them. Period. End of > distribution. > > The costs to be paid to the free software developer community by going > ahead with such distribution will be high. The entire geographical > region will have to bear that. Can we afford it?? > > -- > +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+ > -- ______________________________________________ Check out the latest SMS services @ http://www.linuxmail.org This allows you to send and receive SMS through your mailbox. Powered by Outblaze

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Fsf-friends December 2003