Fsf-friends August 2009

fsf-friends@gnu.org.in

12 participants
15 discussions

by Raj Mathur

Hi, Can someone point me to a comprehensive collection of materials used for training in Free Software in schools in Kerala? Any and all of these would be appreciated: - Teachers' training material - Teachers' training curricula and time frames - Ditto for the Train the Trainers programme - School curricula on and using FS - Accompanying textbooks, training guides, etc. Anything else that is available apart from this would be great. Thanks, -- Raju -- Raj Mathur raju(a)kandalaya.org http://kandalaya.org/ GPG: 78D4 FC67 367F 40E2 0DD5 0FEF C968 D0EF CC68 D17F PsyTrance & Chill: http://schizoid.in/ || It is the mind that moves

13 years, 5 months

Hyderabad based NGO needs help

by Arky

Hi, Hyderabad based NGO Devnar Foundation would like to try free software. Can anyone in Hyderabad help this organsation adopt gnu/Linux. You can contact Eric Ofori (Intern) #040-27536600 Cheers --arky Rakesh 'arky' Ambati| IT Consultant| http://www.braillewithoutborders..org | Blog: http://playingwithsid.blogspot.com Love Cricket? Check out live scores, photos, video highlights and more. Click here http://cricket.yahoo.com

13 years, 6 months

GNU/Linux Preloaded Laptops to Kerala MLAs

by Anivar Aravind

http://anivar.movingrepublic.org/2009/gnulinuxlaptops-to-kerala-mla Kerala NiyamaSabha Website published Tender for Purchasing GNU/Linux Preloaded Laptops to 141 Members of Kerala Legislative assembly The Tender Demands Ubuntu 9.04 Preloaded & Ubuntu compatible / Certified Laptops as Requirements We Must Congratulate TD Kuriachan, Network Administrator, Kerala Legislative Assembly IT Section (cc'd) for Making it as a Free Software Preloaded Purchase. Anivar Aravind -- "The resources of the world are for us all to share. Let us affirm our faith in that common cause" - Dr. Ilina Sen

13 years, 6 months

[X-Post][Commercial] Job Posting for FOSS Project at IITB

by punchagan

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Kadambari Devarajan <kadambari.devarajan(a)gmail.com> Subject: [X-Post][Commercial] Job Posting for FOSS Project at IITB Hello, Project positions are open at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) for a new government funded project on adoption of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) in science and engineering education in India. For details regarding the project, visit : http://fossee.in/ For details regarding applying, please refer the following advertisement / job posting : http://www.ircc.iitb.ac.in/IRCC-Webpage/RecruitmentGenerateAdvertisement.js… (Refer the section under Aerospace Engineering in the advertisement link for the project "Assimilation of Open Source Software in Science and Engineering Education" with code "P(06-1)") Interested candidates should fill and submit the application forms provided here: http://www.ircc.iitb.ac.in/IRCC-Webpage/PDF/Application_online.pdf The last date for receipt of applications is August 31st, 2009. Interested candidates may send in their filled applications by email to : recruit(a)ircc.iitb.ac.in explicitly mentioning the job code.It is mandatory to also send the filled application forms by postal mail to the address mentioned in the advertisement. The email submission is simply to accelerate the process of evaluation since we are close to the deadline. Regards, Kadambari Devarajan, Research Assistant, IITB. -- Puneeth Chaganti

13 years, 6 months

Fwd: [FSF] Free Software Foundation launches public awareness campaign against Microsoft and proprietary software

by Nagarjuna G.

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <peterb(a)fsf.org> Date: Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 12:38 PM Subject: [FSF] Free Software Foundation launches public awareness campaign against Microsoft and proprietary software To: info-press(a)gnu.org, info-member(a)fsf.org, info-fsf(a)gnu.org Windows 7 Sins: Free Software Foundation launches public awareness campaign against Microsoft and proprietary software BOSTON, Massachusetts, USA -- Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 -- The Free Software Foundation (FSF) today launched its "Windows 7 Sins" campaign at http://windows7sins.org, making the case against Microsoft and proprietary software. Preceding the upcoming release of Microsoft Windows 7, the campaign's first public action will also be today -- a freedom rally at 12:00pm on the historic Boston Common. The campaign outlines seven major areas where proprietary software in general and Microsoft Windows in particular hurt all computer users: invading privacy, poisoning education, locking users in, abusing standards, leveraging monopolistic behavior, enforcing Digital Restrictions Management (DRM), and threatening user security. These points are outlined in the text of a letter the campaign mailed to the leaders of the Fortune 500 companies, now published on its Web site. The letter warns "Windows 7 decision makers" about the "lack of privacy, freedom, and security" they will suffer should they adopt Windows 7, and makes the case that they should instead adopt free software such as the GNU/Linux operating system and the office productivity suite OpenOffice.org. FSF executive director Peter Brown said, "Free software is about freedom, not price. Our growing dependence on computers and software requires our society to reevaluate its obsession with proprietary software that spies on citizens' activities and limits their freedom to be in control of their computing. There is free software available right now for any activity you or your business needs, and it is better in the most important aspect -- it respects your freedom." The FSF is asking concerned citizens to help get this message out by nominating other organizational leaders who are also "Windows 7 decision makers" to receive a version of the letter. Brown continued, "Many people are frustrated by the organizations they interact with and their support for a software industry that works against the freedom of citizens. Our national and local governments, NGOs, and our universities and schools that use proprietary software are undertaking bad public policy, often through ignorance or misplaced values. We hope to alert these decision makers to the positive contribution they can make to society by switching their organizations to free software." FSF campaigns manager Matt Lee added, "With |windows7sins.org|, we hope to make businesses and computer users aware of the growing dangers of proprietary software from both Microsoft and other companies such as Apple and Adobe. With the release of Microsoft's updated operating system, business leaders have the opportunity to escape to freedom and join a growing list of leaders who understand that sinking money and time into proprietary software is a dead-end inconsistent with their best interests." More information about the campaign, including the text of the Fortune 500 letter and a mailing list that will provide subscribers with information updates and action alerts, is online at http://windows7sins.org. About the Free Software Foundation The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users' right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software -- particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants -- and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software, and its Web sites, located at fsf.org and gnu.org, are an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to support the FSF's work can be made at http://donate.fsf.org. Its headquarters are in Boston, MA, USA. About Free Software and Open Source The free software movement's goal is freedom for computer users. Some, especially corporations, advocate a different viewpoint, known as "open source," which cites only practical goals such as making software powerful and reliable, focuses on development models, and avoids discussion of ethics and freedom. These two viewpoints are different at the deepest level. For more explanation, see http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html. Media Contacts Matt Lee Campaigns Manager Free Software Foundation +1 (617) 542 5942 x24 campaigns(a)fsf.org <mailto:campaigns@fsf.org> Peter Brown Executive Director Free Software Foundation +1 (617) 542 5942 campaigns(a)fsf.org <mailto:campaigns@fsf.org> info-fsf mailing list info-fsf(a)gnu.org Unsubscribe: http://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/info-fsf -- Nagarjuna G. http://www.gnowledge.org/

13 years, 6 months

Windows 7 Sins: Can FSF India take this up?

by justin joseph

Can FSFIndia take the initiative and mail the letter to companies in India. Also please mail it to the PSU's. http://windows7sins.org/letter/

13 years, 6 months

[Fwd: [FSF] Launching the Windows7sins Campaign - Join us Wednesday in Boston]

by V. Sasi Kumar

An interesting campaign. Maybe we could think of something similar for another day, say the Software Freedom Day? Best Sasi -------- Forwarded Message -------- From: Peter Brown <peterb(a)fsf.org> To: info-member(a)fsf.org, info-fsf(a)gnu.org Subject: [FSF] Launching the Windows7sins Campaign - Join us Wednesday in Boston Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:28:42 -0400 Hi everyone, This Wednesday, August 26 at 11am, the Free Software Foundation will be launching its Windows7sins.org public awareness campaign, drawing attention to the threats posed by the adoption of Microsoft's proprietary operating system. We have a launch event here in Boston on the Boston Commons from noon until 3pm, and we need everyone in the area to come along and help out and join in the ceremony as we conduct a ceremonial trashing of proprietary software. **We'll be launching our Windows 7 campaign with pomp and fanfare, with a giant 12 foot trashcan being filled with boxes of proprietary software.** The event promises to be lots of fun, and with thousands of people passing through the Boston Commons every day we hope you will help us connect with the public by handing out information and explaining the benefits of free software. There will be camera crews and photographers capturing the event and we will be getting these images up online as soon as possible on the day. Let us know you're coming and bring along your friends and work colleagues - mail campaigns(a)fsf.org if you have time to help us set up, or just turn up at the Boston Commons near the entrance to the Public Gardens from noon. If you're not in the Boston area, there will be plenty for you to do to help us launch the campaign and get the message out. Stay tuned for upcoming instructions... Thanks for your support! -- V. Sasi Kumar Free Software Foundation of India Please visit http://swatantryam.blogspot.com

13 years, 7 months

FSMK- newsletter3 -editorial.

by naveen mudunuru

In this edition we choose to write about an important topic concerning each citizen of India. Let us start this with a simple question. Why do we endorse free software? Free software is 'freedom' software. The user has the full freedom to understand the software (by analyzing the source code), has complete freedom to upgrade or customize according to his need, and can also fix the bugs without any dependency. So freedom to understand a piece of source code is very crucial as far as an individual is concerned. *We know this, then why are we reiterating this basic question?* The union budget '09 proposed to provide a Unique Identifier (UID) number to each citizen in this country. It is argued that this UID number would help the Government in identifying targeted beneficiaries for various welfare schemes. Various departments based on their needs, would be using this number. Going forward, this UID number would avert the need for multiple proof of identity for citizens like, ration card, electoral card, pan card, etc.(Apart from availing Government services, it would be used for private needs also, such as opening bank accounts or seeking telephone connections). Hence no doubt, the role of this number is very crucial. Taking all these arguments into consideration, the implementation of this project has to take place with utmost care as it carries a very important projected role as far as society's progress, justice and welfare is concerned. Another important aspect is security. The UID database hold very crucial information and is very much important as far as National Security is concerned. Virtually this UID Database holds the key for all kinds ofinformation. Considering the global and national scenarios, this project is of prime importance. The project is very huge. Initial budget estimation is of Rs 120 crores. And for sure it would be revised multiple times before implementation (and can end up 3 to 5 times above budget estimation considering our practical experiences from the industry.) Any one can oversee the complexity of the work which includes construction of a new online database with identity and biometric details of each citizen of India. We feel this includes development of sophisticated applications which may include many tiers, huge databases, different types of reports, packages etc. It may also include interaction with different existing systems, and migration of data from those system. *So, what has happened? * Well, some disturbing news is heard. “*Microsoft is keen to partner in this project.” *We have serious reservations on the involvement of Microsoft in this crucial project. Freedom is each individual's fundamental right. He cannot allow infiltration to his privacy or dictating terms to him. What about a society? A society can be termed as progressive only when each individual's right and freedom is protected. This is exactly the State's role. It should ensure the freedom and well being of each of its citizens. Microsoft is notorious on denial of the freedom (in digital world). Restricting access to source code and not allowing modifications from users is denial of his fundamental right - freedom to know – which is the corner stone of any society's progress. Denial of freedom to know (for a user and in this context the user is Indian government) gives freedom for Proprietary Software companies to infiltrate his(user's) privacy. The sheer number of anti- rust suits against Microsoft and other Proprietary Software makers is a testimony to the monopolistic tendencies of corporates and their utter disregard to the laws of the land, in pursuit of making money by hook or crook. In one of those cases, Microsoft argued that it cannot continue revealing further information to the judge, as the information is closely related to US national security. In short Microsoft is bound by the US Laws and is having strong strategic alliance with US Government, obviously this is in conflict with our national interest as USA can use this alliance for achieving any objectives they wanted (they have also announced Cyber warfare NSPD 16 for crippling any networks across the world, which makes the whole scenario more complicated). All these facts suggests an impending danger is looming on the sovereignty of India if we allow Microsoft in implementing this project. Just imagine how terrible it will be if the presence of malicious code or bugs in Microsoft's proprietary closed source crashes or corrupts the database, where future ofmillions depends. The source code of a project which is having tremendous importance to India, should be owned solely by the Govt. of India and not by Microsoft or any other corporates. A software can be termed as secure only if the freedom to examine or modify the code lies with its user, in this case Govt. of India. As per IT Act 2000, public systems cannot have malicious code inside. IT Act further says, public systems should not cause leakage of sensitive information relating to "privileges of parliament, trade, or other sensitive information". This can only be ensured if public systems are only on Free Software. Besides this, what if Microsoft resorts to steal the most vital and crucial information (as Satyam computers did to World-bank) and thereby destabilizing the country as part of USA's global imperial agenda? It is unimaginable. Another classic example is the case of Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA, which demonstrated how Proprietary Software is a threat to the sovereignty of a country. ( http://news.northxsouth.com/2008/11/18/protecting-sovereignty-with-free-sof… idea-and-the-duty-of-governmentssays- stallman/). Apart from the security concerns shared above, we identify Microsoft's attempt as a crooked one! Microsoft sees the huge benefits it could accomplish by involving in this project. Huge budget involvement, support work (in software industry, majority of revenue is churned from the support work, and one can not deny the possibility of introducing bugs in the software for getting the support work!), upgradation work, backward entry to National E-commerce project implementations, increased market penetration and forcing of the implementation of IPR and copy right laws by close association with the policy makers etc are few of the advantages they could easily get! Adding to above, storage, distribution and display formats of this crucial data is very important. Openness andInteroperability are two vital and basic requirements for any standard. It is often correctly noted that the closed standards would drive one in to the folds of proprietaryrealm and thereby much serious patent complications. We must ensure that vital data of this stature is stored in formats that are open and free of all constraints like royalties, patent claims etc and there by should not allow to be controlled by anyone. Incidentally,this is also time where India's Draft Policy on Open Standards close to finalization, and in a surprise move, Nasscom – a representing body of the industry and MAIT recommended inclusion of standards under RAND terms and the usage of multiple standards in the same domain. Both of these recommendations have serious implications as far as India's interest is concerned. Issues of interoperability (between different standards), complications (on adhering to multiple standards) and high cost (of proprietary standards and bringing one in to the fold of patent issues) are few of the major issues. We suspect Microsoft's role and motivation on Nasscom and MAIT's recommendation. Another disturbing fact is Nandan Nilakeni whom our union ministry entrusted to implement this crucial project. This project can be handled easily by any senior administrative officer who is having prior experience of implementing complexecommerce applications. He could be biased as his previous company shares, business interest with Microsoft and also they voted for OOXML, much against national interest. Considering his links and role he played in Infosys, the possibility of Infosys being promoted cannot be overruled (and obviously going with the proprietary realm). All indications are that Microsoft is directing heavy lobbying in India for accomplishing its vested interests. Different studies have shown the superiority of Free Software when compared with Proprietary Software. Robert Francis Group (IBM-sponsored research) found securitylevels in GNU/Linux generally exceeded those in Windows, providing a more secure and manageable environment out of the box with significantly more functionality in terms of security integration and management. The Linux kernel programming code is better and more secure than the programming code of most Proprietary Software - based on a four-year analysis of the 5.7 million lines of Linux kernal source code conducted by five Stanford University researchers. So we should use only Free Software for the implementation of this crucial project. It is the only way for developing a superior implementation, in a very economical way which is important for a country like India where majority of population is in poverty and destitution. We are afraid that this project may lead to giving pathway for the Proprietary Software companies and their products to the ecommerce projects, which is against National interest in different ways – Huge economic loss for the national exchequer, inferior quality products, with future liabilities and the most important one - invoking gross vulnerability to National Security and stability. This needed to be countered at any cost. State should have control on the software products it purchases or develops. We cannot allow these proprietary s/w companies to loot public money for inferior quality products and allowing them to infiltrate in to the freedom of our fellow citizens. We appeal our readers to raise your voice against the infiltration attempts of Microsoft(and other companies who endorse proprietary realm in software industry) and to endorse Free Software for keeping nation's interest forefront. “*The most unfortunate thing is that India still* *seems to believe in proprietary solutions”* Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, May 28, 2003 For Other Articles in the new letter. Click on the link http://fsmk.org/node/41 -- regards naveen Be Free, Speak Free, Work Free. Advocate "FREE SOFTWARE", FREE as in FREE SPEECH, not as in FREE BEER

13 years, 7 months

Fwd: [Fsmk-discuss] FSMK Newsletter Volume3

by Vikram Vincent

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Rameez Thonnakkal <ssrameez(a)gmail.com> Date: 2009/8/19 Subject: [Fsmk-discuss] FSMK Newsletter Volume3 To: Dear Friend, FSMK Newsletter Volume3 <http://fsmk.org/node/41> We are proud to say this because of the responses and encouragement you gave us. This time also there are enough and more reasons to read the complete news letter in single attempt. We are raising some serious issues in the Indian context through the Editorial. Dr. Sabyasachi Chatterjee is talking about patent issues. Ranjan an FSMK activist is talking about the free-software Philosophy. Mayank, Rahul and Praveen have come up with some Technical articles. Many items on News section from the free-software world. Still we are expecting the critical comments from you to make this venture a success. Regards, FSMK EB Team. _______________________________________________ fsmk-discuss mailing list fsmk-discuss(a)lists.fsmk.in http://lists.fsmk.in/listinfo.cgi/fsmk-discuss-fsmk.in -- Vikram Vincent +919448810822 http://swatantra.org/ http://fsmk.org/

13 years, 7 months

Maharastra signs MoU with M$

by Nagarjuna G.

Alert! let us send a strong letter to the ministers, education dept. as soon as possible. Check out several stories that appeared in all news papers. I have read on page3 in DNA. http://ur1.ca/9n8q -- Nagarjuna G.

13 years, 7 months

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Fsf-friends August 2009