- Fsf-friends - lists.fsci.in

Gnu/Linux Habba v3 @ Nitte
by Omshivaprakash H L 01 Feb '09

01 Feb '09

Hi All, Sampada Community is happy to announce *Gnu/Linux Habba v3*. This time we are @ NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte (60km's from Mangalore) on 7th February. The event aims to: * Create awareness and share information about Free and Open Source Software. * Clarify doubts regarding availability, philosophy, usage related issues, to the extent possible. * Explore GNU/Linux and its tools with education as an aspect. * Distribute GNU/Linux distributions for people to try it out. (Free CDs, no cost involved) * Help people install GNU/Linux on their machines (laptops @ venue). * Help people configure and optimize GNU/Linux installations for using Kannada. * Answer queries pertaining to usage of Kannada on the GNU/Linux platform, to the best of our knowledge. * Help people to avoid proprietary lock-ins. GNU/Linux Habba was started in Bangalore with its first edition in April 2008 by volunteers of Sampada Community (http://sampada.net) to not only spread the word about free software, but also to introduce GNU/Linux to the non-technical computer users. The first edition organized at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore received tremendous response with more than 377 registrations running up to the event. Many participants installed GNU/Linux on their Desktops/Laptops and learnt how to use Kannada on it. From NGOs to Public sector officials keen to learn more about GNU/Linux - many people participated in the event. Following the success of the first edition, the group of volunteers behind the event decided to extend the festival to other cities in Karnataka, starting with Mysore. The second edition of GNU/Linux Habba (http://habba.in) was held on 21st September, 2008 at Physics Department, University of Mysore. Following the overwhelming response to the event, we have decided to enable users to work with Gnu/Linux at Mangalore. Date :- 7, February 2009 Venue :-Sambhram, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte Event Portal :– http://habba.in Sampada Community :– http://sampada.net Twitter :- http://twitter.com/techsampada IRC :- #kannada on irc.freenode.net E-mail :- mangalore(a)habba.in, tech-volunteers(a)sampada.net Wiki :- http://dev.sampada.net/GNU_Linux_Install_Fest -- -- "A well-directed imagination is the source of great deeds" -- With Best Regards, Omshivaprakash.H.L | ಓಂ ಶಿವಪ್ರಕಾಶ್ ಎಚ್. ಎಲ್ | ॐ शिवप्रकाश् एच्. एल् Website : http://www.techfiz.info Blog : http://platonic.techfiz.info Phone: 91- 9902026518 AIM : fizworks ICQ : 265216744 IRC : #techfiz server: irc.freenode.net channel: #linux-india #ubuntu-in #gnu-india #kannada

1 0

FOSSMeet@NITC '09
by Kishore A 31 Jan '09

31 Jan '09

Hello... FOSS Meet@NITC, an annual conference on Free and Open Source Software at NIT Calicut, brings to you a gamut of talks in Free and Open Source Software(FOSS) along with a number of workshops , bofs and video conferences. The fest, the fourth largest of its kind in India, draws FOSS enthusiasts from all over India. Year after year, we expand our horizon and endeavor to ensure that innovative thoughts and ideas get every opportunity to realize their potential, release it and share it. The 2009 edition of the event is scheduled to be held from Feb 27th to 1st March.The registrations have already begun. Do visit our website <http://www.nitc.fossmeet.in/> for the same. Get yourself registered for the event.. -- Publicity Team FOSS Meet@NITC 2009 Feb 27th to 1st March publicity(a)fossmeet.in

1 0

Venezuela adopts ODF
by V. Sasi Kumar 31 Jan '09

31 Jan '09

The Government of Venezuela has declared ODF as the official and mandatory format. See here: http://homembit.com/2009/01/1-venezuela-adopts-odf.html Best -- V. Sasi Kumar Free Software Foundation of India http://swatantryam.blogspot.com

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] Fsf-friends Digest, Vol 16, Issue 45
by sreejith g.s 27 Jan '09

27 Jan '09

Hi, Another interesting link on this topic: Call for Opensource Government: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7841486.stm Sreejith On Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 12:00 PM, <fsf-friends-request(a)mm.gnu.org.in> wrote: > Send Fsf-friends mailing list submissions to > fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > fsf-friends-request(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > You can reach the person managing the list at > fsf-friends-owner(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Fsf-friends digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. US President thinking of mandating "Open Source" (V. Sasi Kumar) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:27:25 +0530 > From: "V. Sasi Kumar" <sasi.fsf(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [Fsf-friends] US President thinking of mandating "Open > Source" > To: Principal Support List of FSF-India <fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in> > Message-ID: <1232989045.6757.101.camel@sasi-laptop> > Content-Type: text/plain > > Obama exploring option of mandating "Open Source" software in > government, says this story: http://government.zdnet.com/?p=4297 > > Seems interesting. When will we have a Prime Minister who understands > the benefits of Free Software? Hope Obama really decides to mandate Free > Software in government. We can then use the story to campaign in our > country. Wish Obama understood the philosophy of the Free Software > movement and mandated Open Access and Creative Commons licencing for > material generated using public funds too. > > Best > -- > V. Sasi Kumar > Free Software Foundation of India > http://swatantryam.blogspot.com > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Fsf-friends mailing list > Fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends > > > End of Fsf-friends Digest, Vol 16, Issue 45 > ******************************************* >

1 0

US President thinking of mandating "Open Source"
by V. Sasi Kumar 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

Obama exploring option of mandating "Open Source" software in government, says this story: http://government.zdnet.com/?p=4297 Seems interesting. When will we have a Prime Minister who understands the benefits of Free Software? Hope Obama really decides to mandate Free Software in government. We can then use the story to campaign in our country. Wish Obama understood the philosophy of the Free Software movement and mandated Open Access and Creative Commons licencing for material generated using public funds too. Best -- V. Sasi Kumar Free Software Foundation of India http://swatantryam.blogspot.com

1 0

Kerala Marxists see red as 'free' software drive goes out of control
by Praveen A 25 Jan '09

25 Jan '09

http://epaper.mailtoday.in/2512009/epaperimages/2512009/2512009-md-hr-16/32… -- പ്രവീണ്‍ അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില്‍ <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign

1 0

free fonts -FSF
by shirish 23 Jan '09

23 Jan '09

Hi all, I was trying to see if there are any gpl fonts. One of the links talked about Akruti fonts. The said fonts are unavailable on the site. After some searching came to this mail. http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2003-May/000947.html which tells that the fons have been taken back due to copyright issues. Has there been any move to get some indic fonts put up for distribution on the fsf's site ? -- Regards, Shirish Agarwal My quotes in this email licensed under CC 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ http://flossexperiences.wordpress.com 065C 6D79 A68C E7EA 52B3 8D70 950D 53FB 729A 8B17

3 3

Re: [Fsf-friends] OpenOffice Spreadsheet Template for KVAT Filing
by ipmurali＠gmail.com 20 Jan '09

20 Jan '09

On Jan 20, 2009 1:57pm, Anivar Aravind <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> wrote: > On Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 3:22 PM, ipmurali(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > I am trying on Windows XP SP2 (at office) > > > Used IE to download the file from > > > http://www.zyxware.com/software/utilities/sales_purchase_invoice_v.0.9.1.ods, > > > It downloaded a zip file which does not contain any ODS file. > > > > Zip file? It must be ODS file (ODs format is actually a compressed > > file). IE usually have the habit of changing extensions while saving. > > > > > Then I tried with Firefox 3.0.5, it downloaded the ODS file. > > > But it could not open with OO Version 3.0.0. > > > > It is Openable with OO 3.0 . I tested in my Virtual Host Installation > But in my system it is not opening, no error message also ? Anybody else having the issue on Windows XP SP2. with OO.Version 3.0.0 ??? > > > > > > > > > Now let me try on Ubuntu 8.10/OO 2.4 > > > It seems working here, didn't check in detail. > > > > > > regards, > > > murali. > > > > > > > > > > > > On Jan 20, 2009 10:50am, Anivar Aravind anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >> On Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 11:38 AM, ipmurali(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >> > > >> > Anoop, > > >> > > >> > > > >> > > >> > I am getting a zip file when downloaded from the provided link, and it > > >> > > >> > doesn' contain any spread sheet file (*.ods)!!! > > >> > > >> > Can you please check, the site contain the right file? > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> It works fine for me. Open the downloaded ods file with Openoffice > > >> > > > > > > > > -- > > Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free > > Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. > > Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds. >

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] OpenOffice Spreadsheet Template for KVAT Filing
by ipmurali＠gmail.com 20 Jan '09

20 Jan '09

Anoop, I am getting a zip file when downloaded from the provided link, and it doesn' contain any spread sheet file (*.ods)!!! Can you please check, the site contain the right file? regards murali. On Jan 20, 2009 1:50am, Anoop John <anoopjohn(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Thanks for all the good words. > > > A new version has been uploaded with the reported issues fixed > > > * Support of ooo3 > > > * Licensing info in properties. > > > > > > The new download link has been added to the page > > > http://www.zyxware.com/articles/2009/01/16/openoffice-spreadsheet-template-…> > > > > > > Please report any issue as comments to the above post. > > > > > > You can download the new file from > > > http://www.zyxware.com/software/utilities/sales_purchase_invoice_v.0.9.1.ods> > > > > > > Cheers > > > Anoop > > > -- > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > http://www.zyxware.com > > > http://www.anoopjohn.com > > > http://www.thondomraughts.com > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > "Be the change you wish to see in the world", MK Gandhi > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > _______________________________________________ > > > Fsf-friends mailing list > > > Fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends > > >

2 1

OpenOffice Spreadsheet Template for KVAT Filing
by Anoop John 19 Jan '09

19 Jan '09

Dear All, I have converted the Microsoft xls template that was provided on keralataxes.in into an OpenOffice template and am attaching the document herewith. For those of you who cannot download this attachment, you can download the OpenOffice Spreadsheet file from the following page. <http://www.zyxware.com/articles/2009/01/16/openoffice-spreadsheet-template-…> Until the Sales Tax Department starts supporting this document I will gladly be providing support to those who take the pain to report any issues. With this, we in the Free Software Community, once again demonstrate that we are willing to work with anybody to further the cause of Free Software and Freedom in General. I believe all the work done by the Government using public funds is supposed to be Free (as in Freedom) as per the IT policy. So I am issuing my derived work under GPL. Wish you all a Happy and Wonderful GNU Year Best Regards Anoop John CEO, Zyxware Technologies -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.zyxware.com http://www.anoopjohn.com http://www.thondomraughts.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Be the change you wish to see in the world", M. K. Gandhi ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5 6

Fwd: Rs 500 crores for computers in Gujarat schools
by Anivar Aravind 16 Jan '09

16 Jan '09

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Guru <guru(a)itforchange.net> Date: Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 9:32 PM Subject: Rs 500 crores for computers in Gujarat schools To: ict-education-india(a)googlegroups.com Dear friends, The article in Indian Express (provided below my mail) says that the Gujarat Government is planning a 500 crore outlay on computers in schools. Hopefully it will consist of ICT tools that teachers and students can use to create their own learning resources - both digital learning material as well as software applications/enhancements. This can be an opportunity for teacher educators, teachers and students to create locally relevant and contextual material. The article says the Government is indeed inclined towards FOSS (Free and Open Source Software). Hopefully it will also avoid spending on 'centrally created "high quality" content or licensed/proprietary software that teachers and students will be 'taught to use'. If we are able to get the large technology vendors off the back of school system, it will be half the battle won, it can then be possible for the teachers to have sometime and resources to figure out, with support, what ICTs could mean to them and their work. Such support of course, needs to be based on a deep understanding of pedagogy rather than technology per se. It may be worthwhile checking/discussing with the Gujarat Government to share some of our views as well as our Workshop outputs with them. I request those interested to respond or write to me off-list to take this issue further. regards, Guru PS - Microsoft offering Windows (operating system) free of cost to the Gujarat Government is a typical Microsoft ploy - no wonder the Head of the National IT Institute of Brazil called Microsoft a 'drug pusher' (see www.charlesleadbeater.net/cms/xstandard/Brazil_Open_Source.pdf for some unethical methods adopted by Microsoft) for this reason, offering the initial samples at little or no cost and then benefiting from having made the user dependent on their products. Even if the Gujarat schools get windows free of cost (which also means Microsoft Office is still priced), the students will learn only Microsoft products and buy the same for their own use, which means enormous externalised financial implications of this 'free of cost' decision... Hence as a guardian of public interest, Government need to both adopt and actively promote free software for the high positive societal impact, apart from the specific costs/benefits to them from the decision. *************************************************************** http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rs-500-cr-for-computers-in-schools/405217/ Rs 500 cr for computers in schools - KAMRAN SULAIMANI Posted: Jan 01, 2009 at 0038 hrs IST Vadodara: In a unique Information Technology initiative, the Gujarat Government will spend around Rs 500 crore to buy 1,50,000 computers, peripherals and LCDs to equip some 20,000 primary and upper primary schools in the state, over the next five years. The project will also include 3D multimedia educational content software, a cyber-based school management system to monitor school activities, besides providing the requisite IT training to teachers across the state. "Although we had done some technological upgradation in about 5,000 schools earlier, this will be the first massive effort of its kind," Gujarat IT Secretary, Raj Kumar, told Newsline. IN 2007, the state government had tied up with Educomp for Computer Aided Education (CAE) programmes under the Gujarat Council of Primary Education (GCPE) in 500 schools spread over 25 districts. Educomp had also trained around 1,500 teachers in computer literacy. Gujarat is now taking the cue from schools in Karnataka. The state government is inclined to go for free open source software (FOSS) for schools. "As of now, the government has decided to go for FOSS, which is available at almost no cost, but Microsoft too has offered to provide their operating system free of cost. It's up to the Education department to decide on it," Kumar added. The project will be on the build operate transfer (BOT) model. The state will not make the full payment upfront. "We will pay 30 per cent and the remaining 70 per cent will be staggered over the next five years," said Principal Secretary, Education, Hasmukh Adhia. "It's a huge project that could change concepts of teaching and learning. We will also get LCDs for schools capable of displaying 3D stories to help in science subjects," added Adhia. The state will also get funds from the Centre to upgrade IT infrastructure in secondary schools. Not only schools, but the government has also floated tenders to upgrade the Gujarat State Wide Area Network (GSWAN). "It has been seven years from the day we implemented GSWAN. Technologies change with time and we are in the process of upgrading some equipment," Kumar said. The state government wants network components at taluka GSWAN nodes to integrate with the existing GSWAN infrastructure for enhancement under the SWAN scheme of the Government of India. The state is also improving the leased line bandwidth in all district and taluka locations to integrate it with the existing GSWAN, it was informed. -- Gurumurthy Kasinathan IT for Change www.ITforChange.net Bridging Development Realities and Technological Possibilities Tel:98454 37730 http://ITforChange.net http://India.IS-Watch.net http://IS-Watch.net http://content-commons.in *IT for Change is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with United Nations' Economic and Social Council* --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ ** If you do 'REPLY', it will go to GOOGLEGROUPS. Pls user FORWARD if you want the mail to go to specific person(s) and not the entire group. To post to this group, send email to ict-education-india(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to ict-education-india-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/ict-education-india?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

3 2

Marching Orders to FS Proponents: Similar experiences in Brazil, Argentina
by Anivar Aravind 15 Jan '09

15 Jan '09

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Similar+experiences+in+… <snip> It is not only in Kerala that free software exponents are seeing red signal in government. Last year, similar developments took place in Brazil and Argentina, the Latin American countries where free software movement has made a major headway. The ouster of M. Arun, special officer for International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) and Joseph C Mathew, IT advisor to the Chief Minister, from their positions can be read along with the ousters of free software exponents from Brazilian and Argentinian governments. There were allegations that the expulsion of free software proponents in those countries was at the instance of Microsoft. </snip> -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

2 1

Re: [Fsf-friends] Fsf-friends Digest, Vol 16, Issue 35
by srinivas nanjaiah 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

some one problem tally 7.2 work in ubuntu instal posiboly ,and how to instal pls give the solution. On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:00 PM, <fsf-friends-request(a)mm.gnu.org.in> wrote: > Send Fsf-friends mailing list submissions to > fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > fsf-friends-request(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > You can reach the person managing the list at > fsf-friends-owner(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Fsf-friends digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Fwd: Vietnam to widely use Free and open source software (Mani A) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:08:07 +0530 > From: Mani A <a.mani.cms(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [Fsf-friends] Fwd: Vietnam to widely use Free and open source > software > To: Principal Support List of FSF-India <fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in>, > ilug-calinfo(a)googlegroups.com > Message-ID: > <78323d480901130638u512078a5va797750a8d19acde(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: sb <sobuze(a)gmail.com> > Date: Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 2:54 AM > Subject: Vietnam to widely use Free and open source software > To: IOTA Public Members <iota-public(a)googlegroups.com> > > > > The Ministry of Information and Communications has issued an > instruction on using open source software products at state agencies. > > Accordingly, by June 30, 2009, 100% of servers of IT divisions of > government agencies must be installed with open source software; 100% > of staffs at these IT divisions must be trained in the use of these > software products and at least 50% use them proficiently. > > > IT divisions at government agencies comprise the IT departments of > ministries and government agencies, provincial and municipal > Departments of Information and Communications. > > > Open source software products are OpenOffice, email software for > servers of Mozilla ThunderBird, Mozilla FireFox web browser and the > Vietnamese typing software Unikey. > > > The instruction also said that by December 31, 2009, 70% of servers of > ministries' agencies and local state agencies must be installed with > the above open source software products and 70% of IT staff trained in > using this software; and at least 40% able to use the software in > their work. > > > The above agencies are requested to increase the number of documents > and information exchanged among them processed by the above software. > By December 31, 2010, all staff at these agencies must be able to use > open source software in their jobs. > > > The instruction asks IT associations to assist state agencies in the > implementation of this plan. > > > The instruction also requests that computer traders not sell PCs > installed with cracked software, but open source ones. > > Source : http://english.vietnamnet.vn/tech/2009/01/822425/ > ______________________________________________________________ > > Best > > A. Mani > > > -- > A. Mani > Member, Cal. Math. Soc > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Fsf-friends mailing list > Fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends > > > End of Fsf-friends Digest, Vol 16, Issue 35 > ******************************************* >

2 1

Al Jazeera Announces Launch of Free Footage under Creative Commons Attribution License
by Praveen A 14 Jan '09

14 Jan '09

Lawrence Lessig, the founder of Creative Commons organization and Professor of Law in Stanford University, stated, "Al Jazeera is teaching an important lesson about how free speech gets built and supported. By providing a free resource for the world, the network is encouraging wider debate, and a richer understanding". http://cc.aljazeera.net/content/launch-press-release -- പ്രവീണ്‍ അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില്‍ <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign

1 0

Fwd: Vietnam to widely use Free and open source software
by Mani A 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: sb <sobuze(a)gmail.com> Date: Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 2:54 AM Subject: Vietnam to widely use Free and open source software To: IOTA Public Members <iota-public(a)googlegroups.com> The Ministry of Information and Communications has issued an instruction on using open source software products at state agencies. Accordingly, by June 30, 2009, 100% of servers of IT divisions of government agencies must be installed with open source software; 100% of staffs at these IT divisions must be trained in the use of these software products and at least 50% use them proficiently. IT divisions at government agencies comprise the IT departments of ministries and government agencies, provincial and municipal Departments of Information and Communications. Open source software products are OpenOffice, email software for servers of Mozilla ThunderBird, Mozilla FireFox web browser and the Vietnamese typing software Unikey. The instruction also said that by December 31, 2009, 70% of servers of ministries' agencies and local state agencies must be installed with the above open source software products and 70% of IT staff trained in using this software; and at least 40% able to use the software in their work. The above agencies are requested to increase the number of documents and information exchanged among them processed by the above software. By December 31, 2010, all staff at these agencies must be able to use open source software in their jobs. The instruction asks IT associations to assist state agencies in the implementation of this plan. The instruction also requests that computer traders not sell PCs installed with cracked software, but open source ones. Source : http://english.vietnamnet.vn/tech/2009/01/822425/ ______________________________________________________________ Best A. Mani -- A. Mani Member, Cal. Math. Soc

1 0

nina sings the copyleft- film "sita sings the blues" releases in copyleft!
by mail＠swathanthran.in 13 Jan '09

13 Jan '09

Hi all, An award-winning independent film, "Sita Sings the Blues", has been blocked from release by the impossible demands of the copyright industry for old song recordings it uses. The producer aims <a href="http://blog.ninapaley.com/2008/12/28/sitas-distribution-plan >decided to release it under copyleft </a> in order to get it out. Also see more information at http://www.questioncopyright.org I was thinking of making some screening in my college too;-) happy hacking

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] Mail text missing(partial) in Archive [Fwd: Comrades’ new-found love with IT]
by justin joseph 12 Jan '09

12 Jan '09

On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 9:08 AM, Nagarjuna G. <nagarjun(a)gnu.org.in> wrote: > Anurag, and Alpesh > > Can you carryout the upgradeing soon! Not sure of this... but i think upgrade won't fix this particular issue. bin/cleanarch in mailman source dir could be causing this. >From cleanarch: 20 """Clean up an .mbox archive file. 21 22 The archiver looks for Unix-From lines separating messages in an mbox archive 23 file. For compatibility, it specifically looks for lines that start with 24 "From " -- i.e. the letters capital-F, lowercase-r, o, m, space, ignoring 25 everything else on the line. 26 27 Normally, any lines that start "From " in the body of a message should be 28 escaped such that a > character is actually the first on a line. It is 29 possible though that body lines are not actually escaped. This script 30 attempts to fix these by doing a stricter test of the Unix-From lines. Any 31 lines that start "From " but do not pass this stricter test are escaped with a 32 > character. Diff of cleanarch in 2.1.9 and 2.1.11 show no change. Probably list admins on mailman mailinglists would have to report this and/or fix this(cleanarch) and send a patch. I have no clue about python by cleanarch logic looks unconvincing. mostly this is all fairytale :-) > > Nagarjuna > > On Sunday 11 January 2009 02:08:46 Praveen A wrote: >> 2009/1/10 justin joseph <justinjoseph007(a)gmail.com>: >> > Why are we still on mailman version 2.1.9 >> >> So many complaints about archive. I think we should upgrade. >> Archives are a very important part of a mailing list. >> >> -Praveen > > -- > FSF India > gnu.org.in > >

1 1

Re: [Fsf-friends] Mail text missing(partial) in Archive [Fwd: Comrades’ new-found love with IT]
by justin joseph 12 Jan '09

12 Jan '09

On Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 2:13 PM, Nagarjuna G. <nagarjun(a)gnu.org.in> wrote: > > Is the forwarded message the original message? Yes, it is. But even this mail which mentioned the problem and has the forwarded mail got truncated in archive: http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2009-January/006205.html The next message in this thread which I send mentioning the truncation, got archived with the forwarded mail intact.: http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2009-January/006207.html Wonder why your mail has not been archived yet. Did mailman get fed up with those long threads :-) > > Nagarjuna > > On Saturday 10 January 2009 22:00:02 justin joseph wrote: >> The mail archive for fsf-friends has partial text missing for my >> mail. >> >> Refer the link below(the original mail is forwarded with this >> mail): >> http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2009-January/006182.htm >>l >> >> The reply to which can be seen here: >> http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2009-January/006185.htm >>l >> >> The reply-to-reply can be seen here: >> http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2009-January/006187.htm >>l >> >> The mail in the _FIRST_ archive link has all text missing. This >> is also evident by comparing the three archive links. >> >> I compose in plain text. List admins, why has this happened? >> >> -justin >> >> >> >> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- >> From: justin joseph <justinjoseph007(a)gmail.com> >> Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 10:23 AM >> Subject: Re: [Fsf-friends] Comrades' new-found love with IT >> To: Anivar Aravind <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> >> Cc: haynes davis <haynesdavis(a)gmail.com>, fsf-friends >> <fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in> >> >> On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 4:15 PM, Anivar Aravind > <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 2:21 PM, haynes davis > <haynesdavis(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> right now non-cpim is a big vacuum regarding free software as >> >> far as political and government support is considered. Why our >> >> struggle does not seem to be productive in the other states and >> >> the central government? >> > >> > And Left's adoption of Free Software Policy in Kerala is also a >> > logical follow up of various actions & discussions initiated by >> > Free Software Activists. Even the decision to adopt Free >> > Software in IT@School was decided in an SCERT meeting (with the >> > support of 85% of teachers) much before 2006 elections. But the >> > govt came after election got the political advantage of this >> > decision. and we are very happy about that because they are also >> > helping FS movement by adopting new policies . >> >> From >> http://blue-gnu.biz/content/fsf_india_039_s_impact_far_reaching >> >> Answering to question "Can you tell me some of the key events that >> have brought FSF India to the present?" >> >> Sasi Kumar _also_ said: >> >> "This was supported by other organisations also, especially the >> Kerala School Teachers' Association and the then Opposition Leader >> (current Chief Minister) Mr. V.S. Achuthanandan. As a consequence >> of these pressures, the textbook was changed in the second year to >> include Free Software also. Eventually, the government decided to >> use exclusively Free Software in schools. Thus Kerala became the >> first state in the country (and possibly in the world) to use >> exclusively Free Software in schools." >> >> Anivar, you are also talking binary. "Left" on one side and "Free >> Software activists" on other side. >> Are you saying that the _Kerala School Teachers Association_ (your >> (teachers)are entirely composed of free software >> activists and that V.S Achuthanandan was also a "free software >> activist" >> >> Out of the four gains that Sasi kumar has mentioned in his answer, >> he gives credit to left parties directly in two. >> >> The other being: >> >> "The left parties, which are partners in the present coalition >> government, were sympatheric to our cause and expressed their >> views to the Minister. Eventually, the government decided to drop >> the provisions that were most harmful." >> >> Sympathies of the left parties does not come out of charity or >> emotion. It comes out of >> ideological positions and understandings. If there is no >> understanding of these then at least do >> not try and play a disruptive force in the left - free software >> alliance by suggesting that left and >> free software activism of kerala are _totally_ mutually exclusive >> and that the only interconnection >> between them is through "follow up", "political advantage", "help" >> etc.. >> >> > But when people are pushing Bush's binary logic of "Either you >> > are with us or You are against us" (only-cpim positions and >> > branding everything else as Anti-CPIM) we have to remind >> > history. >> >> It is better for the free software ecosystems that you stop >> playing its official historian. >> Report is a different thing and _history_ is a totally different >> thing. >> >> http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2008-November/005850.ht >>ml >> >> Anyone can be with the left and still be a free software activist >> and their contribution >> and the contributions of their likes, you have no right to >> appropriate as you wish and write histories >> as you wish. >> >> > Anivar >> > >> >> Haynes. >> > >> > -- >> > Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown >> > Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future >> > jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at >> > McDonalds. _______________________________________________ >> > Fsf-friends mailing list >> > Fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in >> > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends > > -- > FSF India > gnu.org.in > >

2 2

Mail text missing(partial) in Archive [Fwd: Comrades’ new-found love with IT]
by justin joseph 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

The mail archive for fsf-friends has partial text missing for my mail. Refer the link below(the original mail is forwarded with this mail): http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2009-January/006182.html The reply to which can be seen here: http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2009-January/006185.html The reply-to-reply can be seen here: http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2009-January/006187.html The mail in the _FIRST_ archive link has all text missing. This is also evident by comparing the three archive links. I compose in plain text. List admins, why has this happened? -justin ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: justin joseph <justinjoseph007(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 10:23 AM Subject: Re: [Fsf-friends] Comrades' new-found love with IT To: Anivar Aravind <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> Cc: haynes davis <haynesdavis(a)gmail.com>, fsf-friends <fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in> On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 4:15 PM, Anivar Aravind <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> wrote: > On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 2:21 PM, haynes davis <haynesdavis(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> >> right now non-cpim is a big vacuum regarding free software as far as >> political and government support is considered. Why our struggle does not >> seem to be productive in the other states and the central government? > And Left's adoption of Free Software Policy in Kerala is also a > logical follow up of various actions & discussions initiated by Free > Software Activists. Even the decision to adopt Free Software in > IT@School was decided in an SCERT meeting (with the support of 85% of > teachers) much before 2006 elections. But the govt came after > election got the political advantage of this decision. and we are very > happy about that because they are also helping FS movement by adopting > new policies . >From http://blue-gnu.biz/content/fsf_india_039_s_impact_far_reaching Answering to question "Can you tell me some of the key events that have brought FSF India to the present?" Sasi Kumar _also_ said: "This was supported by other organisations also, especially the Kerala School Teachers' Association and the then Opposition Leader (current Chief Minister) Mr. V.S. Achuthanandan. As a consequence of these pressures, the textbook was changed in the second year to include Free Software also. Eventually, the government decided to use exclusively Free Software in schools. Thus Kerala became the first state in the country (and possibly in the world) to use exclusively Free Software in schools." Anivar, you are also talking binary. "Left" on one side and "Free Software activists" on other side. Are you saying that the _Kerala School Teachers Association_ (your (teachers)are entirely composed of free software activists and that V.S Achuthanandan was also a "free software activist" Out of the four gains that Sasi kumar has mentioned in his answer, he gives credit to left parties directly in two. The other being: "The left parties, which are partners in the present coalition government, were sympatheric to our cause and expressed their views to the Minister. Eventually, the government decided to drop the provisions that were most harmful." Sympathies of the left parties does not come out of charity or emotion. It comes out of ideological positions and understandings. If there is no understanding of these then at least do not try and play a disruptive force in the left - free software alliance by suggesting that left and free software activism of kerala are _totally_ mutually exclusive and that the only interconnection between them is through "follow up", "political advantage", "help" etc.. > > But when people are pushing Bush's binary logic of "Either you are > with us or You are against us" (only-cpim positions and branding > everything else as Anti-CPIM) we have to remind history. It is better for the free software ecosystems that you stop playing its official historian. Report is a different thing and _history_ is a totally different thing. http://mm.gnu.org.in/pipermail/fsf-friends/2008-November/005850.html Anyone can be with the left and still be a free software activist and their contribution and the contributions of their likes, you have no right to appropriate as you wish and write histories as you wish. > > Anivar > >> Haynes. >> > > > > -- > Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free > Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. > Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds. > _______________________________________________ > Fsf-friends mailing list > Fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends >

2 3

Free Software a Social Movement yet ???
by Nidhin Sasi 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

With respect to Anivar's below mail : "*Free Software movement is a Social Movement. If some states realised* *the arguments raised by a movement it is the victory of the Movement.* *You and me are part of that. You can Find various examples of Free* *Software & Open standards adoption in Central Govt Policies, 11th 5* *year Plan, Knowledge Commission Report etc. On non-left ruled states,* *Tamil Nadu did some positive steps on Free Software adoption due to* *ELCOTs intervention. You can find similar examples from Other states."* * ** * *I did a study about Free Software in Public Enterprises of Kerala for* *SPACE in 2005 October & November (Before Left Govt coming to power) .* *It clearly shows more than 95% of successful e-governance projects are* *on Free Software Platform . Most of them were not political decision* *and silent adoption by the developers (Report is available at* *http://space-kerala.org/downloads/foss.pdf )* * * *And Left's adoption of Free Software Policy in Kerala is also a* *logical follow up of various actions & discussions initiated by Free* *Software Activists. Even the decision to adopt Free Software in* *IT at School <http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends> was decided in an SCERT meeting (with the support of 85% of* *teachers) much before 2006 elections. But the govt came after* *election got the political advantage of this decision. and we are very* *happy about that because they are also helping FS movement by adopting* *new policies .* * * *But when people are pushing Bush's binary logic of "Either you are* *with us or You are against us" (only-cpim positions and branding* *everything else as Anti-CPIM) we have to remind history*." Free Software has been mentioned here as a Social Movement citing the instances and its effect from Bottom rather than from Top. I am a newbie and don't know much about the history of Freesoftware Movement in India and so have my own indifferences or doubts regarding the above mentioned point, hence kindly correct my doubts or misunderstandings. As far as my understanding, Social Movement is taking the ideology to different classes of people and involving them too in the movement. Kerala is in the forefront of the promotion of Free Software from among the different states but still most of the students passing out from the Engineering colleges & Diploma schools are unaware about the so called Social Movement or the ideas they are promoting. Obviously they have vague idea about Free Software which many consider is the same as Open source. My question arises here that why the so called Social Movement was not able to create much awareness among the student community in a State which is in the Forefront of promoting Free Software? Why the huge majority of students still unaware of the existence of such a Social Movement? (May be this understanding could be wrong which I made largely from the angle of the students from South Kerala) I can infer 2 reasons for this. – Either the so called Free Software Movement has never been a Social Movement OR there are some serious flaws in the Free Software Movement. (There could be many other reasons also.) As a person new to the movement I can't deal with the second reasoning since that should be dealt by those who were part of the so called Social Movement. Regarding the first point, I would like to provide some thoughts as an engineering student from Kerala who wasn't aware of the Free Software Movement. There was never a technical session or a presentation or a philosophical talk by any of the people associated with the Free Software – Social Movement in my college. Neither did I hear about similar programs in other colleges. There was never any sort of mass campaigning or mobilization efforts I ever saw in my college or heard about in other colleges where I had friends. As I became associated with Free Software Movement I started to understand that the persons who were previously associated with Free Software Movement were mostly those were technically very interested or ideologically very much in synch with Free Software. Such an approach as far as I am concerned could never be called a Social Movement, it could only be called a Group or Forum of similar minded people. Obviously these groups could influence various govt policies due to their efforts but it definitely has its own limitations too. A Govt could not be pressurized to implement the policy unless there is a strong Movement from the bottom or else the Govt should be embodied with the very ideology what the movement from bottom is trying to campaign. Though there have been various discussions going on around, one thing is obvious how the Left govt headed by CPI(M) supported its cause in Kerala and has been in the forefront of promoting and spreading the ideas of Free Software in India. Due to this support by the Govt, many of the students atleast have a vague idea about the concept and about some of its advantages. But still unaware of the "Social Movement" which made the Govt to implement it! How the various fragmented free software groups were able to exert pressure or were in the fore front of such an initiative from the Top is still not clear to me. Also the mass movements in Kerala mainly led by CPI(M) were also supportive as Anivar itself mentioned "85% of teachers (mainly from KSTA)". Hence a blind mentioning of "*Left's adoption of Free Software Policy as a logical follow up*" is but trying to hide the reality. How "Free Software Concept" becomes just one of those in CPI(M)'s policies can be discussed detailed in a separate thread but certainly needs a mentioning here to show how it was not just an automatic adoption by the CPI(M) led govt. It would be better also to think what could have been the success which now the activists are trying to attribute to themselves, had CPI(M) not supported or promoted Free Software (which again is impossible since Free Software is naturally a part of the entire Left politics). If you take the different Mass Movements in Kerala such as students movement, youth movement, teachers movement, science movement etc were in the forefront of organizing people and to create awareness and to fight for various rights and issues concerning the people. These mass movements had a great role in creating the so called "Culture" which someone mentioned was the reason for the spread of Free Software in Kerala. Through Free Software Movement, our priority is not to create only "Users" of Free Software but "Creators" too. An example I can provide of AC3 (Slum Computing Centre in Bangalore). The people who took initiative could have just installed linux in the systems and taught the children basic computer skills. Would that have created them any awareness? But the members went above that and talked to them about Free Software, by involving them in campaignings like that against Microsoft-VTU (in which very few from FSUG, the sole representative of Free Software group in Bangalore participated). Even in this campaign there was very less participation from the members of FSUG whether for the ground level working for the campaigning or atleast their participation for the program. I have seldom seen anyone proposing to conduct classes atleast for those in IT industry and supporting Free Software Movement to make them more capable in the technical part. I have never heard about any such initiatives by anyone even for the employees in Technopark or Info park. Hence both IT employees and Engg/Diploma students are till now not mobilized or atleast reached to create awareness about Free Software. Then how can this be called a Social Movement? For mentioning it as a Social Movement we have to follow the approach of the other Mass Movements and going to as much as communities and sections of people as possible which is certainly lacking in the existing movement according to me. I have heard about the various projects undertaken by the Free Software groups but what I understood was that these projects are focusing more on certain specific areas and might make that particular project very successful or highly qualitative. But what about the quantity? How can we call the movement a Social Movement unless many other sections are still not included in the movement? Coming back to Karnataka, I find the society itself very different from that of Kerala especially on basis of the Social indices. AC3 was just one centre which we were able to know because some of the Free Software activists were also involved. What about numerous other such centres or slum areas? If some NGO is teaching them basic computer skills, those children are growing under restricted freedom in technology. How to reach them without a Social Movement and just through the existing Mail groups? What about the awareness FSUG is able to create among the Engineering/Diploma students & IT workers in Bangalore? Please correct whether my understanding was wrong or whatever I mentioned were not correct, if so kindly correct me. Thanks & Regards Nidhin

3 9

Fwd: [Freed-managers] Talk by RMS: Copyright v/s community in the age of computer networks
by Praveen A 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Subject: [Freed-managers] Talk by RMS: Copyright v/s community in the age of computer networks Date: Thursday 18 Dec 2008 From: "Andrew Lynn" <lynn.andrew(a)gmail.com> To: freed-managers(a)lists.linux-delhi.org Welcome to life at 10,000,000,000 bits per second! India is establishing a National Knowledge Network, with a backbone in multiples of Gbps. The initial phase would be implemented in the next few weeks, with JNU being connected at 1Gbps. While the technical details of the project have been put in place, it is of importance to look at content and applications, and the rights behind these. We are honoured that Richard Stallman, of the Free Software Foundation would deliver a talk on "Copyright v/s community in the age of computer networks" at the School of Life Sciences Auditorium, Jawaharlal Nehru University TIme: 6:00 pm Date; Friday, 19th December, 2008 R.S. Mani, a Senior Technical Director with the National Informatics Center would introduce the National Knowledge Network prior to the talk. Regards, Andrew -- പ്രവീണ്‍ അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില്‍ <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign

2 2

Re: [Fsf-friends] Free Software a Social Movement yet ???
by Anilkumar KV 10 Jan '09

10 Jan '09

2009/1/10 ck raju <ck.thrissur(a)gmail.com> > On Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 10:39 AM, Anilkumar KV <anilankv(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Tarnish the image of a partner organisation with baseless allegation will > no > (1) If an organisation can be tarnished with baseless allegation, then > there could be serious problems with the way in which it is organised > or constituted. Here it is the other way around. There is serious problem with one who raises the baseless allegations even in out of context. Tarnishing is not the way of positive criticism. Here those who work around these baseless allegations uses the platform of free software movement, to attempt to prevent the functioning of a larger a organisation for software freedom. These type of act is against the philosophy of freedom we advocate. > > (2) When a people-based organisation makes a section of people whom it > believes are behind this act of tarnishing, its enemy or target - then > also it ceases to be a people-based organisation anymore - because > from that point thereon, it becomes factional - a situation from where > it can no longer see *people* in its entirety. This is also a big > problem if the organisation claims to be a peoples' organisation > standing for ethical causes. Let the people decide which are people-based organisation. Deviating the target of a forum of free software movements to tarnish other organisations out of context is not done with good motive. (3) Lastly, why should you want the organisation which you support to > be accepted always by everyone as *Jesus-like* ? If we roll-back a > little, be a litlle more tolerant to accusations, allegations etc, > blood will continue to flow normally through our veins for better > productive purposes !! You may play with argument and counter argument by yourself, and not attribute those to me. I was asking the free software movements to come forward to work in coherence to strengthen the movement further. You may listen and realise whose blood is flowing abnormal. - Anilkumar K V

2 2

Google Summer of Code 2009 : Announcement
by ck raju 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

Hello everyone, While we will be making a formal announcement with more details later this year, we wanted to let all would-be student participants in Google Summer of Code 2009 know that we will be holding the program once again this year. If you are interested in participating, it's a great idea to begin investigating FOSS projects you would enjoy contributing to *now*. Not sure where to get started? No time like the present to subscribe to project mailing lists, hang out in project IRC channels or in their forums, check out some source code and start investigating how things work. We have universally heard from our mentors that their most successful students are those who got involved with the project early. You'll look great to your would-be mentors if you ask them smart questions. Major bonus points if you submit a patch or two. Going through your first code reviews with a new Open Source project is a rite of passage in FOSS development and it's a great way to show that you are engaged with the project. Remember, your mentors want to learn more about both your strengths and weaknesses, so don't be afraid to make mistakes. They happen to the best of us. If you're trying to decide which projects may be right for you or would like to hear some advice from past participants, check out our Advice for Students page: http://code.google.com/p/google-summer-of-code/wiki/AdviceforStudents We'll be letting folks know more details at the upcoming FOSDEM conference, so until then stay tuned for more details. Please bear in mind, though, that not all organizations that participated in GSoC 2008 will be returning for 2009. Take time now to explore your interests and scratch your own itch - that is what Open Source is all about! Cheers, LH -- Leslie Hawthorn Program Manager - Open Source Google Inc. http://code.google.com/opensource/ I blog here: http://google-opensource.blogspot.com - http://www.hawthornlandings.org

1 0

Comrades’ new-found love with IT
by sandeep sr 09 Jan '09

09 Jan '09

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Comrades%E2%80%99+new-f… Finally CPM has decided to take the plunge, putting all speculations to rest. It will be really bad if things go by the way as reported. If opportunists start controlling the Free Software movement, it is very likely that it is the ideals of FS that is going to be modified more than any software under it. They can't be blamed for it, since it is quite habitual for them to reverse their announced policies as part of trying to catch up with the present, just as they did in the case of World Bank and ADB loans(to name just two). Madhyamam, a local daily today has a report by P.K Prakash that Mr. Joseph Mathew, was removed from his post as IT Advisor to the Kerala CM, as he resisted the efforts of a group from taking over FSF India. The attempts to organize a local FSF chapter in TN without the consent of the Board Members, the Kochi conference, and the latest reports ... may be the 'hijack' theory was not entirely baseless. -- Sandeep

19 113

Fwd: [FSUG-Bangalore] linux training for chennai corpn school teachers
by Anivar Aravind 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: vinay sreenivasa <vinay(a)itforchange.net> Date: Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 3:38 PM Subject: [FSUG-Bangalore] linux training for chennai corpn school teachers To: Free Software Users Group - Bangalore <fsug-bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in> http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Corporation_school_teachers_to_b… CHENNAI: School teachers of Corporation schools will soon be adept in computer operations , thanks to a new training programme launched by the civic body. "A total of 2,000 teachers from primary and middle schools will attend the training . We aim to reach 500 teachers in the first phase, of which 150 will sit for the three-day training module provided by ELCOT starting today," Corporation Mayor M Subramanian said at the launch of the initiative here on Monday. Teachers from 139 primary schools, 109 middle schools, 38 high schools and 29 higher secondary schools will be covered by the programme. A sum of Rs 50 lakh has been spent on the initiative. "As a policy, ELCOT has been promoting open source software and we use Linux in our operations for word processing, spreadsheets and so on. It might be a little difficult for those who are used to Windows to operate on Linux but we are assuming that the teachers we train do not know how to work on computers. For every computer we purchase, we estimate an amount of Rs 2,500 to take care of the training," Santhosh Babu, managing director, ELCOT, said. In a bid to better the infrastructure at schools, the Corporation has procured 844 computers at a cost of Rs 2.3 crore, which will be distributed by local administration minister M K Stalin, Mayor Subramanian said. A total of 804 teachers who helped achieve 100% result among students of classes X and XII will be given a cash incentive of Rs 4,42,000 in total, he added. CHENNAI: School teachers of Corporation schools will soon be adept in computer operations , thanks to a new training programme launched by the civic body. "A total of 2,000 teachers from primary and middle schools will attend the training . We aim to reach 500 teachers in the first phase, of which 150 will sit for the three-day training module provided by ELCOT starting today," Corporation Mayor M Subramanian said at the launch of the initiative here on Monday. Teachers from 139 primary schools, 109 middle schools, 38 high schools and 29 higher secondary schools will be covered by the programme. A sum of Rs 50 lakh has been spent on the initiative. "As a policy, ELCOT has been promoting open source software and we use Linux in our operations for word processing, spreadsheets and so on. It might be a little difficult for those who are used to Windows to operate on Linux but we are assuming that the teachers we train do not know how to work on computers. For every computer we purchase, we estimate an amount of Rs 2,500 to take care of the training," Santhosh Babu, managing director, ELCOT, said. In a bid to better the infrastructure at schools, the Corporation has procured 844 computers at a cost of Rs 2.3 crore, which will be distributed by local administration minister M K Stalin, Mayor Subramanian said. A total of 804 teachers who helped achieve 100% result among students of classes X and XII will be given a cash incentive of Rs 4,42,000 in total, he added. -- Vinay Sreenivasa IT for Change 91-98805-95032 vinay(a)itforchange.net http://itforchange.net http://india.is-watch.net/ http://is-watch.net _______________________________________________ FSUG-Bangalore mailing list FSUG-Bangalore(a)mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/fsug-bangalore -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

1 0

FOSSMeet @ MEC
by Sarath Lakshman | ശരത്ത് ലക് ഷ്മണ് 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

Hi! Model Engineering College, Kochi is proud to present to you FOSSMEET @ MEC (http://mec.fossmeet.in), the Free and Open Source Software meet on January 25th, 2008 (Sunday) at our college campus. The FOSSMEET @ MEC is part of the annual techno-management symposium of Model Engineering College, Kochi - eXcel 2K9. Some of the keynote speakers at this event include: * Atul Chitnis - Atul is the Chairman and founder of FOSS.IN, one of Asia's biggest FOSS conference communities. He is also the Senior VP of Geodesic Information Systems Ltd. * Shreyas Srinivasan - Shreyas is an active contributor to the GNOME project. He is one of those people who has dedicated his life for increased contribution to FOSS. He is also the co-founder of RadioVeRVe, an internet radio company. * Santhosh Thottingal - Santhosh is a GNU enthusiast and has made several contributions to Malayalam language computing. Santhosh is the developer of Dhvani TTS and also the project admin of Swathantra Malayalam Computing. For details regarding registration, and more info about the event, please visit http://mec.fossmeet.in We hope to see you at FOSSMEET @ MEC. Best Regards, FOSSMEET @ MEC team

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] Microsoft intervenes to put Chinese software lovers in jail
by ck raju 07 Jan '09

07 Jan '09

On Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 4:07 PM, renuka prasad <renukaprasadb(a)gmail.com> wrote: > not only jails even some people minds also in horrible condition ( i > meant we have people have so much feedom that they are not bothered > about some freedoms which they are neglecting to think about/ ofcourse > we cant blame for those who do not know at all for the first time ) On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 3:26 AM, Praveen A <pravi.a(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I was referring to past instances where party has branded people who > spoke against it. CIA spy, Media Syndicate ... to list a few. The Microsoft Press report: "..The Futian People's Court in Shenzhen, China, handed down sentences to 11 ringleaders of the world's largest software counterfeiting syndicate today... The 11 accused were part of a criminal syndicate responsible for manufacturing and distributing more than an estimated $2 billion (U.S.) worth of high-quality counterfeit Microsoft software..." =========== I was wondering about the use of term "syndicate" by Microsoft Press. I won't be surprised if the one who helped Microsoft to edit this report happens to be a "fat sheep" from Red-mon-d HQs in Thiruvananthapuram - whose services have been hired !! CK Raju

1 0

Microsoft intervenes to put Chinese software lovers in jail
by ck raju 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

The Futian People's Court in Shenzhen, China, handed down sentences to 11 ringleaders of the world's largest software counterfeiting syndicate today. The sentences, ranging from 1.5 to 6.5 years, include the longest sentences handed down for this type of crime in China's history. Microsoft and hundreds of Microsoft customers and partners also provided information which assisted in the investigation. The 11 accused were part of a criminal syndicate responsible for manufacturing and distributing more than an estimated $2 billion (U.S.) worth of high-quality counterfeit Microsoft software. The counterfeit software, found in 36 countries and on five continents, contained fake versions of 19 of Microsoft's most popular products and was produced in at least 11 languages. "Microsoft greatly appreciates the work of China's PSB and the FBI in taking strong enforcement action against this global software counterfeiting syndicate," said David Finn, associate general counsel for Worldwide Anti-Piracy and Anti-Counterfeiting at Microsoft. ------------------- Full story at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/dec08/12-31ChinaSentencingPR.… ========= Indian jails are in horrible condition. Everybody there want to get out on bail as fast as possible. Nobody is interested to go there. Lets continue with Free Software, experience "high-quality original" software, enjoy our freedom and deny Microsoft lovers from taking centrestage of our lives. CK Raju

4 3

Re: [Fsf-friends] Comradesâ new-found love with
by Maxin John 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Hi Justin, I usually don't fall prey to the "Flame wars" strategy though I enjoy that most when it is related to technology like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanenbaum-Torvalds_debate >Maxin another way of saying your opinion would have been to refer to >this: > >http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem Justin, Thank for the new word "Ad_hominem". Frankly speaking, I wasn't aware of this word till you pointed out. Justin, one more thing.. I am not a politically biased person. I consider myself free from Politics, religion and above all, America ( I have the freedom to believe so, I guess) When I was 12 years old, I have participated in a Rally conducted by the Left wing people of Department of Telecommunications (My father works with BSNL and believes in the Left wing till MVR left the party). Then our slogan was: "One computer will replace 10 workers. So prevent the computerisation in National Level ". I still remember me happily moving along with the crowd with my father with a red flag in my left hand :) If we were successful then, now we won't have to write these mails supporting freedom and GNU/Linux. Justin, if you still have some more patience left in your mind, please read what communist party thinks about freedom : Tiananmen square: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square_protests_of_1989 About Stalin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Purge Though I am not a member of FSF,I still don't think Stallman's view of freedom includes "Freedom to Kill" See this link: It is funny.. http://copyfight.corante.com/archives/2005/02/15/the_one_where_richard _stallman_calls_bill_gates_a_communist.php Happy Hacking.. Thanks and Regards, Maxin B. John

4 3

Re: [Fsf-friends] Comradesâ new-found love with
by Maxin John 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

Hi Vikram, >Where do you get your funding for such activites? CIA? The above line is a pretty old "Cammu" way of diverting the attention of people from the core of the issue and tarnish the person who shows some guts to talk against the "Mighty communists".. Grow up man... and get well soon... Regards, Maxin B. John

4 4

Re: [Fsf-friends] Comrades’ new-found love with IT
by Anivar Aravind 06 Jan '09

06 Jan '09

On Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 9:48 AM, കേരളീയന്‍ भारतीयन <keraleean(a)gmail.com> wrote: > 2009/1/5 Anivar Aravind <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> >> >> Also you already raised that CPIM is more concerned about Free >> Software than FSM, If this is true I request you to Organise newly >> Trained DYFI cadre & CPIM people to Mobilise a Protest against M$ >> promoting initiatives like Kerala Taxes > > Definitely, I hope it will be done. The responsible persons will definitely > do it, not me. Please be cooperate with them. Please Post the info & details if you are doing a protest and Ask your Leaders to make it inclusive. Free Software Communities in Kerala will support for any protest against against These kind of Proprietary initiatives. Also we can Offer help in Drafting the technical arguments. Posting the details in Local User group is enough. I am ccing FSUG-TVM List. It will be good if you can share the details of "responsible people" we can contact. Anivar Anivar -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

5 5

Fwd: Is Microsoft ‘Pulling an EDGI’ on Kerala?
by Anivar Aravind 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Roy Schestowitz <r(a)schestowitz.com> Date: Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 8:52 PM Subject: Is Microsoft 'Pulling an EDGI' on Kerala? To: Praveen A <pravi.a(a)gmail.com>, Anivar Aravind <anivar.aravind(a)gmail.com> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Please spread this important info. Summary: Finally — solid proof of targeted Microsoft dumping against GNU/Linux and Free software (Microsoft dumps non-Free software on Kerala to block GNU/Linux; more antitrust exhibits unveiled) http://boycottnovell.com/2009/01/04/microsoft-edgi-secrets/ Happy hacking. - -- ~~ Best of wishes Roy S. Schestowitz http://Schestowitz.com | GNU/Linux | PGP-Key: 0x74572E8E Freelance journalist @ http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/ Joint editor @ http://boycottnovell.com GPL-licensed 3-D Othello @ http://othellomaster.com Open Source, non-profit search engine proposal @ http://iuron.com -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.9 (GNU/Linux) iEYEARECAAYFAklg1D4ACgkQU4xAY3RXLo5KlQCgpzJnXqKoQRNRT1IEtqmOTMht qb4AnAr+hGSdpmysdDE0NDVsvl1JTuja =NAjz -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

3 4

Fwd: [fsug-tvm] Microsoft , Tata , KVAT and Me
by Sebin Jacob 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Here is a mail that appeared in fsug-tvm. Its better to stop the argument upon indian express report and concentrate on this. Hail the CPI(M) led LF govt. They have demonstrated how free and proprietery softwares can co-exist! Sebin ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Parameswaran D <param(a)param.net.in> Date: Sat, Jan 3, 2009 at 10:12 AM Subject: [fsug-tvm] Microsoft , Tata , KVAT and Me To: ilug-tvm(a)googlegroups.com Anybody visited the www.keralataxes.in for VAT e-filing ? >From 1st of Jan 2009 onwards e-filing of VAT returns is compulsory for all the dealers in Kerala. Please go through the site and see the documentation and procedures for e-flining.. Site is developed for and by the Microsoft Community. Govt has arranged e-filing from Akshaya Centers for dealers who have no internet facility at "Free Of Cost" (Thanks to "Microsoft Unlimited Potential Programme") My Problem I request OpenSource community of Kerala to (just forget about the FSFS Conference conducted by Govt last month and) address my issue Details of Sales and Purchase needs to be updated in MS Excel format. Template file "SALES_PURCHASE_INVOICE.XLS" is available for download in the site. The data then needs to be validated with the excel macro , and macro will create a Text File (sales.txt without headers) in "C:\KVATS" folder, for Upload . This macro will not work in OpenOffice Calc 3 . In Calc I can save the data as a Text file, but it is not coming in the required format . As e-TDS preparation and validation utility (freely available) , KVAT return validation and preparation utility needs to be developed. but immediately OOO Calc file with macro to be released. In this recession period a solution for the above will be helpful for Traders. Regards, Parameswaran D --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ "Freedom is the only law". "Freedom Unplugged" http://www.ilug-tvm.org You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ilug-tvm" group. To post to this group, send email to ilug-tvm(a)googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to ilug-tvm-unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For details visit the website: www.ilug-tvm.org or the google group page: http://groups.google.com/group/ilug-tvm?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~--- -- ...if I fought with you, if i fell wounded and allowed no one to learn of my suffering, if I never turned my back to the enemy: Give me your blessing! (Nikos Kazantzakis)

4 6

Re: [Fsf-friends] [fsug-tvm] Re: Microsoft , Tata , KVAT and Me
by Sebin Jacob 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Found this posting<http://boycottnovell.com/2009/01/04/microsoft-edgi-secrets/>in Boycott Novell website. Sebin -- ...if I fought with you, if i fell wounded and allowed no one to learn of my suffering, if I never turned my back to the enemy: Give me your blessing! (Nikos Kazantzakis)

1 0

CATFOSS the latest kerala style free software training
by A Kannan. (CUSAT) 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

Hello, This is pretty hilarious and reflects the current state of Free software in kerala. This gentle man has hit another sixer. :D http://brainstorms.in/?p=245 Kannan

2 1

Re: [Fsf-friends] Comrades’ new-found love with IT
by കേരളീയന് ‍ भारतीयन 05 Jan '09

05 Jan '09

That is how a journalist who does not care about ethics, making news items ! Another malpractice !! Very unfortunate !!! 2009/1/4 Sebin Jacob <sebinajacob(a)gmail.com> > > On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 4:57 PM, കേരളീയന്‍ भारतीयन <keraleean(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> The Kerala government policy is very clear and has to be well appreciated. >> The government has entrusted the duty of e-governance implementation to one >> of the FSF-I board member. However he is more interested to play with >> politics of exclusion. So he could not discharge his duty properly. If any >> of the government offices in Kerala failed to follow the policy direction >> for free software implementation, he has to reply for it. > > > What does this imply? A secret plan to oust Arun? Hmm, may be the cards are > in the making.

2 2

Fwd: Is Microsoft ‘Pulling an EDGI’ on Kerala?
by sujith h 04 Jan '09

04 Jan '09

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Please spread this important info. Summary: Finally — solid proof of targeted Microsoft dumping against GNU/Linux and Free software (Microsoft dumps non-Free software on Kerala to block GNU/Linux; more antitrust exhibits unveiled) http://boycottnovell.com/2009/01/04/microsoft-edgi-secrets/ Happy hacking. - -- ~~ Best of wishes Roy S. Schestowitz http://Schestowitz.com | GNU/Linux | PGP-Key: 0x74572E8E Freelance journalist @ http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/ Joint editor @ http://boycottnovell.com GPL-licensed 3-D Othello @ http://othellomaster.com Open Source, non-profit search engine proposal @ http://iuron.com -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.9 (GNU/Linux) iEYEARECAAYFAklg1D4ACgkQU4xAY3RXLo5KlQCgpzJnXqKoQRNRT1IEtqmOTMht qb4AnAr+hGSdpmysdDE0NDVsvl1JTuja =NAjz -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds. -- സുജിത് ഹരിദാസന് Bangalore http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign <Blog> http://sujith-h.livejournal.com

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] Comrades’ new-found love with IT
by Vikram Vincent 03 Jan '09

03 Jan '09

Sasi Sir, Reply to the list. 2009/1/3 V. Sasi Kumar <sasi.fsf(a)gmail.com>: > On Sat, 2009-01-03 at 09:16 +0530, Vikram Vincent wrote: >> 2009/1/2 V. Sasi Kumar <sasi.fsf(a)gmail.com>: >> > On Fri, 2009-01-02 at 19:14 +0530, Vikram Vincent wrote: >> >> 2009/1/1 V. Sasi Kumar <sasi.fsf(a)gmail.com>: >> >> > On Thu, 2009-01-01 at 13:04 +0530, sandeep sr wrote: >> >> > >> >> >> The attempts to organize a local FSF chapter in TN without the consent >> >> >> of the Board Members, the Kochi conference, and the latest reports ... >> >> >> may be the 'hijack' theory was not entirely baseless. >> >> > >> >> > I don't think it is easy to hijack the FS movement. The move to start an >> >> > FSF chapter in Chennai was probably the act of some misguided supporters >> >> > of the party. >> <snip> >> >> Read your statement again and see if I am putting statements in your >> mouth or you have just written what was in your mind. >> "I don't think it is easy to hijack the FS movement." What does this >> statement mean Sasi Sir? > > I did not know that it meant that I was introducing a hijack theory. I > thought I was responding to a suggestion that there really was a hijack > theory. I suppose you did not read the rest of my statement. > Not 'introducing' but repeating. Read your previous mails on the same subject on other threads.

1 1

Re: [Fsf-friends] Kernel related queries
by Maxin John 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Hi Prasad, >1.Can we create linux static kernel functions?if yes please let me >know that procedure? The development of static kernel functions will be equivalent to adding a new system call in Linux kernel. Please refer this link: http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/3326 >2.Can we call system call in kernel space? >3.can we call system calls or kernel function in user space? System calls provides the mechanism through which user space programs can access services provided by Linux kernel. But some system calls can be invoked from kernel space. It has some advantages in terms of performance. For further details,refer this article by Alessandro Rubini. link: http://www.linux.it/~rubini/docs/ksys/ For better understanding of Linux, refer these links also: http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/ygz/378-03S/ http://lwn.net/Kernel/LDD3/ Or buy the "Linux Kernel Development" book by Robert Love from the local book store. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/reader/0672327201/ref=sib_dp_pt/276- 3920462-4207666#reader-page PS. Don't boycott this book as it is published by Novell Press. I guess we don't have any issues with Books :) Regards, Maxin B. John

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] Fsf-friends Digest, Vol 16, Issue 2
by battipatisainagendra Bhavaniprasad 02 Jan '09

02 Jan '09

Hi, I am prasad new to linux.I have following questions. 1.Can we create linux static kernel functions?if yes please let me know that procedure? 2.Can we call system call in kernel space? 3.can we call system calls or kernel function in user space? rgds, Prasad. On Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 12:00 PM, <fsf-friends-request(a)mm.gnu.org.in> wrote: > Send Fsf-friends mailing list submissions to > fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/fsf-friends > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > fsf-friends-request(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > You can reach the person managing the list at > fsf-friends-owner(a)mm.gnu.org.in > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Fsf-friends digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Comrades? new-found love with IT ( ????????? ??????? ) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 10:23:15 +0530 > From: " ????????? ??????? " <keraleean(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [Fsf-friends] Comrades? new-found love with IT > To: fsf-friends(a)mm.gnu.org.in > Message-ID: > <a43d15c10901012053x58bc4bfdt5fc86cbfafd6a7f7(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Why do you miss the most possible scenario. > > Why Free Software Movements (FSM) shows interest in software freedom? The > same may be the reason for progressive political forces too. > > Is there any rule that only FSMs will have good intention with their > activities on software freedom ? As software freedom is part of larger > freedom that will lead to social empowerment and further to achieve social > and economic equality, collective decision-making, and public control of > productive capital and natural resources. Hence it is natural that > progressive political parties are more concerned with software freedom than > anyone of the FSM. > > We may better realize it and co-operate with them for the same rather than > going for baseless allegation against them. > > - Keraleean >

2 1

Interview with Gimp developer Martin Nordholts
by Praveen A 01 Jan '09

01 Jan '09

Many long requested features coming up. Now catching up fast with photoshop features. Read on for what is in store for upcoming gimp versions. http://jcornuz.wordpress.com/2008/12/27/an-exclusive-interview-with-martin-… -- പ്രവീണ്‍ അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില്‍ <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign

1 0

Fwd: [FOSS-in-Science] Scilab is now a 100% free software
by Anivar Aravind 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Great News!! --------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Manjusha Joshi <msj(a)bprim.org> Date: Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 5:18 PM Subject: [FOSS-in-Science] Scilab is now a 100% free software To: foss-in-science(a)mm.gnu.org.in Hello, Following link says about scilab license: http://www.scilab.org/changes_5/ License changed to CeCILL (fully compatible with the GPL v2) More information about the CeCILL Therefore, Scilab is now a 100% free software. -Manjusha _______________________________________________ FOSS-in-Science mailing list FOSS-in-Science(a)mm.gnu.org.in http://mm.gnu.org.in/mailman/listinfo/foss-in-science -- Any responsible politician should be encouraging a home grown Free Software industry because it creates the basis for future jobs. Learning Windows is like learning to eat every meal at McDonalds.

3 2

pidgin user survey
by Praveen A 30 Dec '08

30 Dec '08

Please give your feedbacks to pidgin developers http://www.pidgin.im/survey/index.php?sid=84494 - Praveen -- പ്രവീണ്‍ അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില്‍ <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign

1 0

Videos of Eben Moglen and RMS at Christ University
by Vikram Vincent 29 Dec '08

29 Dec '08

Eben Moglen at Christ University http://blip.tv/file/1618770 RMS at Christ University http://blip.tv/file/1618916 Note: Will update newer video sources. -- Vikram Vincent +919448810822 http://swatantra.org/

1 0

Regarding GPL / LGPL Licencing.
by battipatisainagendra Bhavaniprasad 25 Dec '08

25 Dec '08

Dear Sir/Madam, > Hope you are fine.My name is sai.I have few queries > redarding GPL / LGPL Licencings. 1.First of all what is the diffrence between FSF and Open source.Are both same or diffrent? 2.Who is responcible for GPL / LGPL Licencing? 3.If i want my project to get GPL / LGPL Licencing should i apply for open source or fsf people. Please Reply ASAP. > > rgds, > Battipati. >

2 1

Meeting at Cochin
by Roshan Phillip 21 Dec '08

21 Dec '08

It's really heartening to see that the ideology promolgated by FSF is finding more supporters within the CPI(M). As it was mentioned in one regional mailing list, a meeting was organized for the leftist Free Software Users in Kerala at Cochin today. I'm ccing this mail to Mr. Anil, who was instrumental in the realization of this event. Can we have some updates on this meeting sir? Any commitments/promises from the party? Please update. Roshan

1 0

They preach free software, but practise Mac, Microsoft
by cherian aby 20 Dec '08

20 Dec '08

The new indian express report on FSFS http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=They+preach+free+softwa…

2 1

OpenOffice User survey
by Praveen A 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

Hi all.. If you use OpenOffice.org and like to see it have better usability, please complete this short survey: http://surveys.services.openoffice.org/surveys/index.php regards, Praveen -- പ്രവീണ്‍ അരിമ്പ്രത്തൊടിയില്‍ <GPLv2> I know my rights; I want my phone call! <DRM> What use is a phone call, if you are unable to speak? (as seen on /.) Join The DRM Elimination Crew Now! http://fci.wikia.com/wiki/Anti-DRM-Campaign

1 0

M$ Bizpark launched
by Senthil Sundaram (sensunda) 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

hi, M$ trying all tricks -s http://www.microsoft.com/bizspark/ "Bangalore, December 17, 2008: Microsoft India today unveiled Microsoft BizSpark - a global program designed to accelerate the success of IT entrepreneurs through software support and a vibrant ecosystem - in the country. BizSpark will provide Indian startups with software, support and visibility at a time in the lifecycle when they are most valuable and least affordable - during their first three years, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements. Microsoft BizSpark is structured to help startups take advantage of the resources and support of a global network of hundreds of organizations: economic development agencies, university incubators, hosters and investors. In India, the network partners include The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), NEN, Proto, NASSCOM; as well as venture capitalists IDG, who will facilitate access to technology and provide guidance, mentorship and resources. In addition, VCs Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), Helion Venture Partners, Accel Partners, and others, support the initiative. This is the first time that an entire ecosystem of stakeholders is coming together with Microsoft to enable a vibrant startup ecosystem in India. "

2 1

report on Eben Moglen speech at Kannada bloggers
by sreejith g.s 19 Dec '08

19 Dec '08

Hi, Here is the report on Eben Moglen's speech at the event organized by Kannada Bloggers Professor Eben Moglen, professor of law and legal history at Columbia University and is the founder, Director-Counsel and Chairman of Software Freedom Law Center, spoke on the topic free software in new media on last Saturday 13th December at the Institute of Agricultural technologists, Bangalore. There was an audience of around 80 people. Apart from Professor Eben Moglan, Jayakumar from Kannada bloggers and HP Nadig from sampada.net also spoke at the event. Here are the excerpts from Eben Moglen's speech: *The free software and the emerging new media is reducing the significance of the conventional media where the communication was only one way. Wikis are allowing people to share and collaborate knowledge and thus allowing interaction and direct communication. Eben explained how he use Wiki to teach students and the way it improves the interaction between students and teachers and how it helps to improve teaching. It is emerging as an alternative to the traditional examination system. He also explained an instance where the Wiki helped a researcher from Europe to collaborate with students in Columbia University. * *He quoted the Wikipedia model where people write content and collaborate to improve it rather than the traditional model where the editors had a significant role in choosing the content. In the Wikipedia way, people collectively acts as watch dogs to check the accuracy of content. * *While talking about blogs, Eben said that blogs provide a platform for users and freedom to express. When bloggers express and share the knowledge they gained through vast reading and research through blogs, it benefits the society in a significant way. * *He also added that the w3c consortium is working on including audio and video files in HTML 5.0 in such a way that a user can use them using a browser without downloading any plug-ins. You would be able to include multimedia files just using HTML tags like <audio> and <video>. He emphasized that the major obstruction to this was not the difficulty in using or developing the technology, but the patents and the copyrights which were making it hard to include those new advancements. * * The major obstruction was the proprietary use of multi media codecs.Once codecs are available, it will revolutionize the way video is transmitted through the web. Then we don't need television as people will express content through multi media and everyone will be able to watch and listen to the content without any plug-ins. The free software and the new media is putting every one in the drivers seat from the position of mere spectators or users.* *After the event, Eben Moglen interacted with the audience and clarified their queries. While answering the questions about the significance of free software Eben Moglen emphasized that profit is not the only human tendency. There are also other tendencies like sharing and collaboration that helped human beings to emerge as a society. The tendency to help is one of the basic natures of human beings. There are a lot of instances in everyday life where we help someone without expecting anything. Free software helps us to make a better society.* Sreejith

2 1

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Fsf-friends