- Fsf-friends - lists.fsci.in

fsf.org.in (edited) ahead of our times!
by Sandip Bhattacharya 27 Oct '04

27 Oct '04

The front page shows the following editing stats. Last modified: $Date: Sun Nov 18 20:02:10 IST 2004$ :) - Sandip -- Sandip Bhattacharya * Puroga Technologies * sandip(a)puroga.com Work: http://www.puroga.com * Home: http://www.sandipb.net PGP/GPG Signature: 51A4 6C57 4BC6 8C82 6A65 AE78 B1A1 2280 A129 0FF3

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Re: [Fsf-friends] [Fwd: Re: [TwinCLinG] Re: Sample survey on Open Source Software, meeting etc.]
by Dileep M. Kumar 26 Oct '04

26 Oct '04

Joe Steeve wrote: > However, I have a irky feeling about this entire DotNET and how M$ > is making M$As to make it popular in academic institutions. These MS is paying these Student Ambassadors for their activities. Regards -- ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dileep M. Kumar || dileep AT kumarayil DOT net || www.kumarayil.net Our future depends on our philosophy - Richard M Stallman -------------------------------------------------------------------

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Fighting FUD Agents with Facts
by Ramanraj K 26 Oct '04

26 Oct '04

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: RE.Serious investigations into UNIX and Windows Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 22:27:10 -0600 From: Jon Drews <jon.drews(a)gmail.com> Reply-To: Jon Drews <jon.drews(a)gmail.com> To: estover(a)olc.edu CC: freebsd-advocacy(a)freebsd.org References: <1098590132.32627.20.camel@red> More information here Ed and others. I actually came across the Microsoft site that offered gcc for it's UNIX tools. I couldn't believe it when I saw it: Microsoft uses open source, despite critical stance http://iwsun4.infoworld.com/articles/hn/xml/01/06/27/010627hnmsfree.html By Matt Berger June 27, 2001 12:10 pm PT DESPITE MICROSOFT'S AGGRESSIVE criticism of the open-source movement -- most notably one of its flagship software licences, the GNU General Public License -- the company has quietly been publishing source code under that license for one of its own products for the past two years... ...Microsoft distributes a product called Interix, which is used by customers to port Unix applications to its Windows operating systems. Interix includes a software compiler called the GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), a product first developed by Free Software Foundation founder Richard Stallman that is covered by the General Public License (GPL). -------------------------- Here is the actual site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/sfu/productinfo/overview/default.asp EXCERPT: UNIX on Windows The Interix subsystem technology provides a universal environment that can run both Windows and UNIX applications on a single system. Through Interix, you can reduce development time while making use of existing employee skill sets. <snip> Windows Services for UNIX 3.5 also includes more than 300 UNIX utilities and tools that behave as they would on UNIX systems, plus a software development kit (SDK) that supports more than 1,900 UNIX APIs and migration tools, including make, rcs, yacc, lex, cc, c89, nm, strip, gbd, as well as the gcc, g++, and g77 compilers. On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 21:55:32 -0600, Ed Stover <estover(a)olc.edu> wrote: > The person i'm trying > to convince is a hardcore MS fan so i need real evidence of why BSD is > better than MS products in server environments. So if FreeBSD and Open Source are unworthy replacements for Windows how come all these tools are being sold by them? _______________________________________________ freebsd-advocacy(a)freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-advocacy To unsubscribe, send any mail to "freebsd-advocacy-unsubscribe(a)freebsd.org"

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IT2004 Kochi
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 25 Oct '04

25 Oct '04

Just noticed a large ad for the IT2004Kochi event (18-21 Nov, 2004 at Town Hall, Ernakulam). Was curious: are the local LUGs having some presence there? Do you find it useful to have a presence at local IT exhibitions? We in Goa do try this sometimes. FN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) Nr Convent Saligao 403511 GoaIndia Freelance Journalist P: 832-2409490 M: 9822122436 http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks http://fn.swiki.net http://www.ryze.com/go/fredericknoronha http://fn-floss.notlong.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difficulties to send email across? Write to fredericknoronha at vsnl.net ============================================================================

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What is the list ID?
by Mahesh T. Pai 25 Oct '04

25 Oct '04

All posts to this list contain this footer. > Fsf-friends mailing list > Fsf-friends ( at ) mm.gnu.org.in > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends But, Dileep's post sent his post from the hyd lug to fsf-friends (at ) gnu.org.in. And somebody else had put both mm.gnu.org.in and gnu.org.in addresses some days back. So, what is the real list post-to address? @ mm.gnu.org or @ gnu.org.in? -- Mahesh T. Pai <<>> http://paivakil.port5.com DICTIONARY, n. A malevolent literary device for cramping the growth of a language and making it hard and inelastic.

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[Fsf-friends] [twnfeatures] CALL TO REFORM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SYSTEM (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 25 Oct '04

25 Oct '04

---------- Forwarded message ---------- CALL TO REFORM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SYSTEM At a recent conference on the Future of the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Geneva, the system of patents, copyright and other intellectual property rights came under public attack for benefiting a minority at the expense of the majority. By Martin Khor Third World Network Features The system of patents, copyright and other intellectual property rights is coming under public attack, including from famous scientists and well-known law professors, who say that this system has gone too far in benefiting a few people at the expense of the majority. The critics are concerned and even angry that patents and copyright are given (mainly to companies in developed countries) too freely and on terms that unfairly penalise consumers, researchers and small producers. The wide range of criticisms emerged at a conference on the Future of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) organised by the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue in Geneva in September. Among the problems raised were that the intellectual property rights (IPR) system is hampering the free flow of information, raising the cost of computer software, hampering scientists from advancing research, reducing the public's access to information and raising the cost of medicines. Among the participants were Sir John Suston, Nobel Prize winner and leader of the Cambridge-based scientific team that uncovered the human genome; Richard Stallman, a pioneer of the free software movement (which led among other things to the Linux operating system); and many academic professors specialising in IPR law. Suston expressed concern that databases containing scientific information are increasingly placed under copyright, making it difficult and costly for researchers to have access, and thus impeding research. He advocates that scientific data be placed in public databases which researchers can freely use. When he completed his work on mapping the human genome, Suston's team quickly published the results in a scientific journal, making it available to all. 'We put the details on a public database so everyone can have access and do their own research,' he said. He spoke against the present practice of patenting of genes, which is an abuse of the patent system as the gene sequences are discoveries and not inventions. He described the attempt by European governments to tighten copyright on databases as 'absolutely retrograde'. 'We need ways to tame the market, and conduct research in ways that are not purely market driven,' he said. 'We need to restore trust, because I am afraid the human race will not survive if we don't restore trust between the scientists and science.' Stallman, who is president of the Free Software Foundation, said that IPRs were a restriction on the public's access to information and essential goods, and should not be termed as 'rights'. 'Patents granted for software only benefit very few, who are given the chance to sue, whilst the rest are threatened with potential suits,' he said. 'There are negative effects for software developers and computer users.' Librarians, scholars and students are also worried that higher copyright regulations are preventing access to information. Jukka Liedes of the Finland Education Ministry, who is in charge of the country's library system and access to information policy, said that in the past it was considered that 'the less there was IP or copyright, the better.' However, at present consumers are constrained by copyright terms and access to information has become a concern, he said. The copyright system has effects on cultural diversity, cultural expressions and on the promotion of creativity. For Volker Grassmuch of Humboldt University in Berlin, the digital revolution (sparked by the personal computer and the Internet) had made information, editing and copying available to many. However, there was now a 'digital counter-revolution', through restrictions placed on computer users, for instance on what they are allowed to download. Moreover, he said, copyright law mainly benefits not the authors or musicians but the major industry owners. The consumers and small producers pay the price. Several speakers stressed that they were not against intellectual property per se, but that there should be a balance between the monopoly privileges given to the patent or copyright holders, and the rights and welfare of the public. Their concern was that the balance had tilted very much in favour of the IPR holders, which are able to jack up prices of their products, affecting consumers' access, whilst also preventing other producers from competing with them. Dr R Sothi, director of Consumers' International's Asian office (based in Kuala Lumpur), said a study of copyright laws in five Asian countries had shown that the IP system is making educational materials inaccessible to the poor as it raised the cost and prevented copying. A one-size-fits-all system is unsuitable to treat countries at different stages of development. The health organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres showed data on how medicines for AIDS patients had been maintained at high levels because of patents. It also exposed the fact that 97% of patents worldwide are held in the developed countries, whilst 80% of patents in the developing countries also belong to residents of the rich countries. Thus those who benefit from the IP system are overwhelmingly from the developed countries. The patent system in the United States is being distorted by recent practices, according to several American academics. Brian Kahin of the University of Michigan said the standards for granting patents had been lowered, so many more patents are being granted. He added that the range of products for which patents are granted has also expanded to include, for example, life forms, software and business methods. As a result, many patents that are given are of questionable validity. The seminar participants were worried that the US model, which is unsuitable even for Americans, is now being exported to the developing countries, where it is even more inappropriate and will cause more harm. They were referring firstly to the agreement on intellectual property in the World Trade Organisation, and secondly to the attempts by the developed countries to create new treaties in WIPO (such as the substantive patent law treaty and the broadcasters' rights treaty) that would 'harmonise' the developing countries' IPR laws with the laws of the US and other developed countries. 'This harmonisation attempt is immoral and the last insult to developing countries,' said Dr Graham Dutfield of Queen Mary's University in Britain. 'Japan would not have developed if it had these IPR laws, and the big companies of Europe could not have taken off if they were disallowed from copying technology. 'In the past the IP system allowed countries to catch up as it differentiated among countries, but now the harmonisation process will block developing countries from catching up.' Well-known American academic Prof. Jerome Reichmann said that the proposed new WIPO treaties 'would transmit a dysfunctional US system of intellectual property to the rest of the world. It is utterly unfeasible to do that, and it is completely wrong.' 'Why should the developing countries participate in a standard setting exercise which would be bad for them and also bad for the US and EU,' he added. 'How can any good come out of it and why should the developing countries accept it?' He called for a stop to such 'harmonisation' attempts, and this was supported by other participants. The seminar also discussed many ideas for reforming WIPO so that it would not, as now, only promote IPRs but be able to consider IPRs within the broader context of development. A declaration on the future of WIPO to that effect is under preparation. - Third World Network Features. -ends- About the writer: Martin Khor is Director of the Third World Network. When reproducing this feature, please credit Third World Network Features and (if applicable) the cooperating magazine or agency involved in the article, and give the byline. Please send us cuttings.

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[Fwd: Re: [TwinCLinG] Re: Sample survey on Open Source Software, meeting etc.]
by Dileep M. Kumar 25 Oct '04

25 Oct '04

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [TwinCLinG] Re: Sample survey on Open Source Software, meeting etc. Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 05:43:45 -0400 From: Binand Sethumadhavan <binand(a)gmail.com> Reply-To: ilughyd(a)yahoogroups.com To: ilughyd(a)yahoogroups.com References: <1098285160.902.93413.m12(a)yahoogroups.com> <38399.172.16.2.253.1098337868.squirrel(a)uohmail.uohyd.ernet.in> On Thu, 21 Oct 2004 11:21:08 +0530 (IST), Dr. Atul Negi <atulcs(a)uohyd.ernet.in> wrote: > (TOPIC 2) > A Microsoft person requests to speak with our LUG members at a meeting. > Do the list members agree to his speaking? I could take a poll on this > but hardly anybody responds to polls. So I am taking an informal go ahead > on this M$ person to speak to our LUG. Certainly he has to adhere to the > ground rules as pointed out by Suresh. > > If anybody has serious objections (that is they DONT want the Microsoft > person to speak) regarding this please let me know. I do like to point out that in a not-so-recent interview to one of the computer magazines in India (forgot which, might have been PCQuest or something), Microsoft India's some-big-shot mentioned (not in so many words) that part of their strategy in India is to "infiltrate" the LUGs and slowly brainwash these LUGs into being MUGs (Microsoft User Groups - pun intended :). Let us not be the first or only LUG to fall into that trap. Binand ----------------------------------------------- Next Meeting as on our Website: http://ilug-hyd.org.in -----------------------------------------------

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The Hindu News on LiTE
by Manilal 22 Oct '04

22 Oct '04

Today's Hindu in its Front page carry a coverage about LiTE Centres in Kerala. http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/22/stories/2004102209060700.htm regards Manilal

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Asia Source: Tech camp for the voluntary sector
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 21 Oct '04

21 Oct '04

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asia Source: Tech camp for the voluntary sector ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bangalore, India. January 28th to February 4th 2005. Asia Source hopes to bring together over 100 people from 20 countries to increase the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) amongst the voluntary sector in South and South East Asia. This week long event will bring together NGOs and NGO technology support professionals working at the grassroots level across the region to learn new skills, exchange tips, and share experiences. Together with regionally and globally renowned experts and specialists they will look at the use of FOSS within the non-profit sector from both an access and a content perspective. Offering participants the opportunity to explore the practical technical side of FOSS whilst providing a conceptual backdrop. Asia Source will be the first event of its kind in the region, bringing together regional non-profit professionals with a rights based focus, it will invite those from both the technical and content end of the spectrum to focus on the practical elements of FOSS deployment. Participants with a range of expertise will be provided with a space for intensive peer learning. They will be given the opportunity to develop their understanding of FOSS, learn how to select and apply alternative technologies, and be provided with the skills and tools to utilise this within the context of their daily work. They will also be encouraged to explore the challenges and the future potential of FOSS adoption within the social context. During this 'camp' style event, participants will take part in a range of sessions. From planning and helping an NGO to migrate to FOSS, to sharing tips and techniques on using FOSS tools for content development, advocacy and campaigning. In parallel to this they will look beneath user-level scenarios, and break-down tricky issues such as localisation techniques and how to develop total cost of ownership models. Four themes will flow throughout the event 1. 'FLOSSophy' for NGOs 2. Migration and Access 3. Tools for content and communication 4. Localisation Asia Source will be held in a small artists community on the outskirts of Bangalore. Its aim is to become a community building event, with the potential to seed connections and future partnerships across borders and between skillsets. The event is co-organised by Mahiti.org (Bangalore) and the Tactical Technology Collective (Amsterdam). The event is guided by an advisory board of established non-profit and FOSS professionals from across the South and South East Asian region. Asia Source belongs to a larger family of Source Events that seek to increase the viability of FOSS use by the non-profit sector. Other source events have taken place in South East Europe, Southern Africa and are planned in 2005 in Western Africa. For more information please visit http://www.tacticaltech.org/asiasource or http://www.mahiti.org/asiasource Applications will be announced and invited between October and November 2004. Participants will be selected by the advisory board based on their interest and experiences. There will be a small registration fee for the event. A limited number of travel and registration fee scholarships will be available and may be applied for on application. If you would like to receive an application form or have any questions please write to asiasource(a)tacticaltech.org. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks, ಸುನೀಲ್ -- Sunil Abraham, sunil(a)mahiti.org http://www.mahiti.org 314/1, 7th Cross, Domlur Bangalore - 560 071 Karnataka, INDIA Ph/Fax: +91 80 51150580. Mobile: +91 80 36701931 Currently on sabbatical with APDIP/UNDP Manager - International Open Source Network Wisma UN, Block C Komplex Pejabat Damansara. Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights. 50490 Kuala Lumpur. P. O. Box 12544, 50782, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: (60) 3-2091-5167, Fax: (60) 3-2095-2087 sunil(a)apdip.net http://www.iosn.net http://www.apdip.net

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[Fwd: Re: [Fsf-friends] Linux Technology Extension(LiTE) centre]
by Raj Shekhar 21 Oct '04

21 Oct '04

[Forwarding on behalf of OST @ C-DIT] -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Fsf-friends] Linux Technology Extension(LiTE) centre Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 10:57:45 +0530 From: OST @ C-DIT <ost(a)cdit.org> Reply-To: ost(a)cdit.org To: rajshekhar(a)hotpop.com CC: ostcdit(a)rediffmail.com References: <1098251044.2235.15.camel(a)localhost.localdomain> <41772CA1.4070107(a)hotpop.com> On Thu, 2004-10-21 at 08:57, Raj Shekhar wrote: > OST @ C-DIT wrote: > > Hai Friends, > > One of the strong criticisms against the free softwares is the lack > > of technological support for those choosing to adopt it. The Centre for > > Development of Imaging Technology, an autonomous centre under Govt of > > Kerala is coming up with a creative response to the criticism by > > establishing 100 Linux Technology Extension (LiTE) centres all over > > Kerala. > > [snip] > > These centres will > > initially provide installation, trouble shooting, and user training for > > Linux and Open Office. In the next phase they will also be equipped to > > give support for development of free software solutions. > > [snip] > > Things seem a bit odd here. The schools (both public and private) teach > Microsoft technologies and the government is planning to start Linux > support centers. Where will these centers find manpower to provide The staff of these centres will be given amble training in GNU/Linux technologies. > support ? Or will the old Indian "connection" (or jugaad .. if you > understand hindi) come into play for hiring? sorry, I am pretty weak in Hindi. > > Personally, I had a hard time finding good (or even average) PHP > programmers for my company. Most freshers had been taught ASP/JSP, > since that was "prescribed" in their college. Have you thought of this > part of the problem ? Personally, I think the schools should start > teaching perl/python instead of Basic. Colleges should start teaching > QT/wxPython for GUI design. However they cannot. Why ? Because they do There are persons who are very much expertised in the above fields. only problem is you have to find them. The Schools and Colleges will start teaching PHP, Qt, Python, etc.. only if the industry demands for such subjects. The Kannur University in Kerala is already conducting course in GNU/Linux and associated free software. The PG courses in this university is based on Free Software. But still the students in the first batch couldn't find good jobs in this field. > not have teachers. A bit of a chicken and egg problem. And opening > LiTE is certainly not going to help. We are very much optimistic > > Yes, I am a cynical about all things Indian government does. C-DIT is not an India Govt organization. It's a autonomous body under the Govt. of kerala. -- ,-.___,-. Raj Shekhar \_/_ _\_/ System Administrator, programmer and slacker )O_O( home : http://rajshekhar.net { (_) } blog : http://rajshekhar.net/blog/ `-^-' work : http://netphotograph.com

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[Fwd: Re: [Fsf-friends] Linux Technology Extension(LiTE) centre]
by Raj Shekhar 21 Oct '04

21 Oct '04

[forwarding on behalf of V. Sasi Kumar ] -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Fsf-friends] Linux Technology Extension(LiTE) centre Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 10:09:17 +0530 From: V. Sasi Kumar <vsasi(a)hotpop.com> To: rajshekhar(a)hotpop.com References: <1098251044.2235.15.camel(a)localhost.localdomain> <41772CA1.4070107(a)hotpop.com> On Thu, 2004-10-21 at 08:57, Raj Shekhar wrote: > The schools (both public and private) teach > Microsoft technologies and the government is planning to start Linux > support centers. Where will these centers find manpower to provide > support ? Or will the old Indian "connection" (or jugaad .. if you > understand hindi) come into play for hiring? > > Personally, I had a hard time finding good (or even average) PHP > programmers for my company. Most freshers had been taught ASP/JSP, > since that was "prescribed" in their college. Have you thought of this > part of the problem ? Personally, I think the schools should start > teaching perl/python instead of Basic. Colleges should start teaching > QT/wxPython for GUI design. However they cannot. Why ? Because they do > not have teachers. A bit of a chicken and egg problem. And opening > LiTE is certainly not going to help. > > Yes, I am a cynical about all things Indian government does. On the other hand, one of the reasons cited for teaching proprietary technology is that employers need only that. If the student has to get some job after passing out, he needs to know MS Word, Pagemaker, AutoCAD, and whatever. So if the word goes around that there are a number of jobs waiting for people trained in free software, that is going to provide an incentive for people to go and study just that from wherever they can. Another positive side is that the IT@School programme is developing a GNU/Linux distribution of its own, which would include a lot of packages that are helpful for teachers and students. If proper information and training are given to the teaching community, I feel this should pretty soon become very popular here. -- V. Sasi Kumar <vsasi(a)hotpop.com> -- ,-.___,-. Raj Shekhar \_/_ _\_/ System Administrator, programmer and slacker )O_O( home : http://rajshekhar.net { (_) } blog : http://rajshekhar.net/blog/ `-^-' work : http://netphotograph.com

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Linux Technology Extension(LiTE) centre
by OST ＠ C-DIT 21 Oct '04

21 Oct '04

Hai Friends, One of the strong criticisms against the free softwares is the lack of technological support for those choosing to adopt it. The Centre for Development of Imaging Technology, an autonomous centre under Govt of Kerala is coming up with a creative response to the criticism by establishing 100 Linux Technology Extension (LiTE) centres all over Kerala. They will be launched on 20th October by the Hon'ble Chief Minister Sri. Oommen Chandy in the CM's Chamber. These centres will initially provide installation, trouble shooting, and user training for Linux and Open Office. In the next phase they will also be equipped to give support for development of free software solutions. As the Linux user base gradually increases, C-DIT hopes that these centres will generate more and more micro-employment. More details on www.cdit.org/lite.htm Expecting your valuable suggestions, comments and above all support. regards Team Leader Open Source Technology Team, Centre for Development of Imaging Technology, C-DIT City Centre, Near Press Club, Statue, Thiruvananthapuram - 695001. Keralam, India. Telephone: ++91-471-2339539 Fax: ++91-471-2335995 Email: ost(a)cdit.org Website: www.cdit.org

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Re: Fsf-friends Digest, Vol 18, Issue 19
by Free Software Foundation 20 Oct '04

20 Oct '04

hi friends

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Anyone from Palakkad out there!
by Praveen A 20 Oct '04

20 Oct '04

Hello friends, I have started a group to promote [gnu]linux in Palakkad. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/s2s2pkd/ [ Swatantra Software Solutions and support Palakkad, inspired by efforts of s2s2 Kannore http://s2s2net.netfirms.com/ ] I am looking for anyone [preferrably from Palakkad] to be a part of this effort to spread the message of free software and [GNU]linux [target being Palakkad]. Looking forward to your support. With love Praveen A

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GNU/Linux updates: Microsoft's Linux expert, etc
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 20 Oct '04

20 Oct '04

INTERVIEW: Martin Taylor, Microsoft's Linux expert VNUNet.com - London,England,UK Then I've got a technical team. I've hired quite a few people from the Linux open source world to run a research and development centre. ... <http://www.vnunet.com/analysis/1158834> SHARP pulls Linux Wi-Fi PDA out of US The Register - London,England,UK Sharp has confirmed reports received by The Register that the company has dropped its Zaurus Linux-based PDA in the US market. According ... <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/19/sharp_drops_sl-6000/> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?ie=utf8&oe=utf8&persist=1&num=30&hl=en&client=g…> LINUX gains are more than money Search Enterprise Linux - USA ... King said applications running on Linux provide a new upgrade path for businesses that don't wish to get locked into a pattern of forced upgrades. ... <http://searchenterpriselinux.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,289142,sid39_…> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?ie=utf8&oe=utf8&persist=1&num=30&hl=en&client=g…> NEW Linux technology specifically engineered for automotive ... Auto Industry - UK ... Corporation, founded in 1985 as an independent subsidiary of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., has introduced �automotive-grade' Linux technology specifically ... <http://www.autoindustry.co.uk/news/industry_news/news-56gp5bd245> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?ie=utf8&oe=utf8&persist=1&num=30&hl=en&client=g…> SRS Labs' New WOW XT(TM) for Linux Targets Growing Asian Handset ... PR Newswire (press release) - USA SRS Labs Delivers WOW XT(TM) Audio Enhancement Solution Optimized on MontaVista Linux for ARM-Based Mobile Phones SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. ... <http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/10-1…> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?ie=utf8&oe=utf8&persist=1&num=30&hl=en&client=g…> RED Hat plans to bring Linux to Primetime Desktop Machines eBCVG - USA The Linux Company appointed former Sun Microsystems VP Karen Tegan Padir as VP of Red Hat's new desktop infrastructure technologies group. ... <http://www.ebcvg.com/news.php?id=4047> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?ie=utf8&oe=utf8&persist=1&num=30&hl=en&client=g…> GARTNER Analysts Give Nod to Prime-Time Linux eWeek - USA Opinion: Analysts at the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo are finally acknowledging that Linux and open source should be part of a company's plans in every IT area. ... <http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1679959,00.asp> TOSHIBA ships Linux with mini-ITX-based PVR ref design Linux News - USA ... a 333MHz MIPS RISC-based SoC (system-on-chip). The design runs Linux. According to Toshiba, the kit supports simultaneous real-time ... <http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS7757625666.html> See all stories on this topic: <http://news.google.com/news?ie=utf8&oe=utf8&persist=1&num=30&hl=en&client=g…> NOVELL Offers GUI Choices for Linux Desktop eWeek - USA ORLANDO, Fla.--At Gartner Inc.'s Symposium/ITxpo, eWEEK.com got a sneak peek of Novell Inc.'s forthcoming Linux Desktop. According ... <http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1679393,00.asp> COMMERCIAL developers tap open-source joy Sydney Morning Herald (subscription) - Sydney,New South Wales,Australia ... That's been a big benefit for Cyclades, a commercial vendor that sells Linux-based network monitoring equipment built around its open-source AlterPath software ... <http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/18/1097951615242.html>

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Re: user group assn.
by Ramanraj K 20 Oct '04

20 Oct '04

Nagarjuna G. wrote: >> ..... >>Raj Mathur has been asking for publication of accounts etc. If we could >>dispose such requests first, then we should be able to ask others to do >>the same, with more conviction. Having access to information would help >>us to act upon it in a better way. > > > Arun is arranging to get the stuff up soon. Thanks. I am sure that will help. >>FSF India could play a major role in channelising dev and advocacy >>efforts. Drafting petitions and memorandums to have our requests >>processed, would be the main channel of making suitable requests. >> >>Yesterday, Raman.P., of ILUGC, suggested that free software user groups >>in India join together to form an association. While software cos. have >>NASSCOM, software user groups have no corresponding association that >>could effectively air their views and needs. In the free software >>community, the line between developers and users is virtually >>non-existent, and FSF India could lead in co-ordinating all the free >>software user groups, including LUGs that are willing to join. Most >>user groups meet once a month, and discuss over mailing lists also, and >>hence important issues could be discussed at all LUGS and based on >>consensus, better representations could be sent to authorities. >> > > > We would want someone take it up as a clear responsibility and do it, > be in touch with all the FSUGS/GLUGS and LUGS and other free software > groups in the country. We do have now more serious people and are > willing to work. It is good if each person takes one responsibility > and coordinates on behalf of FSF India. Many lug and user group representatives are members of this list, and if a consensus does evolve, we may take further steps. Thanks, Ramanraj.

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Re: [Fsf-friends] "Software-Patents" in Europe: The threat prevails
by Mayank Sharma 20 Oct '04

20 Oct '04

On Wed, 20 Oct 2004 Frederick Noronha(FN) wrote : "Software-Patents" in Europe: The threat prevails > >Soon the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers will >againdecide about the legalisation and adoption of so-called "software >patents" in Europe, which are already used by large companies in other >countries to put competitors out of business. This can lead to the >termination of manysoftware projects such as KNOPPIX, at least within >Europe, > <snip> This is very disturbing (again). But I am a little unclear on what the end result might be. Maybe Mahesh could clear up. a) What's the status of India and Software Patents? b) Is Software Patent a geographical bounbdary bound thing? I mean would Klaus be able to host Knoppix on (say) an Indian server and distribute here? c) Would he be violating patents if he continues development? I mean would no EU citizen be able to contribute to FLOSS projects? d) How can people be so stupid as to grant patent on things that are so essential to computing? I have gone through the docs at http://swpat.ffii.org/index.en.html but couldn't find ready answers to the questions I had. Answers in the form of text or URLs welcome. Mayank

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Correction
by OST ＠ C-DIT 20 Oct '04

20 Oct '04

Friends, There was a correction in the previous mail. Please read the following line as "These centres will initially provide installation, trouble shooting, and user training for Linux and Open Office" as "These centres will initially provide installation, trouble shooting, and user training for GNU/Linux and OpenOffice.org". regards -- OST @ C-DIT <ost(a)cdit.org>

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"Software-Patents" in Europe: The threat prevails
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 19 Oct '04

19 Oct '04

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [DE] [ES] [FR] [PL] [JP] [RU] +------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ "Software-Patents" in Europe: The threat prevails Soon the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers will again decide about the legalisation and adoption of so-called "software patents" in Europe, which are already used by large companies in other countries to put competitors out of business. This can lead to the termination of many software projects such as KNOPPIX, at least within Europe, because the holders of the over 30,000 already granted "software patents" (currently without a legal foundation) can claim exclusive rights and collect license fees for trivial things like "progress bars", "mouseclicks on online order forms", "scrolling within a window" and similar. That way, software developers will have to pay the "software-patentholders" for using these features, even in their own, completely self-developed applications, which can completely stall the development of innovative software for small and medium companies. Apart from this, the expense for patent inquiries and legal assistence is high, for even trying to find out if the self-developed software is possibly violating "software-patents", if you want to continue to market your software. Contrary to real patents, "software-patents" are, in the draft proposed by the commission, monopolization of business ideas and methods, even without any tangible technical implementation. More about the current major problem at http://swpat.ffii.org/index.en.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) Nr Convent Saligao 403511 GoaIndia Freelance Journalist P: 832-2409490 M: 9822122436 http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks http://fn.swiki.net http://www.ryze.com/go/fredericknoronha http://fn-floss.notlong.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difficulties to send email across? Write to fredericknoronha at vsnl.net ============================================================================

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RMS on software patents
by Mahesh T. Pai 19 Oct '04

19 Oct '04

http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20041018113238672 -- Mahesh T. Pai <<>> http://paivakil.port5.com >From The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906) [devil]: LAWYER, n. One skilled in circumvention of the law.

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[Fsf-friends] Time and chance to act and produce a result ! Go to schools !!
by Praveen A 19 Oct '04

19 Oct '04

Hello friends, I got a chance to go through the text books of 8, 9 and 10th standard for IT @ School programme [Kerala]. I was very happy to see GNU/Linux every where with equal or more importance than windows. The book covers all basic functions like word processing, graphics processing ... But the fact is different from the text books. Today I went to our nearby school to arrange a training programme for the teachers so that they get some confidence in what they teach. But what I learned from there is very disturbing. The higher authorities try to avoid GNU/Linux completely out of the picture by instructing the teachers to only teach Windows. They are gone so far as to tell them that since it is free software there are so many problems and they should not use it and they should not let the students use it either. One thing I could understand that though the teachers are interested they don't know the things and they don't feel the confidence to do it. So what we are planning is to give them training in GNU/Linux this vaction (December). I hope by sharing the experience and knowledge we posses to them we can help spreading the cause. I hope all of us can do a better work in gong to the schools with our friends and help them understand the underlying philosophy as well as expertise so that we can spread the message of Free software and GNU. It is very important that the younger generation be aware of their options and choices. So this is a golden opportunity for every one of us to act. I hope we can make use of this opportunity to fulfil our dreams of free software and free society. With love Praveen A

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Testing, Please ignore
by Nagarjuna G. 18 Oct '04

18 Oct '04

Please ignore this mail, Admin

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[Fwd: [LIH]Red hat -- License]
by Dileep M. Kumar 17 Oct '04

17 Oct '04

Hello, Could some body clarify this topic. To my knowledge Om Logistics has done one of largest implementation of Free Software in business. He has one copy of RHEL (purchased). He is installing that on 600 machines, which Redhat India says is illegal. Regards -- ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dileep M. Kumar || dileep AT kumarayil DOT net || www.kumarayil.net Our future depends on our philosophy - Richard M Stallman ------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi all, I have 600 computers running on Red Hat Linux, after discussions from Red Hat persons, I come to know that my linux deployment is illegal, because I have not purchased enough licenses from Red Hat. But as per GPL, I can copy / Redistribute the software after modification / without modifications. So I just want to know that Red Hat Linux is available under GPL or not. Till date I understand that I have to pay for the support. In case I need support, I have to pay otherwise I don't require to pay any thing. Please advise, [S K Goel]

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Broadband Policy 2004
by Rakesh 'arky' Ambati 15 Oct '04

15 Oct '04

Hi, As you know our government released the Broadband Policy for the year 2004.The 25 page e-doc is available at http://www.dot.gov.in/. It would a pleasure to listen to your comments on it. Cheers --arky ===== ____________________________________ /\ \ \_| Rakesh 'arky' Ambati | | Bangalore (INDIA) | | Homepage: http://arky.port5.com/ | | _______________________________|_ \_/_________________________________/ _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com

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IOSN FLOSS primers
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 15 Oct '04

15 Oct '04

Please visit http://www.iosn.net The IOSN is producing a series of primers on Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS). The primers serve as introductory documents to FOSS in general, as well as covering particular topic areas in greater detail. Their purpose is to raise FOSS awareness, particularly among policy-makers, practitioners and educators. FOSS General Introduction Primer FOSS in Education Primer FOSS Government and Policy Primer Pre-publication copy for public review and feedback FOSS Licensing Primer Draft for public review and feedback ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederick Noronha (FN) Nr Convent Saligao 403511 GoaIndia Freelance Journalist P: 832-2409490 M: 9822122436 http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks http://fn.swiki.net http://www.ryze.com/go/fredericknoronha http://fn-floss.notlong.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Difficulties to send email across? Write to fredericknoronha at vsnl.net ============================================================================

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IBM in pact with C-DAT, IIT Mumbai
by Ramanraj K 14 Oct '04

14 Oct '04

The Hindu reported that IBM is in pact with C-DAT, IIT Bombay <quote> Chennai: The Centre for Development of Advance Computing (C-DAT), IIT Bombay and IBM India signed a co-operation agreement to institute an open source software resource centre. With an investment of over Rs. 5 crores, the centre will mark the beginning of a series of inititatives to develop OSS activities in India. </quote> Open source is an open process, and probably we would know more the initiatives soon.

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Memo to CSIR
by Raj Singh 14 Oct '04

14 Oct '04

Hello, I work with a CSIR lab. If required, I can supply the proper addresses and names of persons within the CSIR system (Members of Governing Council, DG-CSIR's office, Directors of various labs, etc.) to whom the memo should be sent (this could be discussed off-line from the list). -- Raj +---------------------------------------------------+ | Raj Singh | EMAIL : raj(a)ceeri.ernet.in | | IC Design Group | PHONE : 01596-242359 (office) | | CEERI | : 01596-252542 (home) | | Pilani -- 333 031 | FAX : 01596-242393 (office) | +---------------------------------------------------+

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Debian Distribution
by Annamalai Gurusami 14 Oct '04

14 Oct '04

Hi All, At the following URL, titled "Vendors of Debian CDs" http://www.debian.org/CD/vendors/#in GNU India Organisation (http://www.gnu-india.org) is listed as one of the vendors. I think the above URL belongs to FSF India, and they are not vendors of any distribution (AFAIK). Any comments? Probably what is there at debian website is quite outdated. Rgds, anna

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[Fwd: Re: [Fsf-friends] joining forces]
by Ramanraj K 12 Oct '04

12 Oct '04

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [Fsf-friends] joining forces Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 19:15:38 +0530 From: Ramanraj K <ramanraj(a)md4.vsnl.net.in> To: fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in References: <416736CB.5040901(a)md4.vsnl.net.in> <4167E4F1.5060109(a)flashmail.com> <4168BACA.3070503(a)md4.vsnl.net.in> <20041010070242.GA11424(a)nandini.home> Mahesh T. Pai wrote: > In fact, in light of this event, I think the time is right now ripe > for this community to take the initiative and ask them to open up > their previous works in localisation field. The IBM sponsored project > will provide resources for the future. I am afraid that the past works > might remain locked, and we need to ensure that it is publicly > available. > > In light of the recent opportunity I had to interact with the NCST > division of C-DAC, I notice an enthusiasm among its staff and officers > who are well aware of the underlying philosophy and community building > aspects of the Free Software movement. All that is required is only a > small nudge and a bit of push to institutionalise the approach, for > the bureaucrats and the babus are no push overs. Hence, we need to to > guide them in the right direction. > > How do we go about it? > Raj Mathur has been asking for publication of accounts etc. If we could dispose such requests first, then we should be able to ask others to do the same, with more conviction. Having access to information would help us to act upon it in a better way. FSF India could play a major role in channelising dev and advocacy efforts. Drafting petitions and memorandums to have our requests processed, would be the main channel of making suitable requests. Yesterday, Raman.P., of ILUGC, suggested that free software user groups in India join together to form an association. While software cos. have NASSCOM, software user groups have no corresponding association that could effectively air their views and needs. In the free software community, the line between developers and users is virtually non-existent, and FSF India could lead in co-ordinating all the free software user groups, including LUGs that are willing to join. Most user groups meet once a month, and discuss over mailing lists also, and hence important issues could be discussed at all LUGS and based on consensus, better representations could be sent to authorities.

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Re: Re: [Fsf-friends] IBM in pact with C-DAT, IIT Mumbai
by Kanti Jadia 10 Oct '04

10 Oct '04

hi, NCST is managing the .in domain , so it will/has to be around. http://domain.ncst.ernet.in/ my two cents Kanti On Sun, 10 Oct 2004 Ramanraj K wrote : > > > > Are you really sure? CDAC stands for the Centre for Development of > > Advanced Computing. I wonder what the hyphen is doing in C-DAC. If > > needless hyphens are ok, I prefer to call it C-DA-C :) The CDAC website > > seems to be ncst.ernet.in. So, the ghost of NCST: National Centre for > > Software Technology is still around. > > > >Sivasankar wrote: ><quote> > On acronyms: CDAC was originally called C-DACT from 1986-1988, before >getting a name change to CDAC, when 18 months of their original time-bound >mission had elapsed without anything concrete having been accomplished. > > NCST is the organization orginally called NCSDCT, and they're the >grand-daddies of Unix adoption in India. In short, it's good to have >NCST involved, but of course, it's even better to just give the money >to the LUGs :-). We can do a better job popularizing FLOSS. > ></quote> >I whole heartedly agree with Sivasankar :) > > >_______________________________________________ >Fsf-friends mailing list >Fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in >http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends ----------------------------------------- Enjoy your Freedom,use GNU/Linux. http://www.gnu.org/gnu/why-gnu-linux.html -----------------------------------------

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Re: [Fsf-friends] IBM in pact with C-DAT, IIT Mumbai
by paivakil＠vsnl.net 10 Oct '04

10 Oct '04

----- Original Message ----- From: Ramanraj K <ramanraj(a)md4.vsnl.net.in> > > Did you mean C-DAC or did they change names (like ER&DCI and NCST)? > > The Hindu reported "C-DAT" and I am not sure if CDAC has some > sub-division that is called C-DAT or if it is a mere spelling mistake. Do not be elated. I was at the meeting at Hyatt. It indeed is, err ... ummm.. ah... the C-DAC. But then, this project is handled by thee division formerly called the NCST, which has been merged into C-DAC. Unfortunately, the original C-DAC continue their old `non-philosophy'while the (erstwhile) NCST is changing with the times, and right now, the `open source' phase of migration (of philosophies, that is). After my and Nagarjun's (what I believe is) useful interaction with the NCST people who will be handling the project, I hope they will realise the difference. Further hopefully, the director of C-DAC has publicly acknoowledged during his address at the meet that there _is_ a difference between linux and GNU/Linux. ;-) So, let us be optmistic that CDAC will mend its old ways.

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rerquest for comments
by Mahesh T. Pai 05 Oct '04

05 Oct '04

Please comment on http://paivakil.port5.com/writings/protectyourcode.shtml Not yet published -- except here. -- Mahesh T. Pai <<>> http://paivakil.port5.com Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

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[Fsf-friends] Fwd : Tragic accident kills free software hacker; RMS spared
by Titty Jacob 05 Oct '04

05 Oct '04

http://www.wiggy.net/tmp/accident/ Debian luminary Wichert Akkerman -- aka Wiggy -- has been reporting on his website this morning about a tragic automobile accident near Paris. At first Richard Stallman was thought to have been a passenger in the car, but later reports said he had already been dropped off when the accident occured. Wiggy will continue to update his site as more information comes in. Stallman and the others -- Hans Bakker, Edwin Hermans, and a third hacker identified only as Sebastian S. -- were returning from the SANE04 Free Software Bazaar in Amsterdam. According to Akkerman's news page, Hans Bakker is reported to have been killed in the crash, Edwin Hermans has suffered a broken leg, and Sebastian S. is in surgery. -- Debian GNU/Linux .~. The Choice /V\ of a GNU /( )\ Generation ^^-^^ .''`. : :' : `. `'` `-

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Massive victory at WIPO!
by Sandip Bhattacharya 04 Oct '04

04 Oct '04

[Warning! Cross posted!] http://www.boingboing.net/2004/10/04/massive_victory_at_w.html Massive victory at WIPO! ------------------------- For years now, progressive elements and copyfighters have been trying to get the UN's World Intellectual Property Organization to start thinking about ways of promoting creativity and development instead of just IP -- to get the organization to see that its raison d'etre is a better world, and that stronger IP laws is just one way of accomplishing that -- and that IP only works sometimes. We've been foiled at every turn by the maximalists, the movies studios and the trademark offices, the patent-cops and the recording industry lobbyists and the IP lawyers' associations. Which is why this is such good news: at the general session of the WIPO in Geneva this weekend, the Assembly has adopted a decision to put development and the promotion of creativity front-and-center in its goals. That means that from now on, WIPO isn't an organization that blindly supports more IP no matter what, but rather one that seeeks to improve the world by whatever tool is best suited to the job. Jamie Love and the Consumer Project on Technology gets the credit for this: they were the ones who started this fight, and they've been the ones who led it all along. This is the day the tide turns. Bearing in mind the internationally agreed development goals, including those in the United Nations Millennium Declaration, the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010, the Monterey Consensus, the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development, the Declaration of Principles and the Plan of Action of the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society and the Sao Paulo Consensus adopted at UNCTAD XI; (1) The General Assembly welcomes the initiative for a development agenda and notes the proposals contained in document WO/GA/31/11. (2) The General Assembly decides to convene inter-sessional intergovernmental meetings to examine the proposals contained in document WO/GA/31/11, as well as additional proposals of Members States. To the extent possible, the meetings will be convened in conjunction with the 2005 session of the Permanent Committee on Cooperation for Development Related to Intellectual Property. The meetings, open to all Member States, will prepare a report by July 30, 2005, for the consideration of the next General Assembly. WIPO-accredited IGOs and NGOs are invited to participate as observers in the meetings. (3) The International Bureau shall undertake immediate arrangements in order to organize with other relevant multilateral organizations including UNCTAD, WHO, UNIDO and WTO, a joint international seminar on Intellectual Property and Development, open to the participation of all stakeholders, including NGOs, civil society and academia. -- Sandip Bhattacharya * Puroga Technologies * sandip(a)puroga.com Work: http://www.puroga.com * Home: http://www.sandipb.net PGP/GPG Signature: 51A4 6C57 4BC6 8C82 6A65 AE78 B1A1 2280 A129 0FF3

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Memo to CSIR
by Raj Singh 04 Oct '04

04 Oct '04

Hello, I work for a CSIR lab. If required, I can supply the proper addresses and names of persons within the CSIR system (Members of Governing Council, DG-CSIR's office, Directors of various labs, etc.) to whom the memo should be sent (off-line from the list). -- Raj +---------------------------------------------------+ | Raj Singh | EMAIL : raj(a)ceeri.ernet.in | | IC Design Group | PHONE : 01596-242359 (office) | | CEERI | : 01596-252542 (home) | | Pilani -- 333 031 | FAX : 01596-242393 (office) | +---------------------------------------------------+

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Re: Re: [Fsf-friends] Institutional Model vs. Bazaar Model
by Frederick Noronha 03 Oct '04

03 Oct '04

> From: Ramanraj K <ramanraj(a)md4.vsnl.net.in> > > Fredrick Noronha and many have been suggesting micro-grants, and > others kinds of fundings for free software projects. RMS mooted > Software Tax. The free software code base is public wealth, and it is > fair to expect governments to become the major source of funds and > grants, that could be disbursed to deserving projects through FSF or > other responsible institutions through the device of assignments. Frankly, I was a bit surprised to see my name being mentioned in this debate, because I had not given any serious thought as such to it earlier. My suggestion flowed out of my attempts to convince friends at Sarai.net (which were eventually successful) to support the Free Software development process, by offering microgrants to students willing to work on the same. As such, it was more a immediate response to Sarai's willingness to do something, and the students' obvious need to get that little support, that could make a big difference. Now that you've made me think about it, a few more inputs: * More than the governments (which drag their feet, and act slowly, more as a response to pressure groups and lobbies or crises), we need to look at other institutions for funding support. * Groups like Unesco already have a Free Software Portal in France. In ICT4D (information communication technologies for development) debates held in India, by organisations like the UNDP, which I got caught up in due to by BytesForAll.org affiliation, the issue has come up repeatedly. * Now, a whole lot of organisations -- including controversial ones like the World Bank -- and other international donors have got clued on into the debate, and are willing to support FLOSS (Free/Libre and Open Source Software). The latest is the IOSN network in Malaysia, which is currently being managed by a talented young man from Bangalore, Sunil Abraham from Mahiti.org (not the government organisation with the similar name). * What we don't see happening is enough developers taking advantage of these supports, applying for projects that could well do with the support and has a genuine social need (not just because the money is available). On the other hand, a number of NGOs are quick to realise the potential, and jump onto the ICT4D bandwaggon. While I don't have anything per se against NGOs, and rather view them by what they do, it is rather sad that not many developers are taking the support which is there for the asking. * Friends in Kerala built up one Malayalam font with APDIP help, prior to the setting up of the IOSN.net network. Anyway, we need to look to other areas too, besides international UN-related organisations, and donor organisations. Of course, we all would not like the Free Software movement to just turn into another NGO and lose its voluntary spirit; but if help comes without strings then it could go to support the young people who need it and have a lot to contribute. We also need to be lobbying more actively with governments (both Central and State), bureaucrats (see the e-gov-india network on yahoogroups), organisations like Sarai.net which are willing to support this work and realise the potential of Free Software, university organisations, Commonwealth bodies to promote education, and all possible quarters. On behalf of BytesForAll.org, I can assure our support -- since I am personally committed to this idea -- in promoting the attempt to build links between (i) techies (ii) the ICT4D network (iii) NGOs who could and should be end-users of Free Software and its promoters in a big way, except that they don't seem to understand what the issue is all about or just take the easy way out and (iv) academia which could really put this agenda on the intellectual agenda. But we are just one volunteer and unfunded (by design) organisation; even if with a wide readership. What we need is more people pushing for these links to happen. It could really help to quicken the speed of change. FN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frederick Noronha (FN) Nr Convent Saligao 403511 Goa India Freelance Journalist P: 832-2409490 M: 9822122436 http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks http://fn.swiki.net http://www.ryze.com/go/fredericknoronha http://fn-floss.notlong.com =============================================================================

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Public release of the Rachana OTF
by Rajeev J Sebastian 03 Oct '04

03 Oct '04

Dear friends and well wishers, This email is to notify you that the Rachana group has released the first public version of the Rachana OTF font for Malayalam Traditional Orthography. It is available at www.stendekrnd.com/rachana/rachana.html We welcome your comments, suggestions and other communications. Also, please forward this message to lists and indiiduals who are interested in this sort of thing. Following is a copy of the Readme file which is also included the package. Thank you, Rajeev J Sebastian README for RachanaMedium.otf ---------------------------- The Rachana Medium OTF represents merely one artifact of the extensive work of Shri Chitrajakumar R and Shri KH Hussein, as leaders of the Rachana Akshara Vedhi on the linguistics and information processing models for the Malayalam language, and for Indic family of languages in general. The wealth of their experience and their love of their mother tongue is visible in each and every glyph of this font. Rachana Akshara Vedhi is the first font to provide a comprehensive set of glyph shapes for the entire character repertoire of Malayalam Traditional orthography, under the GNU GPL. The Rachana set of glyphs were initially developed in 1999, then released by Richard M Stallman at Cochin University of Science and Technology under the GNU GPL. At that time, it consisted of a set of TTF fonts. These fonts were further expanded by around 100 more glyphs, along with integration with the Unicode model, and the result is this Rachana Medium OTF font. Other members of the Rachana Akshara Vedhi, who were also instrumental in bringing out this font: Dr P. Vijayakumaran Nair (Kerala Forest Research Institute) N. Gangadharan (Malayalam Lexicon) Subash Kuriakose (Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi) The following have also contributed immensely towards the creation of the font: Dr Mammen Chundamannil (Kerala Forest Research Institute) Rajeev J Sebastian (Stendek R&D) Anwar Ummer (FSUG-CUSAT) PM Hashim (Design Difference) Ramakrishnan M. (debian.org) Raghavendra Bhat (FSUG-Kochi) Rachana Medium OTF typeface was developed using Free software: Fontforge (earlier versions are also called Pfaedit). Legal Information ----------------- Rachana Medium OTF Font Copyright (C) 2004 Rachana Akshara Vedhi This font is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version. This font is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details. You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this font; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307 USA Please see the LICENSE file for a detailed license agreement. Questions --------- All patches to this font, and any questions should be directed to rajeev_jsv(a)stendekrnd.com Please prefix the word [Rachana] to the subject line September 2, 2004 Rajeev J Sebastian

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[indic] Public release of the Rachana OTF
by Rajeev J Sebastian 02 Oct '04

02 Oct '04

Dear friends and well wishers, This email is to notify you that the Rachana group has released the first public version of the Rachana OTF font for Malayalam Traditional Orthography. It is available at www.stendekrnd.com/rachana/rachana.html We welcome your comments, suggestions and other communications. Also, please forward this message to lists and indiiduals who are interested in this sort of thing. Following is a copy of the Readme file which is also included the package. Thank you, Rajeev J Sebastian README for RachanaMedium.otf ---------------------------- The Rachana Medium OTF represents merely one artifact of the extensive work of Shri Chitrajakumar R and Shri KH Hussein, as leaders of the Rachana Akshara Vedhi on the linguistics and information processing models for the Malayalam language, and for Indic family of languages in general. The wealth of their experience and their love of their mother tongue is visible in each and every glyph of this font. Rachana Akshara Vedhi is the first font to provide a comprehensive set of glyph shapes for the entire character repertoire of Malayalam Traditional orthography, under the GNU GPL. The Rachana set of glyphs were initially developed in 1999, then released by Richard M Stallman at Cochin University of Science and Technology under the GNU GPL. At that time, it consisted of a set of TTF fonts. These fonts were further expanded by around 100 more glyphs, along with integration with the Unicode model, and the result is this Rachana Medium OTF font. Other members of the Rachana Akshara Vedhi, who were also instrumental in bringing out this font: Dr P. Vijayakumaran Nair (Kerala Forest Research Institute) N. Gangadharan (Malayalam Lexicon) Subash Kuriakose (Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi) The following have also contributed immensely towards the creation of the font: Dr Mammen Chundamannil (Kerala Forest Research Institute) Rajeev J Sebastian (Stendek R&D) Anwar Ummer (FSUG-CUSAT) PM Hashim (Design Difference) Ramakrishnan M. (debian.org) Raghavendra Bhat (FSUG-Kochi) Rachana Medium OTF typeface was developed using Free software: Fontforge (earlier versions are also called Pfaedit). Legal Information ----------------- Rachana Medium OTF Font Copyright (C) 2004 Rachana Akshara Vedhi This font is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version. This font is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details. You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this font; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111-1307 USA Please see the LICENSE file for a detailed license agreement. Questions --------- All patches to this font, and any questions should be directed to rajeev_jsv(a)stendekrnd.com Please prefix the word [Rachana] to the subject line September 2, 2004 Rajeev J Sebastian

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Re: PDF issues
by Tathagata Banerjee 02 Oct '04

02 Oct '04

On Saturday 25 September 2004 15:26, Nagarjuna wrote: > Last saturday in the FSF group meeting at Mumbai we discussed the > possibility of cleaning up the pdf files, which are actually made > using non-free software. Sayamindu said he will take care of this and > will send the files back. Then the book will be uplaoded at FSF site. > > Nagarjuna i have doubts whether 'cleansing' the pdf-s in this way will be a meaningful exercise. no amount of cleansing can delete the truth that the files were created using non-free software. all we can hope to achieve is hide that truth from the public. i understand the importance of maintaining a clean image, but i think it will be more honest and more in keeping with our moral integrity to keep the files as they are, and add an apology for using non-free programs, and an explanation regarding why it was necessary to use them. - t. -- cogito, ergo es.

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News from FSF-Europe
by Mahesh T. Pai 02 Oct '04

02 Oct '04

http://lwn.net/Articles/104752/ http://lwn.net/Articles/104753/ -- Mahesh T. Pai <<>> http://paivakil.port5.com Free Software - it is free as in FREEDOM

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[Fwd: [Ilugc] Microsoft's FAT patent overturned]
by Ramanraj K 01 Oct '04

01 Oct '04

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Ilugc] Microsoft's FAT patent overturned Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 19:25:45 +0530 (IST) From: Sivasankar Chander <siva(a)dias.ath.cx> Reply-To: schander(a)mindspring.com To: ilugc(a)ae.iitm.ac.in CC: Sivasankar Chander <siva(a)whitebox.dias.ath.cx> As the subject line says, Microsoft's patent on the FAT filesystem has been overturned by the USPTO on re-examination. http://www.pubpat.org/Microsoft_517_Rejected.htm This is good news in embedded space, as well as for users of digicams, mp3 players, etc., most of which make some use of the FAT filesystem. -Siva _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, email ilugc-request(a)ae.iitm.ac.in with "unsubscribe <password> address" in the subject or body of the message. http://www.ae.iitm.ac.in/mailman/listinfo/ilugc

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[Fwd: [Ilugc] RMS escapes car accident in France]
by Ramanraj K 01 Oct '04

01 Oct '04

Sivasankar informed about a sad accident in France: -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Ilugc] RMS escapes car accident in France Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 20:41:13 +0530 (IST) From: Sivasankar Chander <siva(a)dias.ath.cx> Reply-To: schander(a)mindspring.com To: ilugc(a)ae.iitm.ac.in CC: Sivasankar Chander <siva(a)whitebox.dias.ath.cx> There's been a car accident in France, involving a car in which RMS had just returned to Paris. He wasn't in the car at the time of the accident, but at least one free software developer is dead. Some details here: http://www.wiggy.net/tmp/accident/ -Siva _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, email ilugc-request(a)ae.iitm.ac.in with "unsubscribe <password> address" in the subject or body of the message. http://www.ae.iitm.ac.in/mailman/listinfo/ilugc

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LOST tips (GNU/Linux One Stanza Tips)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 30 Sep '04

30 Sep '04

Check out this neat implementation of LOST tips from the FSUG-Kochi. http://puggy.symonds.net/~fsug-kochi/lost.php ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frederick Noronha (FN) Nr Convent, Saligao 403511 Goa India Freelance Journalist P: 832-2409490 M: 9822122436 http://fn.swiki.net http://www.ryze.com/go/fredericknoronha ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks (GoaLinks Blog) ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[oneworldsa] Request for Feedback: Free And Open Source Software Licensing Primer (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 30 Sep '04

30 Sep '04

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Dear Friends, Apologies for cross posting. The IOSN/APDIP/UNDP FOSS Licensing Primer is a brief introduction to different FOSS licenses, primarily the GNU GPL license. It presents a summary of issues involved with using the different FOSS licenses. It offers several scenarios, and proposes a framework for licensing of government sponsored software. The primer also addresses common questions and misconceptions regarding copyright and licensing issues. Please download from here: http://www.iosn.net/licensing/foss-licensing-primer/foss-licensing-primer.s… http://www.iosn.net/licensing/foss-licensing-primer/foss-licensing-primer.p… So far we have got feedback from Richard M. Stallman, Eric S. Raymond, Dr. Nah Soo Hoe and Mahesh T. Pai We would be very grateful if you could send in your comments and feedback by 10 October 2004. Thanks, Sunil ------------------------------------------------------------------------ INTERNATIONAL OPEN SOURCE NETWORK ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The International Open Source Network (IOSN - http://www.iosn.net) is a Centre of Excellence for Free / Open Source Software in the Asia-Pacific Region. IOSN is an initiative of the Asia-Pacific Information Development Programme (APDIP - http://www.apdip.net), which has been supporting the strategic and effective use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) for poverty alleviation and sustainable human development in the Asia-Pacific region since 1997. Via a small secretariat, the IOSN is tasked specifically to facilitate and network Free / Open Source Software advocates and human resources in the region. Activities undertaken by IOSN is listed below: A. Free / Open Source Information Resource Facility 1. Collaborative Website: On-going Mapping of Free / Open Source activities in Asia-Pacific; Collaborative database of countries; languages, fonts,and organisations in Asia-Pacific; On-line Information/Clearing-house and Mailing Lists 2. Software Repository: A collection of FOSS software and GNU/Linux distributions specific to the Asia Pacific is being created. 3. Documentation of Best Practise 4. Open Source Primers: General FOSS by Kenneth Wong/Phet Sayo; Malaysia; Licensing by Shunling Chen Taiwan; Policy by Kenneth Wong; Localisation by Anousak Souphavanh / Theppitak Karoonboonyanan - Thailand; Network/Security/Infrastructure by Gaurab Raj Upadhaya - Nepal; and Education by Wooi Tong Tan - Malaysia. B. Creation of a Database of Free / Open Source Experts and Human Resources in the Region 1. Networking of Experts 2. Technical Support C. Training and Workshops 1. FOSSAP 2004: More than 50 senior policy makers and open source practitioners from 20 countries attended this event. http://www.iosn.net/fossap/ 2. Training of Trainers: We are currently planning the first training in Vietnam in partnership with Linux Professional Institute D. Research and Development 1. Localisation Toolkit in collaboration with Centre for Advanced Computing [CDAC], India 2. End-user training material in Text and Multimedia format. Script by Dr. Nah Soo Hoe, Malaysia and production by GetIT multimedia, Singapore. 3. GNU/Linux Live CD Project by Colin Charles, Australia of the Fedora Project. 4. Q&A on FOSS R&D/Case Studies of implementations 5. Micro-grant Programme in collaboration with University of South Pacific ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ್ ್ Thanks, ಸುನೀಲ್ -- Sunil Abraham, sunil(a)mahiti.org http://www.mahiti.org 314/1, 7th Cross, Domlur Bangalore - 560 071 Karnataka, INDIA Ph/Fax: +91 80 51150580. Mobile: +91 80 36701931 Currently on sabbatical with APDIP/UNDP Manager - International Open Source Network Wisma UN, Block C Komplex Pejabat Damansara. Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights. 50490 Kuala Lumpur. P. O. Box 12544, 50782, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: (60) 3-2091-5167, Fax: (60) 3-2095-2087 sunil(a)apdip.net http://www.iosn.net http://www.apdip.net Dgroups is a joint initiative of Bellanet, DFID, Hivos, ICA, IICD, OneWorld, UNAIDS --- You are currently subscribed to oneworldsa as: fred(a)bytesforall.org To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-oneworldsa-48530R(a)dgroups.org

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[Fsf-friends] GNU/Linux links and lists (with a focus on South Asia)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 30 Sep '04

30 Sep '04

This is the list that I put togther. Would help any help in updating and correcting it. Let's try to network all the 'little' GNU/LUGs, who badly need the support to grow. FN --------------------------------------------------------------------- GNU/Linux links and lists (with a focus on South Asia) --------------------------------------------------------------------- BSDIndia bsd-india(a)bsd-india.org GNU gnu(a)gnu.org GNU-Column column(a)gnu.org GNU/LinuxNigeia ngfoss(a)yahoogroups.com GNULinuxInAsia gnulinuxinasia(a)freelists.org GNUnify gnunify(a)symbiosiscomputers.com ILUG-BGNonTech linux-bangalore-non-tech(a)yahoogroups.com ILUG-Burdwan Ilug-bwn(a)ilug-bwn.org ILUG-Chennai ilugc(a)aero.iitm.ernet.in ILUG-Cochin ilug-cochin(a)eGroups.com ILUG-Hyd ilughyd(a)yahoogroups.com ILUG-Indore ilug-indore(a)yahoogroups.com ILUG-Kot-Moderator Moderator, ilug-kottayam ilug-kottayam Moderator <ilug-kottayam-owner(a)yahoogroups.com> ILUG-KTM ilug-ktm(a)yahoogroups.co.in ILUG-Mangalore ilug-mangalore(a)yahoogroups.com ILUG-Nagpur nagpur-linux(a)yahoogroups.com ILUG-South M'rasthra ilug_sm(a)yahoogroups.com ILUGBBSR ilug-bbsr(a)yahoogroups.com ILUGBelgaum ilug-belgaum(a)yahoogroups.com ILUGBurdwan ilug-bwn(a)yahoogroups.com ILUGC ilugc(a)ae.iitm.ac.in ILUGCal ilug-cal(a)ilug-cal.org ILUGDAICT iLug_DAIICT(a)yahoogroups.com ILUGDelhi ilugd(a)wpaa.org ILUGDelhiNEW ilugd(a)lists.linux-delhi.org ILUGGoaadmin ilug-goa-admin(a)yahoogroups.com ILUGHydMod Moderator, ilughyd ilughyd Moderator <ilughyd-owner(a)yahoogroups.com> ILUGTvm ilug-tvm(a)yahoogroups.com IndicComputing Indic-computing-users(a)lists.sourceforge.net LFY lfyedit lfyedit <lfyedit(a)electronicsforu.com> LIFE-GNUL in Edn life(a)mm.hbcse.tifr.res.in LIFE-2 life(a)hbcse.tifr.res.in LIFE-Nagarajuna G. nagarjun(a)hbcse.tifr.res.in LIFEAdmin life-admin(a)hbcse.tifr.res.in LIG linux-india-general(a)lists.sourceforge.net LIH linux-india-help(a)lists.sourceforge.net LinusTorvalds Torvalds, Linus Linus Torvalds <torvalds(a)transmeta.com> RMS (Stallman) rms(a)gnu.org Linux-Bangalore linux-bangalore(a)yahoogroups.com Linux-Cgarh linux_chandigarh(a)yahoogroups.co.in Linux-MiddleEast Linux-middleeast(a)yahoogroups.com linux-ta linux-ta(a)yahoogroups.com LinuxAbad linux-Ahmedabad-users(a)yahoogroups.com LinuxAnnounce linux-announce(a)NEWS.ORNL.GOV LinuxCouncil Linux_Council_of_India(a)yahoogroups.com LinuxDigestifier Linux-Announce-Request(a)senator-bedfellow.mit.edu Linuxers-Request linuxers-request(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in LINUXERSpostMUMBAI linuxers(a)mm.ilug-bom.org.in LinuxGoaHelp linuxgoahelp(a)yahoogroups.com LinuxGurus linux_gurus(a)yahoogroups.com LinuxInIndia linuxinindia(a)freelists.org LinuxIran ML, LinuxIran LinuxIran ML <bna-linuxiran(a)nongnu.org> LinuxPakistan general(a)linuxpakistan.net LinuxPlazaComplaints linuxplaza_complaints(a)yahoo.com LinuxPlazaHelp helpdesk(a)linuxplaza.org LinuxPlazaOrg linuxplaza_org(a)yahoo.com LinuxTrainingBG linux(a)vsnl.com LinuxYahoogroups linux(a)yahoogroups.com LIP linux-india-programmers(a)lists.sourceforge.net LUG-A alug_linux(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Abad LinuxAtAhmedabad(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-AMC amclug(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-AP aplug(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Bihar biharlinuxusergroup(a)yahoogroups.co.in LUG-BrasilT linux-brasil-total(a)Yahoogroups.com LUG-Cgarh linux_chandigarh(a)yahoogroups.co.in LUG-Cgarh2 linux_chandigarh(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Codebreaker codebreaker(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-CSS csslug(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Gunify gnunify(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Hubli linuxhubli(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-ITC linux-at-itcom(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Jodhpur SunCityJodhpurLUG(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Lucknow linux-lucknow(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Madurai Linux-Madurai(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Mizo mizolinuxusergroup(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-MLUG mylug(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Myanmar myanmarlinuxusersclub(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Nashik nashikgug-general(a)lists.sarovar.org LUG-NE nelug-discussion(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-NGFOSS ngfossf(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Raipur ilug_raipur(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Rourkee rklug(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Schools linux_schools(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Sona sonalug(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Tamil tamillinux(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-Tvmalai Tvmalailug(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-VCLUG VCLUG(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-VLUG vidyalankar-lug(a)yahoogroups.com LUG-VTP vtplinux(a)yahoogroups.com LUG_Bhopal lug-bhopal(a)yahoogroups.com LUGlugk lugk(a)yahoogroups.com LUGrvlug rvlug(a)yahoogroups.com Nagpur-lug nagpur-lug(a)yahoogroups.com NagpurLUG nagpur-lug(a)yahoogroups.com NepalLUG admin(a)linux.com.np NGU-GNU for NGOs Karl <karl(a)tux.org> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frederick Noronha (FN) Nr Convent, Saligao 403511 Goa India Freelance Journalist P: 832-2409490 M: 9822122436 http://fn.swiki.net http://www.ryze.com/go/fredericknoronha ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks (GoaLinks Blog) ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[Fsf-friends] [FSFE PR][EN] FSFE not inclined to pay legal costs of Microsoft (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 29 Sep '04

29 Sep '04

---------- Forwarded message ---------- FSFE not inclined to pay legal costs of Microsoft "No settlement in sight, FSFE ready for battle" Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) casts doubts on the increasing rumors that Microsoft is willing to settle the antitrust case against the EC Commission, which is due to come to Court later this week. "We have not been approached by either party by any accounts. This seems more like a smoke screen trying to distract from Airbus having confirmed withdrawal from the case. With the hearing just a few hours away, we also do not see the possibility to discuss any such proposal at this stage," Carlo Piana, FSFEs legal counsel to the case, comments. "Having seen the copious amount of pages of CVs for the experts that Microsoft intends to bring to court, we are instead preparing for two days of intense legal battle. We are quite confident that our comparatively smaller team will give them a hard time and provide the Commission with a great deal of support, as we have done so far," Piana concludes. "We are indeed ready for the battle, but we do hope that others will stand up to support us in this fight as we are currently financing the costs of this litigation from our rather limited funds," Georg Greve, president of the FSFE confirms. "In this regard it should be a rather interesting encounter: On the one side our small, but highly competent team, hard-pressed even for the smallest of expenses. On the other side Microsoft, which hired two of the most prestigious law firms in Europe with their remarkably expensive lawyers working around the clock with unlimited funds." The costs seem indeed expensive since Microsoft with its legendary $49 billion cash reserve applied for the parties siding with the European Commission to bear their legal costs in case the European Commission loses the case. At the current stage, the result Microsoft can expect is something equivalent to an acquittal for want of evidence. If the other parties, such as FSFE, would then have to pay the cost of Microsoft, it would be much like the surfer paying dental care to the shark. "We appreciate the humoresque quality of this demand, but we are certainly not inclined to give in to it!" Georg Greve concludes. About the Free Software Foundation Europe The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a charitable non-governmental organization dedicated to all aspects of Free Software in Europe. Access to software determines who may participate in a digital society. Therefore the Freedoms to use, copy, modify and redistribute software - as described in the Free Software definition- allow equal participation in the information age. Creating awareness for these issues, securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues of the FSFE, which was founded in 2001 as the European sister organization of the Free Software Foundation in the United States. Further information: http://www.fsfeurope.org -- Joachim Jakobs <jj(a)office.fsfeurope.org> Press Speaker - FSF Europe (http://fsfeurope.org) In der Roede 24, 64367 Mühltal (Tel: +49-179-6919565) _______________________________________________ Press-release mailing list Press-release(a)fsfeurope.org https://mail.fsfeurope.org/mailman/listinfo/press-release

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LXer: Is the MSN search engine being used in the battle to killLinux? (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 29 Sep '04

29 Sep '04

---------- Forwarded message ---------- http://lxer.com/module/newswire/view/23328/index.html Hello, I could not track the source of old content showing up at the top of google searches on my name. According to the number of hits I generate, I have a significant mind share on Google. Finally, we tracked down the problem and found that MSNbot was hammering and multiplying links old and irrelevant content, pushing that above recent articles about Linux in Government, case studies, etc. I also found other open source advocates on the web trying to find out why they couldn't stop MSNbot using a standard robots.txt directive in the root directory of their web sites. Some of the complaints related to increased fees for bandwidth. In this article, I discuss the issue. I will also post the fix we discovered by accident. BTW, a standard redirect will not work. I'm not very pleased to discover Microsoft is manipulating the content on the Internet. Tom Adelsten

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Austerity and e-Gov
by Ramanraj K 29 Sep '04

29 Sep '04

The Hindu reports: [1]Centre takes belt-tightening steps http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/29/stories/2004092906950100.htm [Austerity measures announced by Central Gov - to save Rs. 2000 crores] [2] The web of e-governance by G. Ananthakrishnan <could not find link> [Without meaningful procedures e-gov won't be possible or help] e-gov software "business" is worth Rs. 1200 crores in India. Using free software for e-gov could save quite a bit, if those concerned listen to what FSF India has been pleading over the years.

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[Fsf-friends] NEWS: Progress towards Sarge (Debian)... getting there!
by Frederick Noronha (FN) 29 Sep '04

29 Sep '04

http://www.debianplanet.org/ Progress Towards Sarge Submitted by robot101 on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 12:47 SargeThe past month (where I must admit, Debian Planet posting has been a little lacking...) has seen much activity throughout Debian to move us closer to our planned September release of the next version of Debian's "stable" distribution. A good measure of what's going on is messages to debian-devel-announce explaining bug-squashing efforts, progress on debian-installer, and updates from the release team... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frederick Noronha (FN) Nr Convent, Saligao 403511 Goa India Freelance Journalist P: 832-2409490 M: 9822122436 http://fn.swiki.net http://www.ryze.com/go/fredericknoronha ------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.livejournal.com/users/goalinks (GoaLinks Blog) ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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new mirror for bangla primer
by Tathagata Banerjee 28 Sep '04

28 Sep '04

mr.rajarshi guha of the kolkata lug has kindly added the bangla gnu/linux primer by dipankar das to his server: http://blue.chem.psu.edu/~rajarshi/web.glt.tar.bz2 thank you, mr. guha. - t. -- cogito, ergo es.

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