- Fsf-friends - lists.fsci.in

NEWS: [GNU]Linux-based desktops fail to excite the market
by FN 03 Feb '03

03 Feb '03

Is this report accurate? If so, what would be the way out? FN ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Linux-Based Desktops Fail to Excite the Market By Swapna Khanna Delhi, January 31, 2003 LG's Linux-based 'My PC' hasn't been getting very encouraging results from the the metro market. But ditto has been the case with other vendors who launched Linux-based PCs. Manikandan, deputy general manager, LG Electronics India said, "We have not been getting very encouraging response for our Linux-based 'My PC' in the metros, whereas the response has been a little better in the upcountry market. "One reason could be because the upcountry market is more open to new things," he explained. "The second reason is obviously, the low awareness of Linux, and users' comfort level with other operating systems". According to Kapil wadhwa, who is the director of Champion Computers, "We have been using Windows since the last 10-12 years. So how can you expect somebody to simply start using Linux overnight when it has no visibility at all?" "In India, acceptability for Linux is still to come about and it will take some time before the end user is comfortable with it," he said. Wadhwa said that it is only after educational institutes begin teaching Linux, that users will begin feeling comfortable with it. "However, our technical staff tries to handle basic Linux queries from customers. But more has to be done to create some kind of visibility," he said. Meanwhile, Esys Distribution, the company which launched the ePC kit, is planning to conduct training programs to educate end users. G S Paul, CEO, Esys Distribution said, "Our channel partners will help us. They will supply us a list of buyers of Linux-based ePCs and we plan to organize a training program for them". "A person is habituated to using a particular operating system. But if you show them value for using Linux, they will definitely buy it," said Paul. "I believe some government sectors are beginning to train their employees in Linux. Also, a few educational institutions have begun to impart Linux knowledge. It will take some time before it gains some visibility and helps us push our Linux-based PCs in the market," said Manoj Kumar of Champion Computers. _______________________________________________ s-asia-it mailing list s-asia-it(a)lists.apnic.net http://mailman.apnic.net/mailman/listinfo/s-asia-it

2 1

Fwd: <nettime> anti-piracy goons considered harmful
by FN 03 Feb '03

03 Feb '03

---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Subject: <nettime> anti-piracy goons considered harmful Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 21:02:50 -0600 From: Bruce Sterling <bruces(a)well.com> To: nettime-l(a)bbs.thing.net Simson Garfinkel, ladies and gentlemen. You've gotta love the guy. http://www.simson.net/ Will you become a moth-eaten desaparecido in a torturer's secret police dungeon because you foolishly used Microsoft products? Well, yeah, that sounds pretty likely... bruces http://www.workspot.com/faq/ The Net Effect by Simson Garfinkel February 2003 For human rights groups, commercial software could be fatal. You have a moral obligation to use free software. At least, that's the message that Patrick Ball is trying to get out. Ball is deputy director of the Science and Human Rights Program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He's best known for his analysis of the Kosovo refugee movements during NATO's bombing campaign in 1999. Now Ball is on another kind of mission: he's telling the world's 10,000 human-rights groups to stop using pirated copies of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office and trying to persuade them to use free software instead. The best-known examples of free software are the GNU/Linux-based operating system and OpenOfficean application suite that includes a decent word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation package. You can legally make as many copies of these programs as you want. Moreover, because this software is distributed with its source code, any programmer can examine the code, fix bugs, and tinker with the software's features. Unlike some other advocates of free software, Ball is not fundamentally opposed to Microsoft or other commercial-software makers. But he worries that too many people put themselves in jeopardy by illegally copying programs from these companies. Ball is especially concerned about overseas human-rights organizations, but his argument is universal. Illegal software copies are particularly common in poor countries. The rate is highest in Vietnam, where the Business Software Alliance estimates 94 percent of all software used in 2001 was illicitly copied. But bootlegging is common in disadvantaged parts of the United States too. In Mississippi, 49 percent of the software now in use runs afoul of copyright laws. Such copying poses a special risk to human rights organizations: U.S. companies and the U.S. government are working hard to make this practice a go-to-jail offense worldwide, as it is in the United States. Although the world frowns on countries that lock up their citizens for crimes of conscience, it's easy to imagine that some repressive third-world regime could invoke antipiracy laws as grounds for shutting down a meddlesome human-rights organization. And if U.S. or other Western governments object, the regime might logically respond, "You are always telling us we should be more aggressive in the protection of intellectual property. And now when we are, you criticize us.g Would Amnesty International mount a letter-writing campaign to get a human rights activist out of jail if she had been arrested for pirating Microsoft Word? Probably not, says Ball. Amnesty International, the world's richest human-rights group, buys properly licensed copies of Microsoft Office for its computers. But when rich organizations use expensive, proprietary software, they implicitly encourage the poorer organizations with whom they work and share documents to do the same. And that requires either violating the law or using scarce resources to buy legitimate software. This is a compelling reason to push for the widespread adoption of free software. The pervasive use of Microsoft Office, combined with a staunch antipiracy program, amounts to economic colonialism. There is another reason for human rights organizations to eschew Windows: verifiability. Whenever death squads make threats against a villager who speaks with rights workers, those workers have a moral responsibility to be sure their computers are secured with the best technology available. Lives depend on it. There is no way to verify the security of Windows: the software is secret. Indeed, Microsoft's latest license agreements give the company the right to go into computers without their owners' permission (or knowledge) to load software and retrieve "technicalg information at Microsoft's sole discretion. A hostile government could probably exploit these vulnerabilities, reaching through the Internet to break into a rights worker's computer, never even setting foot in that person's office. The only way a human rights organization (or anybody else) can be sure there are no back doors into its software is to have an expert remove all parts of the program that allow remote access. Clearly, this verification would require access to the source code. In practice, the need for verification rules out not only Windows but also any other closed-source system, including those on Macintoshes and on Palm handheld devices. Even two years ago, it wasn't practical for nongeeks to run Linux and the rest of the free-software melange. (Articles in computer magazines that claimed otherwise were prematurely enthusiastic.) But today, thanks to Red Hat Software and OpenOffice, free software is a viable alternative. The current version of Red Hat Linux runs on a wide range of hardware, automatically loads OpenOffice, and provides a usable and visually attractive desktop. There's another reason for my becoming more bullish about free software. A few months ago, a system administrator in a Central American human-rights office e-mailed Ball that the office had stopped running its pirated copy of Microsoft Exchange and had switched its e-mail system to Red Hat Linux. The reason: it was nearly impossible to run Exchange without expensive books and training courses. Free software, by contrast, comes with free documentation. And monetary freedom translates into political freedom by eliminating at least one way oppressive governments can thwart these groups' good works. Simson Garfinkel writes on information technology and its impact. He is the author of Database Nation (O'Reilly, 2000). # distributed via <nettime>: no commercial use without permission # <nettime> is a moderated mailing list for net criticism, # collaborative text filtering and cultural politics of the nets # more info: majordomo(a)bbs.thing.net and "info nettime-l" in the msg body # archive: http://www.nettime.org contact: nettime(a)bbs.thing.net ------------------------------------------------------- -- Frederick Noronha : http://www.bytesforall.org : When we speak of free Freelance Journalist : Goa India 403511 : software we refer to Ph 0091.832.409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.

1 0

Need URLs of useful Free Software to download
by FN 02 Feb '03

02 Feb '03

My friends have fat pipes to the Internet. They have offered to download useful distros / collections of Free Software. My own plan is to encourag the building up of 'CD Repositories' in Indian cities and towns, that can then help to efficiently share such CDs among those who don't have speedy connections to the Internet. What I badly need from you is: a set of URLs from where my friends could download the distros / software collections. Do send in a brief, one-para description of what the site contains, why it is a good distro, etc. We are also looking out specifically for educational software, Free Software for kids, tools for professionals (e.g. doctors, scientists), Free Software for the Windows platform (to convince those more reluctant to shift over), and also user-friendly distros. Thank you very much in advance. Let's make Free Software into what it really should be -- an effective mechanism for the transfer of knowledge to the Third World! Your help is needed... FN -- Frederick Noronha : http://www.bytesforall.org : When we speak of free Freelance Journalist : Goa India 403511 : software we refer to Ph 0091.832.409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.

1 0

Republishing GNU/FDL books in India...
by FN 02 Feb '03

02 Feb '03

Was wondering if such a book could be republished in a low-cost edition in India. FN ------------------------------ From: John Mark Walker <johnmark(a)nostarch.com> Subject: Linux Journal Press Releases "Linux In the Workplace" Under GNU FDL Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2003 08:30:35 CST LINUX JOURNAL PRESS RELEASES "LINUX IN THE WORKPLACE" UNDER GNU FDL Latest in a series of openly published books from No Starch Press imprint New York - January 23, 2003 - Linux Journal Press, an imprint of No Starch Press in partnership with Linux Journal, has announced that "Linux in the Workplace" will be released under the GNU Free Documentation License (FDL). The book's contents will be linked from www.nostarch.com and www.linuxjournal.com beginning on February 15, 2003, the fourth anniversary of Windows Refund Day. This marks the third release from No Starch Press in an open format and the second under a free license. No Starch Press also published "The Linux Cookbook", by Michael Stutz, in 2001 under the Design Science License (DSL) and "Programming Linux Games", by John R. Hall, in a freely available format in 2002. Written by the Linux Journal staff, "Linux in the Workplace" focuses on Linux desktop tools and how to use them in an office environment. Don Marti, editor-in-chief of Linux Journal, emphasizes the free software focus of "Linux in the Workplace" when he explains, "The free software desktop is infinitely customizable, and gives companies and users the ability to add any functionality. A license as free as the software is necessary to keep the information up-to-date and accurate." This most recent release under the GNU FDL underscores the wealth of content now available under an open license. Bill Pollock, No Starch Press publisher, explains, "GNU Press published free books before anyone, and there are a handful of publishers who will risk the time and effort to openly publish a book. We are willing to take that risk because the benefits of a larger audience outweigh the potential loss of readers that choose not to buy the book." Bradley Kuhn, Executive Director of the Free Software Foundation, is pleased to see publishers that appreciate the commercial benefits of free publishing. "Free publishing is a perfect fit for the technical book market. We designed the GNU FDL specifically to address commercial concerns that publishers may have with free publishing." The decision to release "Linux in the Workplace" under the GNU FDL was an easy one. Phil Hughes, the publisher of Linux Journal, notes, "As publishers of documentation rather than software, publishing under the FDL is a logical way for us to maximize our contribution to the Open Source movememt." Michael Stutz, the architect of the DSL, was enthused to write for a publisher willing to consider an open license. "When I was writing The Linux Cookbook, releasing a book with a 'copyleft' license was unheard of; few publishers would consider it and even fewer had attempted it." John R. Hall released his book online after the initial publication, with positive results. "Everyone benefits from open publishing," says Hall. "Authors enjoy wider audiences, publishers realize more sales from free advertising, and readers get the high-quality electronic books they deserve." According to Pollock, the decision is up to the author. "We prefer that authors choose their own license when publishing with us, recognizing that not all authors are comfortable with an open license. As long as there are authors who want their works published openly, and as long as the books sell, then we see no reason to stop." ADDITIONAL RESOURCES See all Linux Journal Press titles, including "Linux in the Workplace", at the Linux World Conference and Expo, booth #128. For information about the GNU Free Documentation License, see http://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.html#FDL. For information on the Design Science License, see http://www.dsl.org/. ABOUT NO STARCH PRESS Since 1994, No Starch Press has published unique and sometimes fringe books on computing topics, with a focus on Open Source, security, hacking, web development, programming, gaming, and alternative operating systems. Our titles have personality, our authors are passionate, and our goal is to make computing fun and accessible for everyone. ABOUT LINUX JOURNAL PRESS Linux Journal Press publishes books on cutting-edge Open Source topics that help to advance the acceptance and usability of Open Source software. An imprint of No Starch Press (www.nostarch.com), Linux Journal Press titles are developed in partnership with Linux Journal (www.ssc.com and www.linuxjournal.com). CONTACT John Mark Walker No Starch Press, Marketing Manager johnmark(a)nostarch.com 415.863.9900 ########################################################################## # Send submissions for comp.os.linux.announce to: cola(a)stump.algebra.com # # PLEASE remember a short description of the software and the LOCATION. # # This group is archived at http://stump.algebra.com/~cola/ # ########################################################################## -- Frederick Noronha : http://www.bytesforall.org : When we speak of free Freelance Journalist : Goa India 403511 : software we refer to Ph 0091.832.409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.

1 0

Richard Stallman on video conf mode in IIT Bombay..
by FN 01 Feb '03

01 Feb '03

Wonder if Prof Easaw sent this thru to FSF India too? FN On Sat, 1 Feb 2003, George Easaw wrote: > > Tomorrow Sunday 9 am to 10.30 am,2 feb, 2003, RMS will be on video > conferencing mode from Boston US for a talk cum discussion on copyrights > and other related issues in the Lecture theatre in IIT Bombay. > > This is part of the ongoing TECHFEST 03 in IIT Bombay.. > > With kind regards, > George Easaw -- Frederick Noronha : http://www.bytesforall.org : When we speak of free Freelance Journalist : Goa India 403511 : software we refer to Ph 0091.832.409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.

1 0

Re: [FSF-WG] Does this sound like a good idea?
by V. Sasi Kumar 01 Feb '03

01 Feb '03

On Thu, 2003-01-30 at 22:30, Arun M wrote: > > > The suggestion was: > > > - to create and publish a CD full of *Free Software for Windows*, > > > - add appropriate articles, advocacy materials, books, documents etc > > > - make that CD available as ISO > > > - and to get a limited number of CDs printed and distributed/sold in > > > India, > > > - use the proceeds for whatever FSF India deems useful > > > How will this project be different from other efforts like GNUWin, FSF's > Free Software for windows, OpenCD etc ? > > (I see that making CDs and distributing is a good amount of work). > I think it may be a good idea to collect the kind of applications, like OpenOffice, Gnumeric, The Gimp, Sketch, Scribus, Lyx and so on, that most people use and that can run under Windows, put them together with a good installation interface where the user can select the applications he wants, and put a lot of our messages onto the screen as the installer runs. The CD could contain other stuff that the user can read, if he is so inclined. Maybe this would involve quite a bit of work, but may be worth the while.

1 0

NEWS: Greenpeace Southeast Asia moves to Free Software
by FN 01 Feb '03

01 Feb '03

------------------------------------------------------------------ LINUX JOURNAL: GREENPEACE SOUTHEAST ASIA MOVES TO FREE SOFTWARE "Non-government organisations (NGO) talk about freedom. Now, they are experiencing it in at least in one sphere of their activism--software. That's the message emerging from the global network Greenpeace, which recently shifted to free software in Southeas Asia..." COMPLETE STORY: http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=6598 ------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

QUERY: Any suggestions how we could help these guys in any way?
by FN 30 Jan '03

30 Jan '03

... probably we need to help both Microsoft to get tighter, and those wanting to make the shift away... FN Microsoft on the prowl for unlicensed users in Kerala By Sanu George, Indo-Asian News Service Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 30 (IANS) In its drive against copyright infringement, Microsoft has sent undercover legal officials to catch computer resellers in Kerala using unlicensed versions of the software giant's programs. According to industry sources, four computer resellers have already been fined Rs.30,000 each for selling Microsoft products without licences and given a stern warning. "Two people posing as architects arrived at the office of a leading computer reseller and asked for the latest personal computer. After the machine was supplied with unlicensed software, the two architects revealed they were Microsoft officials and took action against the reseller," a reseller here told IANS, requesting anonymity. Sources said four resellers were sent notices and asked to meet the Microsoft attorney at a resort in suburban Thiruvananthapuram. "What we have been told is that they were all fined Rs.30,000 and let off with a warning," said a computer reseller. The Microsoft officials also visited a few computer institutes here and gathered information about the sellers who had supplied machines to them. All Kerala Computer Products and Dealers Association president John Kottara said while Microsoft was within its rights to act against unlicensed users, the industry was not sure how to respond to these undercover checks. "We have not yet decided how to handle this situation," Kottara said. J. Salim, who runs an IT institute here, told IANS: "In the long run, such raids might hamper the prospects of Microsoft." He added, "One way is to go in for Linux. This free operating system is becoming very popular." --Indo-Asian News Service

1 0

Re: III World Social Forum and other musings
by FN 30 Jan '03

30 Jan '03

Taking the liberty of sharing Enrique's letter, which makes a lot of interesting points, with this list. FN On Wed, 29 Jan 2003, Enrique A. Chaparro wrote: > Hi, Fred! > I've just came back from the III World Social Forum, held in Porto > Alegre, Brazil. The Forum is a response (and a rebuttal :) ) to the > World Economic Forum, and probably one of the most significant > political events in the world. This year, 100000+ people attended > the Forum; there were 20763 representatives of 5717 organizations > from 156 countries, and 4094 journalist of 1432 media covered the > event. > > The IT infrastructure of the event was deployed by Procempa (the > information services company owned by the Municpality of Porto > Alegre), based on free software. All the servers, and 80% of the > ~750 desktops were based on free software. > Debian-RS (the Debian users group of the State of Rio Grande do Sul) > installed and operated ~80 machines at the International Youth Camp > for the independent/alternative press media. > The delegates' registration and workshop scheduling systems were > based on PHP/MySQL. The three internet centers for public access > were based on Linux (RH)/Mozilla/Evolution/OpenOffice; OpenOffice > was also deployed on almost all the desktops (including the few > Windows ones). > We (hmmm... how to define `we'? a loosely coupled hacker community > from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Canada, Italy and Spain...) made > several workshops one very disparate subjects: from how to manage > a radio with free software, to the implications for human rights > of political (WTO - WIPO - DMCA) and technological (TCPA - Palladium) > measures. > Unfortunately, we were unable to control the Forum's official > website ( http://www.forumsocialmundial.org.br/ ), M$-driven. One > of the workshops made the full conversion of the site to a free > platform (Zope), but I guess it was too late. > The Fourth World Social Forum will probably be held in India in 2004. > Thus, there are two open challenges for the indian free software > community: to make the WSF4 fully powered by free software; and to > increase the awareness of the relationships between software and > freedoms among the social organizations and the progressive forces > of the world. So, the challenges are open; now it's up to you :) > > In other news... > I would like to contact Prof G Nagarajuna, who you told me was > working on the field of free software in education. UNESCO is > organizing an international seminar on free software in education > in Peru for next June; having a paper from him would be great. > > And more... > I've been asked to write an article for `Le Monde Diplomatique' > in Spanish, on the relationships between software and society. > I will need lots of input, so I will be bothering you soon on > the issues in India, if you don't mind. > > Warmest regards from the Far South. > > Enrique > -- Frederick Noronha : http://www.bytesforall.org : When we speak of free Freelance Journalist : Goa India 403511 : software we refer to Ph 0091.832.409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.

1 0

NEWS: WSIS fails to agree on FLOSS 'support'... US objects
by FN 30 Jan '03

30 Jan '03

---------- Forwarded message ---------- http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/01/15/030115hnwsisos_1.html WSIS delegates fail to agree on open-source 'support' Draft was changed after objections by U.S. TOKYO -- A three-day meeting that brought together Asian governments, organizations, companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) ended Wednesday morning with the approval of a declaration that, among other things, calls for encouraging the development of open-source software. A draft of the declaration had called for open source to be "supported" but was changed after objections from the U.S. government delegation late Tuesday night. ADVERTISEMENT [20][336x280_25k.gif] [21][336x280_25k.gif] [22][article;abr=!ie;pos=imu;pkey=platforms;skey=os;paud=cto;saud=bizm gmt;saud=cio;sz=336x280;tile=3;ord=200301151450?] The U.S. opposition was largely perceived to be support for its domestic software companies and in particular Microsoft, said officials from other governments on the sidelines of the conference on Wednesday. After a short debate with a number of countries, including Pakistan, that wanted the original language to remain, all sides finally reached agreement and the declaration was changed to read: "Development and deployment of open-source software should be encouraged, as appropriate, as should open standards for ICT (information and communications technology) networking." The change was one of a number made during a late-night session at the end of the second day of the Asian Regional Conference. The event is one of a number of conferences being held around the world to solicit regional input for the World Summit on the Information Society, a government-leader level U.N. summit that will take place in December this year in Geneva, Switzerland, and in Tunis in 2005. At the meeting, representatives of 48 countries, 21 international organizations, 53 private sector entities and 116 NGOs discussed a number of issues related to the information society and debated over the content of the final output of the meeting, a document called the Tokyo Declaration. The declaration will go forward to a meeting in Geneva next month and bring together participants from around the world as part of the large planning process that must precede the December summit. The declaration touched on a wide range of issues related to the information society and included a call for greater information security, a balance between content owners and users in the area of intellectual property rights, and more work on the digital divide. The lack of awareness of the need for information security was recognized as a weakness for the Asia-Pacific region. The declaration touched upon the need for greater awareness of cybercrime and cyberterrorism while recognizing that equal and fair access to information technology is also important. "Special attention should be paid to the fact that ICTs can potentially be used for purposes that are inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international stability and security, and may adversely affect the integrity of the infrastructure within states, to the detriment of their security in both civil and military fields," it said. In the area of copyright, the declaration recognized the "vital role" that intellectual property rights play in innovation in software, e-commerce and related areas, but also noted the need to strike a fair balance between such rights and the interests of users. The same two areas were identified by a Japanese government official as possible areas of which participants to WSIS in December will agree require the creation of a legal and policy framework that spans international borders. Agreement on the need to create a global legal and policy framework for the information society is one of several goals already identified for the summit. "I think the big issues that need to be tackled are intellectual property rights and information security," said Yoshio Tsukio, vice minister for policy coordination and Japan's Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (MPHPT). The conference heard more pledges to bridge the digital divide and several points in the declaration focused on extending the benefits of the information society to the poor and otherwise disadvantaged. "The digital divide unfortunately is widening," said Kim Hak Su, the executive secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific and the U.N.'s highest ranking official in Asia. "It is not only between the countries but within the countries and between generations and the able-bodied and disabled. The international community is trying to help to assist those countries who do not have a national strategy and a national political commitment is also essential. Also, the Government of Japan is offering a substantial ODA (overseas development aid) package to developing member countries," he told IDG News Service. "This digital divide will be with us for some years to come and we have to work very hard. There is no magic formula but we should work hard," he said. Kim admitted that promises to help have been made before and the problem often comes down to paying for things. "We need the private sector to do many things. Governments cannot do everything anymore." "We need more money and more discussion but Tokyo has set the direction," he said. "The direction is right and WSIS could be important because political commitment is also important." Speaking after the event, a number of NGOs that had taken part in the summit said they were broadly satisfied with the outcome but had hoped for greater commitment in a number of areas such as a social justice. They were satisfied with the inclusion of a reference to human rights in the declaration, despite some attempts to change it, they said. The groups also repeated protests over the deregistration of NGOs from Taiwan on Tuesday as the result of repeated protests by the Chinese government delegation. "There is discrimination against the principles of WSIS for a comprehensive inclusion of all stakeholders in the information society including civil society, which includes Taiwanese NGOs as well," said Chuang Chiting, the international affairs director of the Taiwan Association for Human Rights. "As Taiwan is a very powerful ICT country and it provides major input to the information society, we do hope our voices can be heard and be constructive towards a better future in the international community," she said. The representatives were allowed to stay at the meeting under the affiliation of a Japanese NGO. [23]Martyn Williams is a Tokyo correspondent for the IDG News Service, an InfoWorld affiliate.

1 0

QUERY-GOA-SCHOOLS: regarding instruction manuals for linux
by FN 29 Jan '03

29 Jan '03

Query from someone working with the GNU/LinuxInSchools initiative in Goa. Could anyone help? FN On Wed, 29 Jan 2003, Aparant Infomedia wrote: > > Dear Fred, > If I could get some simplified instruction manuals for Linux it will be > of great help to teachers in our schools. Can you please help me to lay > my hands on any such material. > Regds > sangeeta -- Frederick Noronha : http://www.bytesforall.org : When we speak of free Freelance Journalist : Goa India 403511 : software we refer to Ph 0091.832.409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.

1 0

Linux in the Workplace under GNU FDL
by FN 27 Jan '03

27 Jan '03

This book has been GNU FDL'd. Does it mean anyone can reprint it in India? If so, who? FN ------------------------------------------------------------------ LINUX JOURNAL PRESS RELEASES "LINUX IN THE WORKPLACE" UNDER GNU FDL Latest in a series of openly published books from No Starch Press imprint COMPLETE STORY: http://linuxpr.com/releases/5510.html ------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Fwd: [Commons-Law] Who says patents are boring
by FN 26 Jan '03

26 Jan '03

---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Subject: [Commons-Law] Who says patents are boring Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 14:57:27 +0530 (IST) From: lawrenceliang(a)vsnl.net To: commons-law(a)sarai.net thought it will be fun to have some postings about some entertaining patents/ patent claims. This one is forthe method of swinging on a swing Lawrence United States Patent 6,368,227 Olson April 9, 2002 Method of swinging on a swing Abstract A method of swing on a swing is disclosed, in which a user positioned on a standard swing suspended by two chains from a substantially horizontal tree branch induces side to side motion by pulling alternately on one chain and then the other. Inventors: Olson; Steven(337 Otis Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104) Appl. No.: 715198 Filed: November 17, 2000 Current U.S. Class: 472/118 Intern'l Class: A63G 009/00 Field of Search: 472/118,119,120,121,122,123,125 References Cited [Referenced By] U.S. Patent Documents 242601 Jun., 1881 Clement 472/118. 5413298 May., 1995 Perreault 248/228. Primary Examiner:Nguyen; Kien T. Attorney, Agent or Firm:Olson; Peter Lowell Claims I claim: 1. A method of swinging on a swing, the method comprising the steps of: a) suspending a seat for supporting a user between only two chains that are hung from a tree branch; b) positioning a user on the seat so that the user is facing a direction perpendicular to the tree branch; c) having the user pull alternately on one chain to induce movement of the user and the swing toward one side, and then on the other chain to induce movement of the user and the swing toward the other side; and d) repeating step c) to create side-to-side swinging motion, relative to the user, that is parallel to the tree branch. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is practiced independently by the user to create the side-to-side motion from an initial dead stop. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of: e) inducing a component of forward and back motion into the swinging motion, resulting in a swinging path that is generally shaped as an oval. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the magnitude of the component of forward and back motion is less than the component of side-to-side motion. Description TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method of swinging on a swing. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A few basic types of swings have been around for generations. Perhaps the most common is one that includes a seat suspended between two ropes or chains that are hung from a tree branch or other substantially horizontal support. These swings are often found in side-by-side sets of two or three or more on, for example, a school playground. Young children often need help to climb onto a swing, and may need a push (sometimes even an "underdog" push) to begin swinging. Others may be able to begin the swinging movement on their own by pushing with their feet against the ground, and once moving may coordinate the motion of their legs and body in what may be called "pumping" to sustain the movement of the swing. When swinging in this manner, the user travels along a path as generally shown in the cross-section of FIG. 1. Another method of swinging on a swing involves twisting the seat around repeatedly so that the chains or ropes are wound in a double helix. When allowed to unwind, the swing spins quickly, which can be entertaining for the user. These methods of swinging on a swing, although of considerable interest to some people, can lose their appeal with age and experience. A new method of swinging on a swing would therefore represent an advance of great significance and value. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for swinging on a swing. The swing comprises a seat for supporting a user that is suspended between two chains that are hung from a substantially horizontal tree branch. The method comprises the steps of: a) positioning a user on the seat; and b) having the user pull alternately on one chain to induce movement of the user and the swing toward one side, and then on the other chain to induce movement of the user and the swing toward the other side, to create side-to-side motion. In another embodiment of the invention, the swinging method may be practiced independently by the user to create the side-to-side motion from an initial dead stop. These and other features of the invention are described in greater detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of the swinging path of a swing used in accordance with conventional swinging methods. FIG. 2 is a front view of a swinging path of a swing used in accordance with one embodiment of the swinging method of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a swinging path of a swing used in accordance with a second embodiment of the swinging method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present inventor has created, through experimentation on a standard swing, a new and improved method of swinging. The swing is of the type described above, in which a seat is suspended between two chains that are hung from a substantially horizontal tree branch. As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the area of swinging, the chains could be replaced with ropes, cables, or the like, or the tree branch could be replaced with another substantially horizontal support such as a metal bar or pole. The standard swing should be a single swing that is suspended sufficiently far away from obstructions to make the practice of the inventive swinging method completely safe. That is, the swing should be suspended a sufficient distance away from the trunk of the tree from which it suspended, and from any other swing, building, support, overhead wire, or other obstruction or threat to safety that may be present. The standard method of swinging on a swing is defined by oscillatory motion of the swing and the user along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tree branch from which the swing is suspended. This "forward and back" movement has been known for generations, and is illustrated in FIG. 1. In contrast to the conventional method of swinging, the present inventor has discovered that much greater satisfaction can be obtained by alternately pulling on one chain to move the swing and the user toward that side, and then pulling on the other chain to move the swing and the user toward that side. This side-to-side oscillatory motion of the swing and the user is thus along an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of the tree branch from which the swing is suspended, and is illustrated in FIG. 2. This side to side swinging method has the added benefit that it can be continued for long periods of time simply by alternately pulling on one chain and then t! he other. The importance of sufficient clearance between the swing and any obstructions or threats to the user's safety is apparent. The present inventor has discovered certain other improvements in the art of swinging on a swing, either or both of which can be used in conjunction with the swinging method described immediately above. The first is that the inventive swinging method can be initiated from a dead stop without pushing, and without the user having to contact the ground. That is, the user can climb onto the swing, and begin from an initial dead stop to pull first on one chain, and then on the other chain, alternately until the user and the swing have begun to swing side-to-side in accordance with the inventive swinging method described herein. This enables even young users to swing independently and joyously, which is of great benefit to all. Another improvement on the swinging method described above is the induction into the side-to-side swinging movement of a component of forward-and-back motion. That is, by skillful manipulation of the body, the present inventor has found it possible to add a relatively minor component of forward-and-back motion to the side-to-side swinging motion, resulting in a swinging path that is generally shaped like an oval, as is shown in FIG. 3. It is preferred that the magnitude of the forward-and back motion (shown in FIG. 3 as being along the Y axis) be less than the magnitude of the side-to side motion (shown in FIG. 3 as being along the X axis), so that the latter predominates. In this manner, the motion can be more easily continued simply by alternately pulling on one chain and then the other in the manner described. Lastly, it should be noted that because pulling alternately on one chain and then the other resembles in some measure the movements one would use to swing from vines in a dense jungle forest, the swinging method of the present invention may be referred to by the present inventor and his sister as "Tarzan" swinging. The user may even choose to produce a Tarzan-type yell while swinging in the manner described, which more accurately replicates swinging on vines in a dense jungle forest. Actual jungle forestry is not required. Licenses are available from the inventor upon request. _______________________________________________ commons-law mailing list commons-law(a)mail.sarai.net http://mail.sarai.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/commons-law -------------------------------------------------------

1 0

LILA - A magazine devoted to futuristic computing
by V. Sasi Kumar 26 Jan '03

26 Jan '03

The Laboratory in Informatics for the Liberal Arts (LILA) of the Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya has brought out a magazine named LILA devoted to futuristic computing. They say that, to their knowledge, this is the first magazine in India to be manufactured completely in Free Software, and also the first to be brought out under the Free Documentation Licence. They propose to have Free Software as its major theme, with other aspects of contemporary trends in computing also included. No price is mentioned on the magazine. Hope it is 'free' as in 'free beer'! ;-) The university has a website: hindivishwa.org email: hindiuniv(a)nda.vsnl.net.in V. Sasi Kumar

2 1

Re:{V Sasikumar] Another world is possible
by PostgreSQL Server 24 Jan '03

24 Jan '03

You have wrote, > When we are dealing with moral and ethical issues that led to the > formation of the Free Software Movement we cannot confine ourselves > just to the terms set forth in the GPL. The GPL is only a licencing > scheme that was formulated to reflect the principles of behind the Free > Software Movement. If we imbibe the spirit of the movement, then we will > be able to see that the whole issue is about sharing with the community, > and not just giving a copy of the source code to the customer, who, for > all one knows, would often not be able to make head or tail out of it. > Just as a programmer has the freedom to make use of code written by > someone, (s)he has the responsibility to give back to the community code > that (s)he has written. I think that is the spirit. Do correct me if I > am wrong. OSS is considered with moral and ethical issues raised by GPL. OSS is really sharing its sotfware with the community who reqiure it. We realised its advantage. If our customer could not be able to make head or tail out of the source code, they defenitely will approach the nearest approachable software worker. If our project is funded by a social body, we could have share it with community for free of cost. Since it did not happen, we have to share it with community for a price. > It may be easy to say that, if you cannot make a living through selling > services, then you do something else. But we all know that in the > context of our state this is not easily practiced. But I am not sure > that not putting up your software for download would help you earn more > income. If a programmer really wanted to make use of your code, (s)he > could get it from one of your customers, as you yourself have stated. > Or, am I wrong there? OSS do not think that our market will be affected by spreading of source code. But our policy is that development of a sotware solution is achieved through manpower and infrastructure utilisation. Our members are not like Sunday Congress members. (During the earlier stage of freedom struggle bureaucratic members of Indian National Congress meet only on Sundays, Other days they used to work for British rule and they used to blame regular congress members). As we are full time activists of GPL'ed software. we have to sell and service on solutions developed by us. If the price offered by OSS is unaffordable, they can approach our customer. Same was the advise we have given to Nest when they approached us. Now for Mayyanad Service Co-op bank Nest has given the same quotation as ours. They might have received it from some of our customer. OSS is not at all bothered of re-distributing the product by its customer under GPL. But as a society we cannot provide our product free of cost. Our policy is distribute it under GPL for a price. Here is the lists of customers of ShanghaMithra for convenience interested parties. --P&T Employees Credit Society, Ernakulam --Central Excise Employees Credit Co-operative Society, --Malayidamthuruthu Service co-operative bank, Ernakulam --P&T Employees Credit Society, Palakkad --Parakkadavu Service Co-Operative Bank, Ernakulam --Mattanchery Mahajanik Co-operative Urban Bank, Ernakulam --Government Employees Co-operative society, Kollam --Pothukal Service Co-operative Bank Ltd., Malappuram --P&T Employees Credit Society, Thrissoor --P&T Employees Credit Society, Aalapuzha --Pattitthara Service Co-operative Bank Ltd., Malappuram > Cost effectiveness becomes secondary because of a few reasons. I think > the most important issue is empowerment. People who talk about Total > Cost of Ownership forget about the costs of dependency in the long term > and the gain to society through empowerment. While cost becomes > important for a society like ours, it can be properly considered only > when all the implications are taken into consideration, and not just the > immediate cost of implementation. I find a similarity here with the > debate about environment and development, where many people tended to > overlook the long term environmental costs of development projects and > saw only the short term benefits. It is, therefore, important to see > things in their proper perspective. I think there is no one-to-one correlation between software and non-environmental friendly projects. So there is no comparison between them. Cost-effectiveness is essentially a prime requirement for a financially backward community. But Cost-effectiveness claimed for a non-environmental friendly projects are pseudo claim. If we are taken into consideration of environmental costs it is hardly affordable. You may please list all the cost implications those are to be taken into consideration when a software is distributed under GPL but not strictly following your version of ethics of so called free software. Regards, Anil ATPS -------------------------------------------------------

6 6

GNU/LinuxInIndia mailing list
by FN 24 Jan '03

24 Jan '03

You're invited to sign-up to the GNU/LinuxInIndia mailing list at http://www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/list?list_id=linuxinindia This is a low-volume list, that brings you news updates and links in the form of occasional newsletters. Check out the archives at: http://www.freelists.org/archives/linuxinindia/ If anyone would like to team-up to form a GNU/LinuxInAsia information network, do get in touch. Thanks, FN -- Frederick Noronha : http://www.bytesforall.org : When we speak of free Freelance Journalist : Goa India 403511 : software we refer to Ph 0091.832.409490 : Cell 0 9822 122436 : freedom, not price.

1 0

Re:[Ajith Kumar]OSS and ...!!
by PostgreSQL Server 23 Jan '03

23 Jan '03

On Thursday 23 Jan 2003 11:10 am, you wrote: > Discussions are relevant but actions are more relevant. We are discussing > all day and the govt. is doing what they like. > > ajith Yes Ajith. We will move to action. I think you people can help ATPS to draft an alternative IT policy. We welcome your valuable vision, ideas and suggestions. What about carrying out SEPSIT like activities in Kozhikode and Wayanad ? Can you put effort on it, so that Social Entreprenuership can be promoted in IT sector in these areas. Regards, Anil, ATPS.

1 0

Re: [fsug-calicut] OSS and Free Software (reply to Ranjith)
by PostgreSQL Server 23 Jan '03

23 Jan '03

On Thursday 23 Jan 2003 4:08 pm, you wrote: > Ranjith, I would not like to carry on this discussion... but I think your > view is based on a misunderstanding. > > One question: do you understand the difference between 'Open Source' and > Free Software adequately? > > Both Open Source and Free Software can be charged for. That is not the > issue. ('Free' does not mean zero-cost, it means that the four-freedoms > (to run, study, re-distribute and improve) and permitted. > > The problem is, as Richard M Stallman puts it in a recent debate: > > From rms(a)gnu.org Tue Jan 21 23:46:36 2003 > You have missed the thread. OSS does not represent Open Souce Software. Please refer all related mails in the thread. You will get exact content of the discussion. regards, Anil, ATPS

1 0

Re: [Raghavendra bhat] Another world is possible
by PostgreSQL Server 23 Jan '03

23 Jan '03

On Wednesday 22 Jan 2003 10:52 am, you wrote: > All said and done, I request that OSS (the company in Kochi) release > their generally useful and functional application/s to the General > Public in the immediate future so that the Community also gets the > benefit, who knows; maybe they themselves stand to benefit enormously > by this very action. Justice to the GNU should not only seem to have > been done but also appear to be have been done ! Surely, we accept your suggestions. OSS will consider it. > > Btw, OSS is an inappropriate name for this Kochi-based company. ;-) > Inappropriate name for an appropriate technological model, the GNU > model. You have to bear with OSS. Its name is Open Sothware Solutions Industrial Co-operative Society. It does not represent Open Souce Software movement. Regards, Anil, ATPS

1 0

Re: your phone numbers
by PostgreSQL Server 23 Jan '03

23 Jan '03

On Thursday 23 Jan 2003 9:47 am, you wrote: > Anil > > Can you mail me the changed phone nos. of OSS so that I can talk to > you over LL ? The no. you have given me (in your visiting card) has > changed and I am unable to reach you. > > Thanks. Our phone number : 0484-2206466 Regards, Anil, ATPS

1 0

Re: Vivara Vicharam
by PostgreSQL Server 23 Jan '03

23 Jan '03

On Tuesday 21 Jan 2003 8:04 pm, you wrote: > Hello Anil, > > Thank you for providing information on ATPS and allied organizations. > I shall be much obliged if you reply to the following 2 questions : > > 1. Do you have somebody associated with you here in Trichur? > 2. Do you have any activities in Trichur? 1. Ashokan Njarakkal from Kodungalloor is associated with us. One Mr. Gopikrishna ( Alumini Trichur Engg. College 1989 Admission Mechanical) is a member of OSS. 2. We had earlier approached KILA. (You may pleas contact C K Raju of KILA). We have approached Costford for some joint activities, but did not materialised. Regards, Anil, ATPS

1 0

HP's annual sale of $2 billion linked to Linux
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 23 Jan '03

23 Jan '03

HP's annual sales of $2 billion linked to Linux Hewlett-Packard, the world's largest personal computer maker, said on Tuesday it had annual sales of $2 billion linked to the Linux open computer-operating system, the fast-growing rival to Microsoft'sWindows. "Our Linux business is a $2 billion a year business. We have the most comprehensive Linux offering in the industry," HP Chief Executive Carly Fiorina said at HP's annual enterprise and storage computing event here. Hewlett-Packard has championed the Linux system, one of the few areas of growth in the depressed information technology sector, and its business that sells, installs and runs the system has grown from virtually nothing five years ago. "HP ships more Linux than anyone else. We don't see competitors like Dell at all because of services and support that are needed," she added. International Business Machines Corp also actively promotes Linux, developing software and services around it to challenge the dominance of Windows. Linux, invented by the Finn Linus Torvalds in the 1990s and further developed by a community of software engineers on the Internet, is free of licensing charges, and is regarded reliable and robust because it is rooted in the Unix software architecture. Until its recent emergence as a widely used operating system, Linux has mostly been used by large enterprises for very specific or heavy-duty computing tasks, such as firewalls and Web caching, or for replacing big racks of mainframes. Fiorina did not disclose details, but was understood to be referring to HP's total sales of hardware, software and services that accompany Linux software. HP's total sales in its fourth fiscal quarter ending October 31 was $18 billion. Many users prefer Linux because of the ease of adding or removing hardware for fast-growing computing tasks, such as Web servers, without worrying about spiralling software licensing costs. Fiorina acknowledged that most of her 4,000 strong audience of clients and resellers were struggling with a stagnant economy and flat or falling information technology budgets. "Customers are more focused on 'how do I get better return on my investment'. This is a long-lasting structural change that is not just cyclical. It will stay here also when the economy recovers again," she said. Market research groups such IDC have estimated that the number of Linux installations has grown by some 35 percent last year, while oerall IT budgets were flat or declining. Copyright 2003, Reuters News Service =========================================================== Posted by N.S. Soundara Rajan, Mysore, Ph: 0821 414726 Columnist "Deccan Herald", Spoken English Teacher and Knowledge networker ...connecting people to people, and people to knowledge

1 0

As Linux Nips at Microsoft, Its Advocates Talk Numbers
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 22 Jan '03

22 Jan '03

As Linux Nips at Microsoft, Its Advocates Talk Numbers By STEVE LOHR he evidence is now overwhelming that Linux, once a symbol of software's counterculture, has become a mainstream technology. The Linux World conference that begins in New York tomorrow promises to be a staid, corporate affair. The speakers' list is filled with corporate technology people who will be there to discuss the dollars-and-cents rationale for Linux, an operating system that is distributed free and developed according to open-source principles, in which programmers donate their labor to debug and modify the software cooperatively. Such speakers will hardly be the visionaries and philosophers of the open-source software movement who were the stars of Linux gatherings of a few years ago. These days, executives at companies that have adopted Linux speak in pragmatic terms of the benefits of saving money and gaining flexibility. Even Microsoft has quietly decided to change its tactics this year. No longer will its executives make speeches against what Microsoft regards as the evils of free software and its inherent agenda of denying intellectual property rights. "We still have those concerns, but you're not going to hear us talking much in public forums about them," said Peter Houston, a strategy executive at Microsoft. "In 2003, we're going to emphasize the business benefits of our software — the value for money, the competitive advantage and the safety of investment for customers from buying Microsoft software." Microsoft, it seems, is acknowledging that Linux has become a fixture on the competitive landscape, not something that corporate customers can be persuaded to avoid. To date, Linux has thrived in some sizable niches of the market for operating systems on server computers, the data-serving machines that act as the hubs of computer networks. Linux is widely used on machines that send Web pages to desktop personal computers and for high-performance computing tasks like scientific research, Hollywood special effects and analyses of risk and trading patterns on Wall Street. But the real issue is how far Linux can extend its reach into everyday corporate computing in all kinds of industries. By 2005, it should be "a mainstream choice," along with Microsoft's Windows and commercial versions of Unix, as a server operating system in most industries, said Dan Kusnetzky, an analyst at IDC, a research firm. Linux is typically cast as the enemy of Windows, as the populist challenger to Microsoft and the company's drive to extend its monopoly on the PC desktop into the lucrative business of corporate computing. It is true that Linux and open-source software in general pose a threat to Microsoft, the dominant software maker. Still, the rise of Linux is a more imminent threat to the commercial versions of Unix. Linux is the open-source offspring of Unix, an operating system developed at Bell Laboratories in the late 1960's and early 70's. The leading commercial versions of Unix today are made by Sun Microsystems, I.B.M. and Hewlett-Packard. The Unix flavors run on costly, specialized hardware, while Linux was designed to run on low-cost hardware from the PC industry powered by Intel microprocessors or Intel-compatible chips. And software applications that run on Unix can be moved over fairly easily to Linux. I.B.M. and Hewlett-Packard are placing big bets on Linux, and both are on a path to phase out their proprietary Unix businesses eventually. Companies like I.B.M., Hewlett-Packard, Red Hat, SuSE Linux, Linuxcare and others make money by supplying hardware, technical support, services or software for Linux systems. Sun Microsystems, however, is deeply dependent on its homegrown Unix business — on large, powerful and expensive machines running its Solaris operating system. E*Trade, the online broker and bank, has made a significant shift to Linux over the last year. E*Trade began looking in early 2001 at the potential savings from moving to Linux on Intel-based servers, but it seemed risky, according to Joshua S. Levine, the chief technology officer. But by the end of 2001, when it became clear that I.B.M. and Hewlett-Packard were really investing in Linux, supporting it with hardware, software and services, Mr. Levine decided to make the move. Last year, the company bought 160 Intel-based servers and converted about two-thirds of its data center to Linux, replacing Unix systems, mostly from Sun Microsystems. Last year, Mr. Levine says, the move saved E*Trade about $13 million in data center expenses, including maintenance, depreciation and software licensing fees. And the reduced hardware costs, especially after the replacement is complete, proved irresistible. "I'm replacing $200,000 Unix machines with $4,000 Intel servers," Mr. Levine said. The one thing not being shifted over to Linux machines is the E*Trade databases of customer and trading information. "That is the riskiest thing to do," he said. Mr. Levine, a 25-year veteran of the corporate computing field, said of Linux: "It's just an operating system, and a minimalist one at that. But Linux unshackles us from a proprietary world. It allows me to manage computer hardware manufacturers like I've never been able to manage them." Still, rapid conversions to Linux are the exception. That is especially the case at large companies with corps of in-house programmers accustomed to writing programs for other operating systems. And changing technologies can be risky and disruptive. J. P. Morgan Chase began experimenting last year with using clusters of Linux machines as a high-performance computing environment for conducting risk analyses on vast amounts of market data. Such work is similar in its calculation requirements to scientific research, where Linux has been used for years. The bank is looking at using Linux-based systems for new applications and when hardware has to be replaced. The pilot projects have gone well, and Linux is now being used for some high-performance applications. "It's real, but it's in the early stages," said John Curcio, vice president for distributed computing. Earlier this month, Goldman, Sachs issued a lengthy report titled, "Fear the Penguin," a reference to the Linux mascot. "Linux-on-Intel appears likely to emerge as the dominant platform in corporate data centers," the report predicted. "All of Unix is more at risk than Microsoft's Windows in the next few years," said Thomas Berquist, a Goldman, Sachs analyst and a co-author of the study. "But what is really at risk is the concept of a proprietary operating system. And that has to affect Microsoft." Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/20/technology/20LINU.html?todaysheadlines Posted by N.S. Soundara Rajan Freelance IT journalist, Columnist "Deccan Herald", Spoken English Teacher and Knowledge networker ...connecting people to people, and people to knowledge =================================================================== 34, I Floor, 8th Main, Yadhavagiri, MYSORE 570 020, Ph: 0821 414726

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] Re: {Arun M] Another world is possible]
by V. Sasi Kumar 22 Jan '03

22 Jan '03

On Tue, 2003-01-21 at 10:10, Dileep M. Kumar wrote: > You are wrong Mr. Sasi Kumar. Even RMS wont agree to your argument. It > may be true for a general purpose software like an editor. But > programs for specific industry need not be or rather should not be > freely (as in free beer) available on net. Pls refer the discussions > on LIG some time back where for a similar case (RMS himself have > replied to it). Maybe I am wrong. But I still have my doubts on some aspects. If a programmer or a company develops a custom solution for an organisation, say a bank or any company, then that certainly need not be openly available. The developers charge the customer for the work they do, and that is the end of it. But suppose they develop an application and sell it to different customers. I think there is a slight difference here. The implication here is that the application can be used by many people, organisations, or whatever, and is not customised for one customer. In such a situation, I feel that there could be many others who could use it, in the same region of the world where the developers work or outside. In such a case, is it not advisable for the software to be available freely? Further, in such a situation, would it not lead to further developments on the software by other programmers around the world? Again, maybe I am wrong. But it appears that these issues need to be discussed and ideas clarified. > I appreciate OSS for showing others "We can make a living using Free > software business". > > as far as GPL is concerned, you will be violating the spirit behind > it. It could also be sending the wrong message to society. > > No. Not at all. Pls support OSS and similar industries so that the > idea of Free software business grows. Let's not kill or blame such a > movement. They are helping the FSF movement. They also should make a > living ... there is nothing wrong in it. I certainly do appreciate OSS for the work they have done and the work they are doing. But that does not mean that I should agree with everything they do or say. Further, I am not trying to kill the organisation (which I could hardly ever think of doing, or be able to, for that matter) or blaming them. I hardly know the people involved. Again, that does not mean that I should blindly accept everything they say or do. I may still recommend their product if somebody happened to ask me, without even knowing how well it works, simply because it is GPLed. These are separate issues and let us not mix them up. On the other hand, I cannot accept the argument like "they also have to make a living". Because that could be used to justify anything. > > Don't blame somebody for something which we never does ourself. I am not a programmer, and I do not make a living out of software. So, I am sorry, I cannot reply that I put up all my work for free download. Regards V. Sasi Kumar

1 0

Re: information on EIID, ATPS, SEPSIT, OSS
by PostgreSQL Server 21 Jan '03

21 Jan '03

On Monday 20 Jan 2003 9:12 pm, you wrote: > I saw your posting in FSF-Friends and I am curious to know more about the > > following terms you mentioned to give more information about. You wrote : > >anybody else is much interested, > >we can provide full history of EIID, ATPS, OSS and >SEPSIT and what they > EIID ------ The District Panchayat of Ernakulam, as a part of the IXth Five Year Plan decided to strongly intervene in the promotion of electronics and IT related economic activity in the District. A project named Electronics Industrialisation Infrastructure Development Project (Project EIID) was launched which had to formulate a master plan for the District considering its resources and market potential. Project EIID identified IT application in Government as one of the major areas of intervention apart from its commendable efforts in other areas of allied industrial activity. As a result of the suggestion put forward by Project EIID, the District Panchayat of Ernakulam promoted a Scientific and Literary Society named Electronics Industrialisation Infrastructure Development Society (EIID) to implement the project ideas. The Governing Body of EIID comprises of elected representatives of District Panchayat, Grama Panchayat, Block Panchayat apart from technical persons in the District. A model project titled "Panchayat Level Information Network - Local Resource Data Base Preparation" was implemented by EIID as a pilot effort in 3 LSGI in the plan year 1999-2000. As a consequence of the model project, EIID has developed a human resource bank capable in various aspects of the project like Campaign ,System Design, Related Content Generation, Software Development and Support, Electronic Data Conversion and Training. Added to this is the vast network of voluntary service personnel associated with EIID as part of Peoples Plan Programme. ATPS -------- As there was change in Ernakulam District Panchayath Administration they have stoped the actvities of EIID. Tnen ATPS (Apropriate Technology Promotion Society an non-profit making charitable society) was registred by a group of person worked for EIID. ATPS is now providing financila support to OSS. ATPS is registred at Ernakulam. OSS ------ (Open Software Solutions Industrial Co-operative Society) is an Industrial co-operative society formed under the giudance of EIID. Now OSS is having 40 members. Registerd at Chottanikkara Panchayath in 2000 SEPSIT ----------- SEPSIT (Social Entreprenuership Promotion Society on Information Technology) is a charitable society (non-profit making established in 2002) based at Kannur for promoting social entreprenuership in IT sector. CPOSIT ----------- Center for Promotion of Open Systems in Information Technology is a organisation similar to SEPSIT based at Kasaragod district registered in 2003 All these organisations are working for the promotion of GPL in varous sectors (Out of this EIID is not working now.) You may get more information from 'Vivara Vicharam' a malayalam publication. We encourage to set-up similar organisations in all districts of Keralm. We will share our experience with the interested persons. If required we are ready to take initiative for this Regards, Anil ATPS

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] Re: {Arun M] Another world is possible]
by Dileep M. Kumar 21 Jan '03

21 Jan '03

On Tue, Jan 21, 2003 at 09:38:57AM +0530, V. Sasi Kumar wrote: Just as a programmer has the freedom to make use of code written by someone, (s)he has the responsibility to give back to the community code that (s)he has written. I think that is the spirit. Do correct me if I am wrong. A second point is that the strength of Free Software originates from the fact that thousands of programmers see the code and identify bugs in it. Without this facility, there would hardly be any difference between proprietary software and Free Software. In view of both these aspects, it is essential that GPLd software is made freely available to anyone who wishes to download it. You are wrong Mr. Sasi Kumar. Even RMS wont agree to your argument. It may be true for a general purpose software like an editor. But programs for specific industry need not be or rather should not be freely (as in free beer) available on net. Pls refer the discussions on LIG some time back where for a similar case (RMS himself have replied to it). I appreciate OSS for showing others "We can make a living using Free software business". as far as GPL is concerned, you will be violating the spirit behind it. It could also be sending the wrong message to society. No. Not at all. Pls support OSS and similar industries so that the idea of Free software business grows. Let's not kill or blame such a movement. They are helping the FSF movement. They also should make a living ... there is nothing wrong in it. Don't blame somebody for something which we never does ourself. Regards -- .''`. Dileep M. Kumar <dileep(a)kumarayil.net> : :' : http://www.kumarayil.net `. `'` `- Debian GNU/Linux - Choice of the Freedom Lovers

3 3

Re: [Fsf-friends] Re: {Arun M] Another world is possible]
by CK Raju 21 Jan '03

21 Jan '03

I think perhaps the dialogue between M$ and Villanueva would quell some of the doubts arising here. The link is at http://pimientolinux.com/peru2ms/villanueva_to_ms.html CK Raju

1 0

OSS and free software
by Sajith V K 21 Jan '03

21 Jan '03

OSS may be the first free-software based bussiness moden in kerala. I suggest a discussion on free-software bussiness model But being a bussiness firm don't free them from their duties. OSS says they provides the source code to their customers, which I beleaves meaning less. 1. Why OSS is not ready to give the source code for public, when anybody can get it from OSS's customers ?.(It only ensures that they get atleast one customer !!!!!) 2. Why OSS beleve source should be opened? (Is it just because GPL says it?) 3. Now several persons says 'core softwares (OS,compilers etc) should be free and the rest ........ How OSS view this? _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail

1 0

Re: [Fsf-friends] Re: {Arun M] Another world is possible
by V. Sasi Kumar 21 Jan '03

21 Jan '03

On Sun, 2003-01-19 at 23:57, PostgreSQL Server wrote: > > We are distributing all software developed by OSS, under GPL since the > formation of OSS (ie in early 2000). It is accroding to the statements in the > OSS's bylaw. Its Arun's duty to prove his statment that OSS is taking > opportunistic stand. Arun, you may recall the discussion between us at Bose > Bhavan, Ernakulam, when I have clarified all these things to you. Let me make > it clear that, It is not our duty to hand over the software to Arun. GPL does > not mention that software should be given to a particular person or > Institution. We are distributing our package along with service for a > price. The customer gets its source code, they can modify it and they can > re-distribute it under GPL. I am not aware of the details of your confusion with Arun, but I would like to note a point or two here. When we are dealing with moral and ethical issues that led to the formation of the Free Software Movement, we cannot confine ourselves just to the terms set forth in the GPL. The GPL is only a licencing scheme that was formulated to reflect the principles of behind the Free Software Movement. If we imbibe the spirit of the movement, then we will be able to see that the whole issue is about sharing with the community, and not just giving a copy of the source code to the customer, who, for all one knows, would often not be able to make head or tail out of it. Just as a programmer has the freedom to make use of code written by someone, (s)he has the responsibility to give back to the community code that (s)he has written. I think that is the spirit. Do correct me if I am wrong. A second point is that the strength of Free Software originates from the fact that thousands of programmers see the code and identify bugs in it. Without this facility, there would hardly be any difference between proprietary software and Free Software. In view of both these aspects, it is essential that GPLd software is made freely available to anyone who wishes to download it. > > OSS (full name Open Software Solutions Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd. > Chottanikkara) is an Industrial Co-operative Society which is a good example > for social entreprenuership in the field of Information Technology. The > Society is having around 40 members among them one is honourary member. All > the regular members, who were now associating with OSS is fully depended on > OSS. They have no other income. The honourary member does not accept any > payment from OSS. So it is the responsibility of OSS to provide income to its > member. So we provide software solution for local needs for a price. It is understandable that those who work for the organisation have to earn their livelihood. The general understanding in the Free Software community is that this should be achieved through selling services. You certainly have the right to charge for installation and maintenance from every user who engages you to install and maintain. If you insist that you will give the source code only to those who purchase the software from you, then, even if you may not be violating the letter of the law as far as GPL is concerned, you will be violating the spirit behind it. It could also be sending the wrong message to society. It may be easy to say that, if you cannot make a living through selling services, then you do something else. But we all know that in the context of our state this is not easily practiced. But I am not sure that not putting up your software for download would help you earn more income. If a programmer really wanted to make use of your code, (s)he could get it from one of your customers, as you yourself have stated. Or, am I wrong there? > > - Is software patents and 'closing' the source only issues ? > > - What is the stand on 'cost effective' proprietary software ? > I thing softare part of our discussion will be focused on GPL'd software. Cost > effectiveness is also a important matter of concern Cost effectiveness becomes secondary because of a few reasons. I think the most important issue is empowerment. People who talk about Total Cost of Ownership forget about the costs of dependency in the long term and the gain to society through empowerment. While cost becomes important for a society like ours, it can be properly considered only when all the implications are taken into consideration, and not just the immediate cost of implementation. I find a similarity here with the debate about environment and development, where many people tended to overlook the long term environmental costs of development projects and saw only the short term benefits. It is, therefore, important to see things in their proper perspective. Regards V. Sasi Kumar

2 1

Free Software ... at OneWorld
by Frederick Noronha 20 Jan '03

20 Jan '03

Dear friends, Oneworld.net is organising a meet of its NGO partners in early February. So, at the last minute (virtually) a thought struck me and I dashed off a mail to Delhi. If we are talking about the principles of freedom and development, wouldn't it make sense to talk about Free Software, GNU/Linux and related issues? Jaba Menon called back from Delhi, and offered to have a one-hour panel, which possibly could be included to sensitise NGOs to the entire debate about freedom around software concerns. Needless to say, this has immense implications not just to software, but also to knowledge and information, and how we gain/lose from the entire framing of the copyright debate. I'm copying this letter to friends in Delhi. Oneworld needs to put together a panel of 2-3 persons, who could speak for an hour collectively, and also field questions. Raju Mathur, Tripta@Sarai and Sunil Abraham, these are the first three names that came to my mind. Could you'll help please? I know that Sunil is in Bangalore, but he has done useful work in helping NGOs shift over to software generally, and of late, in promoting Free Software. Raju has both the technical and oratorial skills. Tripta is with an NGO herself (Sarai), and that too, one of the few that has been strongly pro-Free Software. Am copying this message also to Karl, who is working on the international NGU project, meant to take Free Software to the NGOs. Please let's work together to make this happen. I would very much like to be in Delhi, but my writing commitments mean it is difficult to take time off without everything else collapsing here, since I work on my own. FN -- Frederick Noronha Freelance Journalist Goa India 0091.832.2409490/2409783 http://www.bytesforall.org Writing with a difference ... on what makes *the* difference

4 3

CNBC on Tuesday 10:30pm
by Nagarjuna G. 20 Jan '03

20 Jan '03

CNBC is broadcasting a story on tuesday 10:30pm. I expect the story is about the spread of GNU/Linux. I was also interviewed for this, so I know :-). Nagarjuna

1 0

Ten reasons why NGOs should give Free Software a serious thought...
by Frederick Noronha 20 Jan '03

20 Jan '03

NGOs AND FREE SOFTWARE: A MADE FOR EACH OTHER MATCH? This writer believes that this would be so, because: o If NGOs don't subscribe to the principles of sharing freely, reuse and waste-minimisation, then who will? o If NGOs take the easy way out and end up on the side of a global monopoly, then words and deeds don't match. o 'Freedom' is something NGOs always talk about, in whatever form. In the software world, this is already a reality. The possibility exists; are we ready to take a little extra trouble (the initial learning curve) in opting for it? o Because NGOs need quality, stable software. o Because NGOs are even more talent-rich, resource-poor than most in the Third World. o Because Free Software works out reasonably priced both in the short and long term. o Because Free Software creates local jobs and multiplies local skills. o Because Free Software is transparent enough for you to (i) learn it, if you have the technical background (ii) make custom changes in the manner you wish to, or pay others to do this for you (iii) enable both you and your staff to learn at a much more deeper, rather than superficial level. o Because Free Software is an ethical choice -- not one of convenience. Copyleft 2003, FN If anyone would like to add to the above list, feel free to do so. -- Frederick Noronha Freelance Journalist Goa India 0091.832.2409490/2409783 http://www.bytesforall.org Writing with a difference ... on what makes *the* difference

2 1

Re: [fsug-kochi-discuss] Re: {Arun M] Another world is possible
by gnu＠vsnl.net 20 Jan '03

20 Jan '03

I am afraid you are wrong here. GPL'd software need not be open to any third party. ie, If I sell you a GPL'd software I should give you the source also along with the binary. But I need not give your friend the source of same same software till he purchases it. Thanks. I stand corrected. I quote sec 3. You may copy and distribute the Program (or a work based on it, under Section 2) in object code or executable form under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above provided that you also do one of the following: * a) Accompany it with the complete corresponding machine-readable source code, which must be distributed under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium customarily used for software interchange; or, * b) Accompany it with a written offer, valid for at least three years, to give any third party, for a charge no more than your cost of physically performing source distribution, a complete machine-readable copy of the corresponding source code, to be distributed under the terms of Sections 1 and 2 above on a medium customarily used for software interchange; or, [....] The important point to note is that the first para says "...you also do *one* of the following..". Since the party involved is already distributing source to the customers, (which is (a)), he does not need to do (b). thanks Dileep, for pointing this error out. best regards ramakrishnan

1 0

Another world is possible
by PostgreSQL Server 20 Jan '03

20 Jan '03

Hai friends, During the last week of Dec '02 there was a 'Kerala Sangamam' organized by Kerala chapter of 'World Social Forum' . The main agenda was to create a common platform for the efforts of various groups who works for alternative Keralam, and make them work together for common cause. Ther was very active discussion on Software under GPL and on Modernisation of Goverment Program (MGP) using IT. The meet has come to a conclusion that current IT policy and MGP are not on the correct track. It is also decided to conduct a workshop at Kochi during March '03, on MGP for Keralam and IT policy for Keralam. The targeted output of the workshop is an alternative MGP programm and Alternative IT policy for Keralam. ATPS (Appropriate Technology Promotion Society - Kochi) is entrusted to organise the workshop. The ATPS is trying for maximum participation in the work shop. Prior to this a discussion on this subject can be started on this subject. Here I submit a draft document prepared by me for initiating a discussion on IT policy for Keralam. Regards, Anil-Kanhangad ATPS DISCUSSION PAPER -------------------------------- History of Science & Technology ----------------------------------------------- Almost all technical advances are response to social, economic demands made entirely in earlier times and some times even now by the craftsmen, themselves working over and improving their traditional skills. Science is a later event, which emerges in recognizable form from common social tradition on crafts, only with the beginning of civilisation. These separate streams of technology and science were run apart from each other in earlier age. The conditions of earlier civilisation led to a division of classes, which put scientists in a privileged class while manual craftsmen were only a grade above slaves. This division and its impact on all walks of life condemned science to sterility and techniques to frequent stagnation, while radical advances came only rarely. These occasional advances partially broke down and there was gradual growth in mutual stimulation of scientist and craftsmen. The recent scientific technical transformation by which modern Information Technology has been evolved is results of such a fusion of Science and Technology. Information Technology Revolution -------------------------------------------------- The Information Technology revolution, as any other historical creative process appear as a consequence of great social, economic and political movements. The period of technical scientific advance which gave birth to modern Information Technology is in full swing for above fifty years. Ignoring these historical facts, Information Technology, which is a collection of techniques for gathering, storing and processing of data and its dissemination as information, which is as old as society itself, is being presented as a new discovery by its new pseudo care-takers. By this continuous and vigorous campaign, Information Technology often termed as mere software and computer hardware technology. These new imposed definition has led Information Technology as facilitation for a group of elite classes, which in turn leads for a so called digital divide in the society where people is divided as information rich and information poor. Information Technology and society ---------------------------------------------------- The relation of IT and society are fully reciprocal, just as transformation are produced inside IT by social events, so have social transformation been brought about through the use of IT. These direct or indirect effects operating on the material frame work of society and on the idea by which it is sustained. The easily seen direct changes are taken to be the main result of IT by most people. But indirect effects are for more important. Though initial growth of IT was a product of economic and political factors, once it is established as means of securing economic and political power, its very existence become a factor in social life. So it is very much essential to study the total impact of IT, on society whether it is manifold, direct or indirect . Judging from the appropriate flexibility of IT as any other technological tool, it can be stated as neutral and it is the purpose for which it is used, is making the difference. Following are the major economic and political compulsion behind the rapid growth of modern Information Technology. --Processing large volume of Information generated within a short time of war related operation for strategic advantage of nations and for extending the control of state over its citizen. --The Information processing needed to monitor and control production cost and setting of large surplus of capitalist production in a dispersed market. IT for Sustainable Development ---------------------------------------------- Bright futures that IT brings to human kind have been described by many of its conventional promoters. They name it Information Society where information and scientific knowledge replaces human labour as main productive force. These future is not going to be that bright or may be even disastrous until and unless the big mass, to whom it ultimately affects, whose jobs will be ultimately replaced, has effectively intervened in the process of making information society with a definite intention of bringing a sustainable development where all sorts of inequalities are narrowed down. But, the current growth of Information Technology is a typical example of cart before bull. New innovations rarely match the sustainable development needs and always focus on elite sections. New IT innovations are the result of a fierce war for larger market share by a few trans-national companies. Major impact of this phenomenon are --It effectively hegemonies technology by providing earlier access to new technology only to interested parties. --It limits the production and availability at low technological, low cost options, preferably most profitable one. Appropriate IT Solution --------------------------------- For financially starved but intellectual rich country like India emergence of IT revolution is taken as good news. But harnessing the full potential of IT requires an aggressive and visionary policy frame work and creative planning and wider participation of its people at large. The current white collar jobs which fills the gap of conventional inefficient information system will be made void by extensive use of IT. However with a vibrant vision and action plan the human power can be diverted to the more productive zones where they can contribute more effectively which are newly created with the advent IT. If the peoples participation in implementation of IT is not ensured, the complete benefits will be taken away by section of the society with vested interest. Now, global market for IT is predominantly western. A less developed economy trying to penetrate in the world market of information technology can thus be effectively contained by the market leaders. The strict intellectual property rights law in some developed countries are already threatening the new innovation in IT sector. Unless one can design an IT solution truly needed for the social and cultural milieu, it may be impossible to develop systems that satisfy the sustainable development needs. It is therefor very much essential to develop our own methodology and techniques in providing IT solution for social needs. Compared to other activities of IT software, hardware and infrastructure cost seems to be at higher level, while its local expertise remains low. However, cost effective solutions such as localy assembled hardware and relatively higher bandwidth of Wireless Local Loop (WILL) which exactly match the rural network need can be considered. In case of software there is a global movement for cost-effective solutions, popularly known as 'free software' which are distributed under General Public License (GPL). With the use of these software local software expertise will increase and cost of software development will be fully distributed for local employment generation. Closed approach of patented software ultimately cause degradation of our existing software expertise. While use of patented software will take away a huge ammount as software cost and license fees by trans-national companies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prepared by Anil-Kanhangad K V for ATPS

4 7

Re: [fsug-kochi-discuss] Re: {Arun M] Another world is possible
by Dileep M. Kumar 20 Jan '03

20 Jan '03

On Mon, Jan 20, 2003 at 08:27:24AM +0530, Ramakrishnan M wrote: >>>According to GNU GPL section 3(b), you are supposed to distribute >>>the sourcecode to any "third party" who requests your code, since >>>you said you are distributing it to customers. I am afraid you are wrong here. GPL'd software need not be open to any third party. ie, If I sell you a GPL'd software I should give you the source also along with the binary. But I need not give your friend the source of same same software till he purchases it. But of-course you can give the source to your friend. :-) Regards -- .''`. Dileep M. Kumar <dileep(a)kumarayil.net> : :' : http://www.kumarayil.net `. `'` `- Debian GNU/Linux - Choice of the Freedom Lovers

1 0

CDiT and OSSICS
by PostgreSQL Server 18 Jan '03

18 Jan '03

Hai, The CDiT has decided to strengthen its free software expertise. It has signed an MoU with OSS-Kochi for working together to promote free software usage in goverment sector. Regards, Anil, Kanhangad ATPS

1 0

Kannur Science Park
by PostgreSQL Server 18 Jan '03

18 Jan '03

Hai friends, Kannur Science Park ( A project by Kannur District Panchayath) has decided to use free software alone for its science exhibition needs. It has plan to network different schools in Kannur and Kasaragod district. Kannur Science Park would like to provide latest scientifc information to these schools. They have invited suggestion for materialising their ideas. Can any one help Regards, Anil,Kanhangad ATPS

1 0

'Vivara Vicharam'
by PostgreSQL Server 18 Jan '03

18 Jan '03

Hai friends, Please get a copy of 'Vivara Vicharam' published by ATPS(Appropriate Technology Promotion Society, a non-profit making charitable society at Kochi). The magazine mainly focused on free-software. Suggestions are invited for its improvement. Regards, Anil, Kanhangad ATPS

1 0

Goldman Sachs: Fear the Penguin
by Soundara Rajan N.S. 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

Goldman Sachs: Fear the Penguin By James Maguire www.NewsFactor.com, Part of the NewsFactor Network January 15, 2003 Goldman Sachs believes that Linux' emergence "will most directly benefit independent PC semiconductor companies (Intel and AMD) and Intel-based server businesses (Dell)." Linux will emerge as the dominant operating system in corporate data centers, according to a new study by Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS). According to the study, IT buyers will use Linux to take advantage of lower-cost, higher-performance Intel-based servers -- and to avoid "premium-priced proprietary systems." Eventually, systems running Linux will displace systems based on Unix and RISC processors. "Many observers confine Linux's enterprise opportunity to the market for low-end 'edge' servers such as file, print, Web, and e-mail servers," the study, entitled "Fear The Penguin," notes. "But we are confident that the technical developments and market forces are in place for it also to become the dominant OS on the higher-end servers of the enterprise data center." Linux-on-Intel Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) research director Josh Walker agreed that Linux is on a path to dominate the data center. "The cost pressures that IT departments are under makes Linux a very compelling purchase," he told NewsFactor. But Walker said he believes that although Linux will displace many high-end systems, it will not replace them all. "There will always be the 20 percent that require the high overhead of better load balancing and fault tolerance" of RISC-based units, he noted. Winners and Losers Goldman Sachs believes that Linux' emergence "will most directly benefit independent PC semiconductor companies (Intel and AMD) and Intel-based server businesses (Dell)." It also will benefit "open" infrastructure software vendors, such as BEA Systems (Nasdaq: BEAS) , BMC Software, Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) and Veritas. Yet the rise of Linux will have a mixed impact on proprietary systems companies like Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) , IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW) , the study says, also claiming that "it may negatively impact overall software pricing." While Red Hat (Nasdaq: RHAT) is "well on its way to establishing a definitive standard for enterprise Linux," Goldman Sachs acknowledges, "we also believe it is primarily a service provider and that it should be valued as such." Pace of Adoption The study also notes that while many observers expect Linux' emergence to be rapid, it is instead likely to "follow the more measured pace of server hardware upgrade cycles." One important factor slowing adoption will be lagging support from packaged Linux application vendors. On the other hand, "Trends such as server consolidation and wider deployment of J2EE-based computing models could significantly accelerate rates of adoption," the study suggests. Linux vs. Windows Unlike in the server market, Goldman Sachs believes Linux will not win market share from Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) in the desktop market in the near term. Forrester's Walker agreed, saying that "the cost savings [of switching to Linux] would be very high, but companies shy away from that because of the training needed." However, the study notes, Linux will "hamper the movement of Windows into the enterprise data center, an area that Microsoft has only recently begun to target for growth." It will do this by providing an easier migration path from current Unix-based deployments. "This shift will limit Windows' market opportunity in the data center for both its OS and its applications that run on that platform," the study concludes. ***********************************************************************y Posted by N.S. Soundara Rajan, Freelance IT journalist, Columnist "Deccan Herald", Spoken English Teacher and Knowledge networker ...connecting people to people, and people to knowledge

1 0

World e-Governance Standards Committee
by CK Raju 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

Birth of another clone of WTO - Going by this report (The Hindu 13/01) it appears that Microsoft, Intel and Sandhill Systems (a proxy ?) are all set to establish a world standards committee (regulatory authority) on e-Governance, first draft to be produced before March 2003. FSF should be taking this message quite seriously, and discussions should start at all national forums to stop this 'cancer' from spreading. Ironically, while these corporates follow the philosophy of 'invisible hand' (unregulated, corrected by markets), most of the times when 'they' fear getting eliminated, 'they' themselves step in to function as a regulatory body. (Views of Samir Amin) CK Raju

1 0

TheOpenCD Translations
by henrik＠theopencd.org 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

Hello, I see that some of you have started using and disributing TheOpenCD in India, which is great! For our next version, due out this spring we will focus on internationalisation by adding multiple language versions of major programs and other CD content. The new mozilla-based CD browser now has multi-language capabilities. I see by the OpenOffice pages: http://l10n.openoffice.org/localization_responsibilities.html That there are some Indian language versions in the works; any further news on the progress? It would be great if we could get some help translating our web pages and CD-browser content! Thanks, Henrik http://theopecd.org

1 0

FW: [bytesforall_readers] New software to assist NGO documentatio n of human rights abuses (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha 15 Jan '03

15 Jan '03

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Fred, Brendan Nyhan passed your note on to me. We designed Martus software to be compatible with GNU/Linux and the program appears to work though we haven't tested it extensively. We are just looking into working on an installation process at this time. This could be an opportunity for designers in the free software community to have a hand in its development. Please let me know if there are other questions I can help out on. Best, Marc ________________________ Marc B. Levine Senior Product Manager, The Martus Project www.martus.org A Project of The Benetech Initiative - Technology Serving Humanity 870 Market Street, Suite 1214 San Francisco, CA 94102 USA (415) 394-9838 (415) 394-6560 (fax) marc(a)benetech.org www.benetech.org ------ Forwarded Message From: Frederick Noronha <fred(a)bytesforall.org> Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 23:14:22 +0530 (IST) To: Brendan Nyhan <bnyhan(a)benetech.org> Cc: Niranjan Rajani <niranjan.rajani(a)maailma.net> Subject: [bytesforall_readers] New software to assist NGO documentation of human rights abuses (fwd) Great! Does this work on the GNU/Linux or the Windows platform? If the former, I could popularise it among Free Software circuits here. If not, you could include it on the Open CD network (a CD containing GPLd software that works with Windows). An interesting idea! FN ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Bytes For All readers - I wanted to let everyone know that the nonprofit I work for, The Benetech Initiative, just released our human rights software, The Martus Human Rights Bulletin System. The release (with URL) is below; the main Martus site where people can download the software is http://www.martus.org. Sincerely - Brendan Nyhan http://www.martus.org/project_update.html NEW SOFTWARE PROVIDES SECURE WORLDWIDE TRACKING AND DOCUMENTATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES The Benetech Initiative and The Asia Foundation team up to deliver The Martus(tm) Human Rights Bulletin System Palo Alto, Calif. - Jan. 15, 2003 - The Benetech Initiative, a Silicon Valley nonprofit, today announced the release of The Martus Human Rights Bulletin System, an open source technology tool designed to assist human rights organizations in collecting, safeguarding, organizing and disseminating information about human rights abuses. Through a partnership with The Asia Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit working on the ground in Asia, Martus will first be implemented in the Philippines to provide better resources to groups combating hundreds of human rights violations per year. Currently, much of the violation and abuse information gathered by grassroots human rights groups is lost to confiscation, destruction, or neglect, making it difficult or impossible for prosecutors, truth commissions and others to use the information as evidence to hold the perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable for many of their crimes. The Martus software enables grassroots NGOs to securely store their records on off-site servers with easy-to-use software, preserving crucial evidence for research, investigation and prosecutions. "Grassroots NGOs told us it was essential that the software be easy to use, so we modeled it after the simple interface of email," said Jim Fruchterman, CEO of Benetech. In the Philippines, The Asia Foundation is sponsoring and facilitating the first implementation and training of the Martus software in the 22 offices of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, and a network of domestic human rights organizations. In February, the software will be installed on Internet-connected workstations, allowing these organizations to securely document and disseminate information on human rights cases for the first time, which in turn will facilitate and improve the process of investigation, prosecution, assistance, and advocacy for victims of human rights violations. "Information technology has the potential to dramatically improve the ability of human rights groups to manage information, giving them evidence to prosecute perpetrators," said Dr. Steven Rood, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation in the Philippines. "The Martus software provides a platform for nongovernmental human rights advocates to communicate with the Commission on Human Rights in a secure manner, and will provide detailed information to help press for broader reforms." The software was designed in consultation with human rights groups and experts worldwide, including Dr. Patrick Ball of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world's leading human rights statisticians and Senior Advisor to the project. Beta testing took place in Guatemala, Russia, Sri Lanka and the US. Aspiration, an organization specializing in nonprofit technology implementation, has supported the development and introduction of the Martus system. Jonathan Peizer, Aspiration's President, says, "The Martus software is essential for human rights groups working to document abuses. We are now working actively to help support its deployment." Future applications of the Martus software for social justice groups include monitoring other issues like violence against women, human trafficking, environmental destruction and hate crimes. The software and its source code are available for download at http://www.martus.org. About Benetech http://www.benetech.org The Benetech Initiative is a Silicon Valley nonprofit that develops technology projects addressing major social problems in areas such as disability, human rights, literacy, education, and the digital divide. Its purpose is to use the high technology enterprise model to address pressing social problems. Many technologies have compelling social applications that are not developed because such efforts do not meet investors' financial expectations. Benetech specifically pursues endeavors with a strong social, rather than financial, return on investment, bringing commercial technology and private sector management techniques to bear in creating innovative, non-traditional solutions to problems ranging from literacy to human rights. The Martus Project was funded by a major grant from the Information Program of the Open Society Institute, as well as by individual donors and the Benetech Initiative itself. About The Asia Foundation http://www.asiafoundation.org The Asia Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, and open Asia-Pacific region. The Foundation supports programs in Asia that help improve governance and law, economic reform and development, women's participation, and international relations. Drawing on nearly 50 years of experience in Asia, the Foundation collaborates with private and public partners to support leadership and institutional development, technical assistance, exchanges, policy research, and educational materials. With a network of 17 offices throughout Asia, an office in Washington, D.C., headquarters in San Francisco, the Foundation addresses these issues on both a country and regional level. The Asia Foundation has a proven track record of success. In just the past fiscal year of 2002, the Foundation has provided grants, educational materials, and other resources of more than $50 million to 21 countries in Asia and through its Books for Asia program has distributed over 750,000 books to over 4,000 schools and other regional educational institutions. During the past five years, the Foundation has supported more than 800 public interest NGOs. The Asia Foundation has been working in the Philippines since 1954 and has a trusted network of partners. With funding from the U.S. State Department, The Asia Foundation is supporting this first implementation of the Martus system in the Philippines. Contact: Brendan Nyhan The Benetech Initiative Phone: 202/588-8269 Email: bnyhan(a)benetech.org Contact: Jennifer C. Betti The Asia Foundation Phone: 415/743-3367 Email: jbetti(a)asiafound.org ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Turn flat surfaces into speakers with the Soundbug. http://us.click.yahoo.com/QWAVSC/onCFAA/xGHJAA/C7EolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: bytesforall_readers-unsubscribe(a)yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ ------ End of Forwarded Message

1 0

[OFFTOPIC] NEWS: India's first computerised village council in Kerala (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha 15 Jan '03

15 Jan '03

---------- Forwarded message ---------- India's first computerised village council in Kerala By Sanu George, Indo-Asian News Service Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 14 (IANS) A Kerala village is all set to create a record -- as the first to have a fully computerised grassroots administration in India. The Vellanad 'gram panchayat', or village council, 20 km south of this city, will be declared fully computerised Wednesday by state IT Minister P.K. Kunjalikutty. The Information Kerala Mission (IKM), a project of the state-owned autonomous institution, Centre for Development of Imaging Technology, took up the computerisation of Vellanad. The entire cost of computerisation came to Rs.600,000. "It took IKM almost a year to fully computerise the village council," said the Local Self-Government Minister Cherkalam Abdullah at a news conference here Tuesday. "As a result, certificates for deaths, births, marriages and taxes will be ready for villagers in a matter of minutes." IKM has developed 12 different packages for application at the village level. A survey of the socio-economic status of villagers, a databank on the qualifications of the unemployed in the area and the financial position of the administration will be among information now available at the click of a mouse. Staff at Vellanad has undergone two computer-training programmes, and a final one is scheduled to commence on January 20. IKM is hoping that the forthcoming Global Investors Meet on January 18-19 will help spot a suitable investor to take up computerisation of all 1,214 local bodies in the state. Among the biggest project proposals of the local self-government ministry is one worth Rs.7.5 billion that is getting ready to be showcased at the meet. --Indo-Asian News Service

3 2

Kannur shows the way
by Sujeevan Pullanhiotan 14 Jan '03

14 Jan '03

Hi All, Kannur Achieved a unique feat by implementing very cost effective and economicaly sustainalbe( the least expensive approach known sofar!!)computer education facilities for school children. Children of 49 Govt. schools in Kannur parliamentary constituency will now have access to their own computer facilities running on GNU/Linux Operating sysytem packed with the latest GNU free softwares.The computer facilities are being setup at schools and the first facility setup at Valapatnam Govt Scholl will be inagurated by Shri A P Abdullakutty, Hon. M P ( Member of Parliamnet) of Kannur at 10 A M on 14- Jan 03. The resource for the project comes from the Constituency Development Fund of Kannur M P Shri A P Abdullakutty and is being implented by Keltron who provided the hardware facilities. The Software solution and support is provided by Swatantra Software Solutions & Support( S2S2),at Kannur who implented the cost effective LTSP( Linux Terminal Server) solution. The computer facility include One P4 Sever and many diskless workstation using etherboot to load Redhat 8 Operating system. The other GNU software package include, Openoffice, multimdedia, programming tools, and many applets for educational use( physics, chemistry maths etc.) all installed using GLUE CD. Regards Sujeevan S2S2, Kannur

1 0

security- a discussion
by Manjush G. Menon 13 Jan '03

13 Jan '03

hi guys, Check out the forwarded message, which originated from the following groups. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To: linux-middleeast(a)yahoogroups.com, arab-linux(a)yahoogroups.com From: Peters A P <peters1968(a)yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 8 Jan 2003 03:38:36 -0800 (PST) Subject: [arab-linux] I found this and thought this might be of interest Aberdeen Group says Linux/UNIX is as vulnerable as Windows Turning up the heat up another notch on a long-simmering debate, the Aberdeen Group has published a study comparing the security of Linux/UNIX systems with that of the Microsoft Windows family of products "Contrary to popular misperception, Microsoft does not have the worst track record when it comes to security vulnerabilities. Also contrary to popular wisdom, UNIX- and Linux-based systems are just as vulnerable to viruses, Trojan horses, and worms," Aberdeen's report states. Based on CERT advisories for 2001 and 2002, Aberdeen reached the following conclusions: "Virus and Trojan horse advisories affecting Microsoft products peaked at six in 2001, which then bottomed out at zero for the first 10 months of 2002 Virus and Trojan horse advisories affecting UNIX, Linux, and open source software products went from one in 2001 to two for the first 10 months of 2002 Advisories affecting network equipment products jumped from two in 2001 to six for the first 10 months of 2002 Firewalls and other security products were affected by just two advisories in 2001, but have been linked to seven advisories for the first 10 months of 2002." The report also points out that Apple is becoming vulnerable, "now that it is fielding an operating system [OS X] with embedded Internet protocols and UNIX utilities." Windows vs. Linux/UNIX vulnerabilities Aberdeen Group report, vol. 1, no. 35, is dated Nov 12, 2002, and it's a brief but interesting read. I can't post a direct link since you have to subscribe to see the report. But it doesn't cost anything, so I recommend that you go to the Aberdeen site, register, and then take a look at the entire report Some people will dismiss the report as Microsoft-sponsored hot air, but the raw data is there for everyone to see in CERT's Advisories and Incident Notes, giving legitimacy to The Aberdeen Group's conclusion that open source operating systems in general, the new Mac OS X, and critical security programs themselves, aren't as safe as many proponents suggest The underlying data is worth a close look. No new Windows platform virus or Trojan CERT advisories were issued in the period of January 2002 through October 2002. CERT's confirmed vulnerabilities list shows that the threat level is growing faster for Linux/UNIX platforms than for Windows. This could be a statistical anomaly due to the much larger number of Linux/UNIX versions (although there are actually fewer versions available now, as there has been consolidation in both the Linux and UNIX markets in recent years). So the number of threats is growing while the number of Linux/UNIX versions is shrinking Perhaps this is an indication that UNIX is becoming less genetically diverse and therefore is more vulnerable to attack because the market isn't so fragmented. One Microsoft virus would attack a lot of systems, but it used to take a slightly different virus for every version of Linux/UNIX. That's not always the case anymore Rating vulnerabilities The open source community sometimes claims that vulnerabilities are "more serious" in Windows, but I don't know of an objective way to measure that. And lacking a generally accepted method, all we are left with are the raw numbers. Microsoft rates vulnerabilities when it publishes a patch, but we need a comparable way to rate Linux/UNIX bugs if we're going to compare the seriousness of the patches released for these platforms It's useful to look at incidents as well as confirmed vulnerabilities (advisories). Although this isn't exactly the same as measuring how serious a vulnerability is, it provides a good way for those in the security business to judge how many attacks are taking place, or at least how many are being reported According to the Aberdeen report, "In 1995 the incidents reported by CERT numbered 2,412. However, incidents tracked by CERT skyrocketed from 21,756 in 2000 to 52,658 in 2001, and then to 73,359 for the first nine months of 2002. Clearly, the trend in incidents and advisories is going up, and at an alarming rate." However, we should always take incident statistics with a grain of salt. After all, vulnerabilities are easy to count, but who knows how many attacks go unreported Microsoft has recently announced a new policy for rating vulnerabilities. The company says this was due to customer complaints about far too many "critical" warnings, which compelled administrators to patch vulnerabilities even when the critical rating was not warranted by the actual risk According to Microsoft's director of security assistance, Steve Lipner, the new rating system will expand the old Critical-Moderate-Low reporting scale to include Important, which will fall between Critical and Moderate Most of the old Critical vulnerabilities will now be labeled Important, including threats that could lead to system penetration and file compromise. The Critical rating will be reserved for Internet threats (e.g., major disasters of the Code Red variety) A new two-tier security bulletin system with a less technical bulletin service will also be hosted at http://www.microsoft.com/security/ to supplement the current one, which many users found simply too technical A recent eWeek report brings yet another aspect of this subject to the forefront by pointing out that White House Cybersecurity Tsar, Richard Clark, has called for mandatory vulnerability reporting to a central federal government office. This would require any security firm discovering a new vulnerability to report it with the goal of forcing vendors to respond more quickly to new threats Others feel this may lead to premature disclosure of vulnerabilities, which happened in the past when the FBI's National Infrastructure Protection Center attempted to coordinate reports with various vendors The newly organized (Sept. 26, 2002) Organization for Internet Safety is also developing a proposed set of guidelines for timely and safe reporting of vulnerabilities. OIS founders include Microsoft, @stake, Symantec, Caldera, Network Associates, BindView, and Oracle, so there may be some muscle behind these guidelines Final word We will probably always be comparing apples and oranges when we try to see how the number and severity of vulnerabilities found in the major competing platforms match up. But this really doesn't matter in the real world. The bottom line is that if a vulnerability leads to intrusions on your network, it's a problem, and it doesn't matter whether the vulnerability was a "high" risk or a "low" risk, only whether it cost you time and money to deal with it Most of us are supporting legacy systems and always will be. Only new companies have the luxury of selecting a platform based only on security, performance, and initial cost. That's further limited to only new companies that have an expert IT staff in place to advise the company founders before they buy a single computer. It's far more likely that a platform decision will be based on the experience of the founders, the vendor who gets there first with the best proposal, or, most likely of all, which platform runs a line-of-business application that the company needs The Aberdeen Report concludes that the reduction in Microsoft vulnerabilities is the result of the company's much-touted new security initiative. It may be too early to determine that, but it is a relief to see that no major viruses have besieged Windows in 2002 As for Microsoft's new security labeling system, I think it is useful. It makes sense to reserve the Critical rating for those dangerous global threats that can spread around the world quickly and temporarily threaten the integrity of corporate systems ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Have a great day ~~Manjush

1 0

OpenCD
by Kanti Jadia 13 Jan '03

13 Jan '03

i have copies of theopencd iso. if anybody is interested i can provide copies Am in NAGPUR(Maharashtra) regards Kanti Jadia

1 0

http://sofall.vze.com/
by Frederick Noronha 13 Jan '03

13 Jan '03

This is a young student's attempt to make it easier to share various Free/Libre and Open Source Software. Please check out the site and send in feedback to Ajay <incubuz(a)softhome.net> http://sofall.vze.com/ FN

1 0

GNULinuxIndia 10012003
by Frederick Noronha 11 Jan '03

11 Jan '03

e88~~\ 888b | 888 | / 888 888 ,e, d888 |Y88b | 888 | L 888 888-~88e e88~\888 " /~~~8e 8888 __ | Y88b | 888 | I 888 888 888 d888 888 888 88b 8888 | | Y88b | 888 | N 888 888 888 8888 888 888 e88~-888 Y888 | | Y88b| Y88 | U 888 888 888 Y888 888 888 C888 888 "88__/ | Y888 "8__/ X 888 888 888 "88_/888 888 "88_-888 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Formerly LinuxInIndia * Compiled by: Frederick Noronha * Jan 10,2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Although we pride ourselves on being a software superpower, hardly any of the products we use are made in India. -- G. Nagarjuna of TIFR, member of the Free Software Foundation, quoted in a recent news report in the Times of India. See http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/ uncomp/articleshow?artid=33405578&sType=1 NUMBER 300,000 FROM CHENNAI: The Linux Counter (counter.li.org) is where users of the GNU/Linux operating system can voluntarily register themselves as such. Recently, Harald Alvestrand of Norway, the founder of the Linux Counter, announced: "Account number 300.000 got handed out today - to a Linux user in Tamil Nadu, India." Let look forward to many other GNU/Linux enthusiasts signing up there and proudly identifying themselves as users of Free Software. PROJECT RESOURCE CENTRE GETS A FILLIP: Thanks to the many students and mentors (over 100) that are now part of this list, the Project Resource Centre has been seeing some interesting discussions. It is a place where students wanting to work on GNU/Linux projects can get ideas and guidance from volunteer-mentors. If you fall in either category (student or possible mentor) please do sign up at http://mail.sarai.net/mailman/listinfo/prc THE COMPASS TO THE EAST: ILUG-Calcutta is participating in COMPASS 2003 (24-27 Jan 2003) -- the biggest annual IT event of the Eastern India. "We are having 18sqm of space and are planning a big show," say local volunteers. P K Sharma <pksharma(a)cal.vsnl.net.in> recently gave an idea of plans for participation. To subscribe to this LUG's mailing list send mail to majordomo(a)ilug-cal.org with the body "subscribe ilug-cal" and an empty subject line. FAQ for the LUG: http://www.ilug-cal.org/node.php?id=3 They seem to be heading for it rather seriously. There are plans for demo's, installations, showcasing various distros, and focussing on GNU/Linux in school / at home / in the corporate world. If all goes as per plan, there will also be emphasis on the work done in GNU/Linux localization (Bangla Linux), how Free Software can be an enabler and force multiplier in e-governance, development possibilities (languages, tools, IDEs etc) , scientific apps (Octave, Blender, etc), high-end computing like clustering and FT, and 'cool stuff' that includes video editing, dual heading, virtual machines, emulators and media streaming (MP3s and video). More details from Indranil Das Gupta <indradg(a)cal.vsnl.net.in> or Sayamindu Dasgupta <unmadindu(a)Softhome.net> WATER... AND GNU/LINUX: Dr Vikram Vyas, who has written an interesting software to help villagers calculate availability of water in their region, is eager to port it to GNU/Linux. If you would be interested in the same, kindly get in touch with him at Vikram Vyas <visquare(a)satyam.net.in> GNU/LINUX IN WEST ASIA: Quite a few GNU/Linux mailing lists are active in the Gulf area. Some see the active involvement of Indian expat communities. One list is Linux-middleeast(a)yahoogroups.com This group is sponsored by GoldenSun Internet Consulting &amp; Research, Phone 971-4-2728310 /Fax:971-4-2728320 http://www.uaelug.org Its moderator is GSC Prabhakar James, and the LUG was founded in 1999. DEMO@SCHOOLS IN CHENNAI: bharathi(a)lantana.TeNeT.res.in informs that work on the GNU/Linux-in-schools front is also being undertaken by Demo@Schools volunteer Suraj Kumar. Contact him at suraj(a)symonds.net THEOPENCD LAUNCHES FIRST EDITION: Something from outside South Asia, but of potential interest to many of us. This is a collection of high-quality Open Source Software that runs in Windows. A good bridge for reluctant users of proprietorial software who would like to try out the power of Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS). Says Henrik Nilsen Omma, one of the project leaders: "Our aim is to create a simple to use CD distribution of Open Source software for Windows, and in that way spread the OSS message.... The disc allows new users can try out Open Source software (OSS) in the comfort of their own, familiar operating system, rather than having to take the drastic step of reformatting their hard drive to install Linux or BSD. The collection, which includes OpenOffice.org, AbiWord and Beonex is primarily intended for non-technical computer users. However, we expect that the disc will appeal first to experienced OSS users, who will hopefully find it a useful vehicle by which to introduce OSS to their less computer-savvy friends." They invite all FLOSS enthusiasts to download the ISO, burn CDs and distribute them widely to friends, local schools, universities, and companies. http://www.theopencd.org/ See http://linuxpr.com/releases/5379.html More details from Henrik Nilsen Omma <henrik(a)theopencd.org> SIRTAJ SINGH KANG... IN THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: Australia-based Indian-origin KDE developer Sirtaj Singh Kang is profiled in a prominent newspaper. Taj is one of the two nominated as official KDE spokespeople in Australia. Quote: "When I was around 14, my dad bought us a 286-based computer. It was quite expensive. We weren't poor by any standards but this stuff was still a luxury. Still, for me to get all the tools a kid needed to learn programming cost as much again, even just to get started. Given that software is infinitely reproducible practically for free, there is really no excuse for this especially now that hardware has become so cheap. Give interested people access to software, allow them to improve and redistribute it - that's the way for computing to really make a difference." http://smh.com.au/articles/2002/11/01/1036027033828.html *************************************************************************** WANTED: Volunteers to support and help the growth of smaller GLUGs and LUGs across India. If you are willing to encourage a Little League LUG to grow and become active, please contact Sukrit D <sd_root(a)yahoo.com> of Pondicherry who formulated the Little League idea. ILUG-Bhubaneswar was recently discussing what could be done to boost their activities. *************************************************************************** GNOWLEDGE.ORG: Dr G Nagarjuna, an eminently optimistic and always-upbeat educationist from Mumbai <nagarjun(a)hbcse.tifr.res.in> recently announced that he completed setting up a Sourceforge site for the Project Resource Centre (a centre for mentors to guide students in Free Software work) and other projects. Says he: "I haven't tested it completely, but it seems to be working satisfactorily. I request the various groups to begin using this facility." Needed: volunteers to maintain the site. http://gnowledge.org Also see http://mail.sarai.net/mailman/listinfo/prc MAXIMUS2 INITIATIVE: Maximus2, a wholly owned subsidiary of a British company, is to give away what it terms its powerful office productivity suite -- GroupX2 -- free of cost. "Every organization with 10 to 500 employees needs this application," it says. "With GroupX2 your company will become more organized, productive and highly efficient. The GroupX2 application is normally priced at $1000 is free (of cost) for the first 2003 companies that register," says the firm. Register at www.maximus2.com This application consists of full working software enabled for 20 users. GroupX2 will "take the pain out" of managing tasks, people, messages, calendars, meetings, contacts and much more. Please note, this is not 'Free Software' but a limited offer of a free-of-cost version for early subscribers. http://www.maximus2.com BSPELLER, ON THE BENGALI LANGUAGE FRONT: Thanks to Sayamindu Dasgupta <unmadindu(a)Softhome.net> for forwarding a post from Taneem Ahmed <taneem(a)eyetap.org> on the Bengali computing front. What is Bspeller: A light weight text editor with a Bengali spell checker. This program is part of the Bengali dictionary project. Bspeller can also print Bengali text files using OpenType fonts, a feature currently not available in most of the text editors, eg. gedit, kedit, etc. This is the first release of Bspeller that makes any sense as it actually works as a Bengali spell checker! More information, instructions, and screenshot can be found at: http://www.bengalinux.org/projects/dictionary/bspeller.php Bspeller-0.3 is now available for download from: http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=43331 SARAI.NET OFFERS SUPPORT FOR FREE SOFTWARE: The Delhi-based non-profit has taken another step to support Free Software. Meyarivan <mary(a)sarai.net> recently announced the independent fellowships under its FLOSS Initiative. Those selected include projects for: Linux based CNC Controller Sagar Behere [ behere at sancharnet.in ] and Sandeep Bhambra. The project aims to develop a GNU/Linux based CNC controller using off the shelf hardware. The mechanical design of the CNC machine has been completed and they have developed an add-on ISA expansion card that can control stepper motors simultaneously. Management and Information System - Tapan Parikh/Ekgaon [ tap2k at yahoo.org ] This project aims to implement a complete, modular Management and Information System (MIS) for village-based savings and lending groups, otherwise known as Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This MIS would allow central tracking of the internal accounts, financial position, loan repayment performance and related account information for a community of SHGs, federated under a common administrative and financial body, referred to as a SHG Federation, or a Community-Based Financial Institution (CBFI). Library Management Software - Sharmad Naik [ sharmad at goatelecom.com ] This project will implement a complete library management system. A working version of the software has already been released and future updates will provide complete functionality required for a library. KreSIT (Kanwal Rekhi School of Information Technology), IIT Bombay [ http://www.it.iitb.ac.in/ ] There are about 19 groups working under the guidance of Dr.Pathak and Ms. C.Vijayalakshmi at KreSIT, IIT Bombay on opensource software. They have already developed software for distance education and are currently developing various applications in office automation, voip and localization. Sunil Abraham [ sunil at mahiti.org ] Will test and benchmark free software to ensure that it can be used for mission critical applications. Will conduct research on different types of user communities, usability studies for various interfaces and devices and technology cost calculator for village information kiosks and work on open source storage formats and algorithms for bioinformatics. INDLINUX DISTRO... AN IDEA WITH LOCAL LANG SUPPORT: Details of one distro planned, with local language support, are at http://www.indlinux.org/distro Also see the Indian Linux Project www.indlinux.org and the Indic-Computing Project indic-computing.sf.net LANGUAGE-RELATED SOLUTIONS: Says Guntupalli Karunakar <karunakar(a)freedomink.org> : IIIT Hyd has a good track record on free software, they have released lot of language related stuff under GPL (language dictionaries, machine translation tools etc). See http://www.iiit.net/ltrc/Dictionaries/Dict_Frame.html and http://www.iiit.net/ltrc/downloads.html SITE FOR EXCHANGING SOFTWARE: A youngman from Goa - Ajay - <incubuz(a)softhome.net> tells of a small site he has built for "exchanging software". Says he: "It is very basic and I plan to build upon it gradually." Check http://sofall.vze.com GLUE, AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION FOR SCHOOLS FROM DELHI: Feedback from Bijon Shaha <bbshaha(a)yahoo.com> about the GLUE, an interesting concept from Ajith <ajith(a)nsc.ernet.in>: The cd uses the concept of preinstalled and prconfigured LTSP server which has been tar archived on a cd. Installation is basically extracting this tar ball into the new partition in the new system, which is very fast. At the first boot it depends on Kudzu for quick detection of hardware in the new machine where it usually has to unconfigure the mismatching hw and configure with the new hardware, and you are ready to use the server! BHUBANESWAR LUG NEEDS SUPPORT: This is about a (GNU)Linux Users' Group that needs support. The Bhubaneswar LUG mailing list was setup sometime in 2000. But there has been only a very posts to this lists. You can join the list by sendign a message to ILUG-BBSR <ilug-bbsr-subscribe(a)yahoogroups.com> ... This info was posted via LIG, the Linux India General list. See https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/linux-india-help --------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOUQUETS&BRICKBATS BOUQUETS&BRICKBATS BOUQUETS&BRICKBATS BOUQUETS&BRICKBATS --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nikhil Shanker <nikhil(a)ilug-hyd.org.in> Subject: Re: NEWSLETTER: GNU/LinuxIndia Dec 27, 2002 I share the same opinions as Arun Sharma on LIG. The logo reduces "Linux" to a single column. GNU/Linux is acceptable since it caters to some individuals' sentiments, but this looks like an overkill. I think RMS must be show the logo with "LINUX" replaced with "HURD" with the same one column layout. I bet, he'd be satisfied with... e88~~\ 888b | 888 | 888 888 888 | 88888b 888 / d888 |Y88b | 888 | 888 888 888 | 888 88 e88~\888 I 8888 __ | Y88b | 888 | 88888888 888 | 888ee88 d888 888 N 8888 | | Y88b | 888 | 88888888 888 | 88888b 8888 888 D Y888 | | Y88b| Y88 | 888 888 Y88 | 888 88b Y888 888 I "88__/ | Y888 "8__/ 888 888 "8__/ 888 88b "88_/888 A bah! > > SPEECH SYNTHESIS: Rohit Kumar of the Speech Processing Lab, LTRC at > IIIT Hyderabad points to a speech synthesis demo at > http://196.12.44.11/~speech/index.htm Says he: "I look forward to > your responses both about the speech quality and the ease of use and > understandability of the web interface. PS: For all [GNU/]/Linux > enthusiasts the speech synthesizer is currently built on Red Hat > Linux 7.2 and we have tested it with RHL 8.0." This is insane too. You're quoting a post here, and you GNU-hijack it within the quotes. This very prominent and noticable GNU-hijacking makes the newsletter more unreadable. Although the content is commendable, the we-will-serve-you-oh-RMS-my-l0rd attitude hides the real juice. Maybe even this comment will only be listed in the "Comments" section of the next version of the newsletter just like Arun's was. But I've been looking at this newletter everytime and seeing more GNU than actual information is really disheartening. The best part is it gets posted to LI and LUGs. Please note that these its not GLI and GLUGs. I imply no disrespect to the poster. Its just an opinion. -- Nikhil (nikhil.shankar at acm.org) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOUR INPUTS and criticism to this newsletter are welcome. Contact us at fred at bytesforall dot org --COPYLEFT 2002, GPL. May be freely circulated provided entire text is retained. FN --------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Freeware of Free Software?
by Frederick Noronha 11 Jan '03

11 Jan '03

Dear PCQuest Editor: I was surprised to see your CDs list a number of GNU/Linux programmes as 'freeware'. Needless to say, there is a sharp difference between 'freeware' and the connotations it has, and 'Free Software' (free as in freedom!). Would you agree? FN

1 0

programmers
by M.Balakrishna Pillai 11 Jan '03

11 Jan '03

hi all Refer page 9 column 3 of Malayala Manorama January 11,(Ernakulam edition) Calicut University is requires programers experienced in Mandrake/RedHat Linux - more than 2 years experience in Python, Postgress, GTK Glade etc. Salary Rs.11000/- Appointment for one year Apply to Deputy Registrar, Administration branch Calicut University Pin 673635 M.Balakrishna Pillai

1 0

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