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LinuxInIndia#6: Penguin's Mantra, Funding On Way,LinuxBangalore2002
by Frederick Noronha 13 Sep '02

13 Sep '02

GNU _ _____ _____ http://linuxinindia.pitas.com | | (_) |_ _| |_ _| | |_ | | _ _ __ _ ___ __ | | _ __ | | _ __ __| (_) ___ | | | | '_ \| | | \ \/ / | | | '_ \ | | | '_ \ / _` | |/ _ \ | |____| | | | | |_| |> < _| |_| | | |_| |_| | | | (_| | | (_) | |______|_|_| |_|\__,_/_/\_\_____|_| |_|_____|_| |_|\__,_|_|\__,_| CopyLeft2002 GNU/GPL v2 OR LATER * ISSUE006 * SEPT 13, 2002 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Co-edited by Frederick Noronha and Parag Mehta <pm at linuxindia dot org> * ARCHIVES/SIGN-UP: http://www.freelists.org/archives/linuxinindia +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In this issue o Indian language solutions for GNU/Linux o Want money to help you make Free Software? Here's some... o Made-in-Delhi accounting software o Gearing up for LinuxBangalore2002 (Dec 3-5, 2002) o Development by Design conference in India o Kids play around with GNU/Linux... and the results are... o CDAC lab goes in for GNU/Linux... and lot's more. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE PENGUIN'S MANTRA: Efforts are on to find Indian language solutions to GNU/Linux in the subcontinent that matters. Some call Indic and other South Asian scripts the final challenge to computer vendors for full i18n support. It has taken its time in coming, the challenges are not that simple, and successes have been few and far between. Yet optimism is high now. Can this frontier be conquered early? Technical challenges are certainly not few: the X rendering model is too simple for Indic scripts (but an upcoming tutorial on the Indic Computing site will have the nitty-gritty). Input for Indian languages is an open issue. Most `keyboard solutions' available today for X are fragile and are really more work-arounds than solutions. Some say the principal problem is rendering conjuncts without proper rendering engines and properly encoded fonts. Users want to type a sequence of characters, and not concern themselves with the details of rendering. This requires fonts with appropriate tables giving the possible character sequences and the glyphs for rendering each, and an engine that knows to read the tables. What are the varied initiatives are currently on in various parts of the country. What could be the proper strategic approach? Which issues should be tackled first? See an article http://www.freelists.org/archives/linuxinindia +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SMALL MEET AT BANGALORE: A small meeting on Indianisation of computing (including GNU/Linux) is being organised at Bangalore on Sept 15-16. Contact tap2k(a)yahoo.com (Tapan Parikh) if you'd like to get into the loop and join the campaign. This is a by-invite meet, but everyone is welcome to share ideas in the ongoing search to find long-awaited solutions. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PERL MODULE FOR INDIAN LANGUAGE I/O: Thanks to M K Saravanan <mksarav(a)comp.nus.edu.sg> Perl module to handle Indian Language I/O http://acharya.iitm.ac.in/perl_enhance.html +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INDIC COMPUTING: If interested in these subjects, do join the indic-computing mailing lists, and also the indlinux mailing lists. Often a lot of discussion regarding indic localisation happens on these lists. http://indic-computing.sourceforge.net http://www.indlinux.org +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GPL (GENERAL PUBLIC LICENCE) IN MALAYALAM: An attempt to translate the GPL into Malayalam. At present, the preamble is completed. From Mahesh T Pai. See http://in.geocities.com/paivakil/freecommunity/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ TAMIL DESKTOP IN KDE9, BETA4: Vasudevan <vasu_a(a)cyberwaveindia.com> of ILUG-Chennai notes he has "successfully configured the Tamil desktop in kde9beta4, with advice from Parbhu_Anand from cooker development, which we struggled (with) at last Linux Expo unsucessfully." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FLOSS-SARAI INITIATIVE: No money in Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS)? A new initiative might help to change that for some youngsters in India. The Sarai Programme, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi (www.sarai.net) invites applications for Support Grants to projects in the area of Free Software, Open Source Software and Social Usage of Software Sarai invites programmers (practitioners as well as students) to propose projects in the area of free and open source software applications relevant to educational, social and community needs. We are looking for original ideas, as well as proposals to localize and adapt existing software and applications to South Asian conditions. For example - Desk-tops in Hindi, Open Office and Gimp in Hindi. Lighter versions of desktops like KDE, Innovations that creatively optimises older lower configuration machines, Linux documentation in Hindi, games using local context, etc. Conditions: Applicants should be resident in India, and should have a bank account in any bank operating in India. These are support grants and grantees will be free to pursue their primary occupations, if any. Mail your project proposal, work-plan and CV to both the following addresses: <application(a)sarai.net> with a copy to <fred(a)bytesforall.org>. Please mark your subject-line 'FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) Initiative'. Also point out what you see as the relevance of your work, and how you plan to share the resultant software once finalised. Enquires: dak(a)sarai.net Last date for submission: October 15th, 2002. Note: Proposals from teams, partnerships, collectives, faculty are welcome, so long as the grant amount is administered by a single individual, and the funds are deposited in a single bank account in the name of an individual. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FREESPEECH.ORG, COMMUNITY SITE FOR LINUXERS: Himanshu <himanshu_s(a)myrealbox.com> has something to announce: "I launched my new site, http://www.thefreespeech.org which is basically a community web site for Linuxers. Its main aim is "to initiate, collaborate and contribute" to the linux cause. The site itself, is home to the ILUG-BOM's novel "Project Resource Centre" idea, which will help ease the collaboration between students undertaking linux projects and self appointed "mentors". I guess, in the future it will also be home to dead projects, or very small projects/scripts, which have not been (or are to small to be) hosted at Sourceforge." http://www.thefreespeech.org +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DEVELOPED-IN-DELHI ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE: Sudhir Gandotra <sudhir(a)netshooter.com> announces that they've recently launched 'Kalculate' <www.kalculate.com>, a developed-in-Delhi software. It was worked on using C, GTK and PostgreSQL on the GNU/Linux platform. It promises to be the "first financial accounting package on GNU/Linux in India and the Asia-Pacific". Incidentally, the Indian 'IT' magazine in their September 2002 issue have carried the standard version of 'Kalculate'. This can be used for single-company accounting. The multi-company version, priced at Rs 10,000 (approx US$200), will be available to users of this version at Rs.3500 if they register and place their order by 31 Oct 2002, under a special promotion campaign, according to Gandotra. Rajesh Kankaria <rk(a)coralindia.com> points out that he had also worked on an accounting software developed on GNU/Linux around two years ago. But "due to poor response I didn't pursue it further", says he. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GETTING FREE SOFTWARE BOOKS TO INDIA: Systems Research Institute executive director Prof J G Krishnayya <jkrishnayya(a)yahoo.com> of Pune, who appreciates the worth of Free Software/Open Source, is keen to find ways of re-printing and distributing Free Software books in India. Contact him if you see any possibilities. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GEARING UP FOR LINUX-BANGALORE 2002: Bangalore GNU/Linux enthusiasts are to hold LB2002, a major meet on December 3/4/5 2002, J.N.Tata Auditorium, Bangalore, India. Last year's meet attracted a few thousand participants! http://linux-bangalore.org/2002/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DEVELOPMENT BY DESIGN CONF IN BANGALORE: The Second International "development by design" Conference will be held in Bangalore, India on December 1-2, 2002. The paper submission deadline has been extended to October 7, according to Leo Burd <leoburd(a)media.mit.edu> of MIT Media Lab. About dyd02: This conference seeks to establish critical dialogue towards open collaboration in sustainable technology, design and development. We invite diverse perspectives from academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, and independent innovators. You can submit a full paper, poster, video abstract or position paper online. Student projects will be shown in a design exhibition at the conference. http://www.thinkcycle.org/dyd02 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WHAT HAPPENS WHEN UNDER-PRIVILEGED kids lay their hands on GNU/Linux? See the results at http://www.digitalequalizer.org/kids.htm Daryl Martyris <dmartyris(a)hotmail.com> argues that this experiment clearly hints that that school-age children are able to effectively and quickly learn to the basic uses of computers without any formal training. Not just that, they also used GNU/Linux-based PCs. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INDIA'S SUPER-COMPUTING AGENCY GOES FOR GNU/LINUX (Reuters) : Aug 12 reports say India's Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, which makes supercomputers used for heavy-duty data processing, said it had decided to use open source Linux software in a high-performance computing lab. The Pune-based state agency, whose machines are used for advanced computing functions in activities such as oil exploration and weather forecasting, will use a Linux platform customised by International Business Machines. "The selection of Linux public software and its deployment by C-DAC (the centre) will provide a boost to the research activities of the scientific community in India," C-DAC and IBM said in a joint statement. Founded in 1988, C-DAC is a state-run research and development firm which has built four versions of its Param series of supercomputer machines. It also earns revenue from selling Indian regional language software and by training high-tech engineers. C-DAC's new laboratory will start operations in Bangalore later this year, the statement said. "We are using Linux only for a specific lab and have not yet decided whether to adopt it across all our applications," R.K. Arora, C-DAC executive director, told Reuters. http://news.cnet.com/investor/news/newsitem/0-9900-1028-20260575- 0.html?tag=ats +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GNOWLEDGE NETWORKING AND ORGANIZING SYSTEM, GNOWSYS: Dr. Nagarjuna G. works in Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research as a Reader. He works in the area of Science Education, Metacognitive studies, History and Philosophy of Science, and is an advocate of Free Software for Education and Research. Currently developing an expert system for knowledge management called "GNOWSYS: Gnowledge Networking and Organizing System" developed in Python and Zope. He is the coordinator of the centre's portal site development project for science and mathematics education. Contact Nagarjuna G. <nagarjun(a)hbcse.tifr.res.in> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FLOSS STUDY: From the ILUG-Chennai mailing list. Ravi Rao reports: Free/Libre and Open Source Software ;; Survey and Study -- FLOSS ;; Final Report http://www.infonomics.nl/FLOSS/report/Final4.htm Makes a very interesting read ... ;/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SIMPUTER, LOOKING FORWARD TO IT: More on the Simputer (the commonman's computing device, driven by GNU/Linux) from huiswerk345(a)yahoo.com, from Paul Soetmulder, Encore Technologies (S) Pte Ltd : Bad news: We only hand out limited number of SDK's (software developer kits) at this point in time, to both customers and partners. We want to stay focused on 100% success rate for all our customer projects, and we hope you appreciate this approach. Our customers and partners do. Some good news: Yes the project is moving "full steam" ahead and soon we will surprise you with reference clients, available applications and other news on a new dedicated website. Some more good news: Yes many partners have already signed up to work with us in developing solutions. Countries represented in our partner network cover Japan, Asia, Australia, Africa, India, Europe and USA. We still have some countries missing in each continent. Want to join this group of mobile computing pioneers, its only one email away. And more good news: Please note that all Encore Simputers production planned for the months August/ September time-frame have been taken up. At this moment we share to our best capability the units available among partners and customers. Our partners and customers support this as we deliver the solutions and benefits they need. The best news for Partners: Also October orders exceed production levels, although I have made reservations for "2 Encore Simputers" for next 100 pioneer partners" (in addition to 2 units for existing partners who have placed their orders) for October 15th time-frame. First come first served. Want to become pioneer partner, please email our CEO, Mr. Ravi Desiraju at ravi_desiraju(a)ncoretech.com. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INSTALLING L.T.S: Baiju M <malayalamlinux(a)yahoo.com> informs that more details about installing LTS systems are available in GNU/Linux Utilities for Education CDROM (GLUE CD). All necessary packages are available in that CDROM. You can read the proposal by Ajith Kumar here: http://malayalamlinux.sourceforge.net/edu/proposal-by-ajith.html It gives all details about hardware costs, advantages of LTS systems etc. Says Baiju: "Now I am fully involved in Malayalam GNU/Linux Project. So that you contact Free Software User Group Kozhikode members for more details. (I CC'ed his mail to the group mailing list). You can get the latest CDROM from Rajeesh (ph:0495 355415) If you asking the the CDROM for installing in any school, FSUG will give it you without any cost. If you are from TVM you can contact me (just drom me a mail). There is another FSUG group at Kochi (I think Raghavendra Bhat, a member of that group has got that CDROM)." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GNU/LINUX COUNTER: Eighteen million guestimated GNU/Linux users; how many from India? Please fill in your details at http://counter.li.org/ If you know someone who could volunteer to push forward this counter in regional Indian states, please contact harald(a)alvestrand.no with a cc marked to rproton(a)yahoo.co.uk, pm(a)linuxindia.org and ghane(a)dotxtra.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INTRODUCTORY COURSE: From Patrice Reimens <patrice(a)xs4all.nl>, a Dutch friend and fan of India. Check the Open Source/Free Software introductory course by Lisa Haskell for students. Very nice intro, full of useful pointers. http://mediaartprojects.org.uk/current/open_source_course/ Says he: "Lisa is now doing http://tech2.southspace.org (programme, thin) and http://tech2.southspace.net (diary, fat) in Lancaster." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DATABASE OF HACKERS: Tripta <tripta(a)sarai.net> from New Delhi points to http://orbiten.org and says: "I am not sure whether you are aware of this survey but does provide interesting perspectives. I am planning to conduct a survey/research amongst the `hackers' involved in the movement to trace and identify the pattern of the development of free software movement.... I was wondering if you could send me the list of the `open source projects' being conducted by individuals/groups/organizations...I am attempting to create a database as mentioned earlier, identify the pattern and seek for avenues of possible collaborations." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PROCURING CDs: Abhijeet More <abhijeetmore(a)rolta.net> suggests the following sources for GNU/Linux CDs: http://www.linuxplaza.org * http://www.indiainfotech.org Navin Dhanuka <navin_dhanuka(a)yahoo.com> says of IndiaInfoTech.org: "Dhiraj Thakur & Sheetal Chopra are doing a great job by serving the free software community with latest linux distros at affordable costs. I got Debian 3.0 at just Rs 50 a CD. That's real cheap and affordable as student Says Amol Hatwar <amolhatwar(a)rediffmail.com>: "I got the same at 30/- at linuxplaza.org. And yes Prahant Shah does a good job too." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GETTING STARTED WITH GNU/LINUX: Some tips from: Trevor Warren <trevorwarren(a)yahoo.com> who says these are good places were to start learning GNU/Linux: --> RH linux 7.2 Unleashed(Sams.net) --> Linux in 24 Hrs (Sams.net) --> www.tldp.org (Dos-Windoze-howto...to start with, the rest u can figure out what u can read up and what interests you. I havent seen any classes in Bombay that are worth it. Just stick to the books/sites and ask us when you screw up with anything.) Trevor Warren is an active member of the Mumbai (Bombay) LUG. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MAIL FROM AUROVILLE: From just next to India's own Little France, on the east coast, the place known as Auroville someone <netadmin(a)auroville.org.in> writes in to say: "Can some one suggest an easy to use web interface that can be installed on a Linux mail server for web based mail access?? I live in Auroville, near Pondicherry and we have been running Redhat 6.2 set up by a Nexus guy with more than 800 mail boxes. There is IMP (for web based mail access) and sendmail doing the job. We wish to be independent and need some help in this regards. Any tips on SMTP authentication is welcome. Auroville is an interesting place to visit and maybe help us with our Linux setup. Adequate compensation is part of the deal :-) please respond, thanks." MEA CULPA: Mita <mita(a)auroville.org.in> from Auroville has drawn our notice to some errors in three paragraphs of the last issue of this ezine (LinuxInIndia#5). Unlike mentioned earlier, Mukund does not live at Auroville, but in London, and only visited Av during his studies at Pondicherry University. He did not work for Ximian, Inc, and hasn't worked on gtkhtml or gimp. There were other inaccuracies in the description of Mukund and Karthik Ram (an ecologist, but not connected with GNU/Linux). We apologise sincerely for any misunderstandings created. -FN +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COMPUTER EDUCATION IN KERALA, GOING WHICH WAY?: Ajith Kumar <ajith(a)nsc.ernet.in> is disappointed with what's happening on the education front in Kerala. He comments: "Visit the site http://www.keralaeducation.org/itschool/project.htm and find out how the IT (schools project) has been sold of to contractors." Check out his alternative proposal. "In order to implement the project government certainly need to set some guidelines regarding the objectives and quality of the program. This could have been done simply by drafting a proper syllabus and insist on covering that syllabus and also specifying the number of hours each student get for theory and practicals. But what has been done is allowing few private agencies to exploit the poor students and paving way to waste precious foreign exchange by promoting the products of a Multinational Corporation." Write to Ajith for a full-text of his proposal... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COST-EFFECTIVE SYSTEM USING GNU/LINUX: Ajith goes on to note that GNU/Linux also has software to reduce the hardware cost by using diskless PCs. Hardware cost of setting up a 10 terminal system is less than Rs 200,000 (US$4000) and each additional PC costs around Rs.14,000. The government, he argues, should help the schools to mobilize the initial investment to acquire this setup and in th long run every school will have a good computer lab. If it cannot do that, it should not become a burden to schools by forcing them to depend on a few selected agencies. By seeing the guidelines it is clear that the motive behind selecting few agencies is not ensuring quality but to open up another area for corruption. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ON AN Ipaq: Trevor Warren <trevorwarren(a)yahoo.com> has loaded GNU/Linux on an Ipaq h3850. Says he: "As of now, my research areas are localisation of GNU/Linux on these personal access devices." See http://mlasia.mine.nu/ipaq/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SEE PICTURES IN CONSOLE MODE (FRAME MODE): Blinston (aka Asterix Baron) who's email address echoes that Shakespearean dilemma <b2ornot2b(a)yahoo.com> has written a small program called cjpg which allows you to view JPEG files whilst in the console mode (frame buffer). Says he: "If anyone can help me out by testing this program on various graphics cards and different modes to iron out all bugs ... well it worked on my SiS530 with all the modes i could try." http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ilug-goa/files/cjpg-0.1.tar.gz +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PYTHON FOR SCHOOLKIDS: Says Raju Mathur <raju(a)linux-delhi.org>: Been thinking about learning/teaching programming for school-goers and Python seems to be more of the right choice than ever. It's clean, well-supported under both Linux and Windows, object-oriented and has a fairly large set of libraries for basic functionality available. Now if only they'd fix the syntax of the damn language I may even start using it myself ;-) Anyhow, I don't know if you're aware of the wxWindows project? It's a C++ graphical library which runs under multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, Unix, etc) and, here's the beauty, provides a consistent interface to the native windowing systems of the platform that it runs on. So a wxWindows program running on Windows would use the native Windows toolkit while one running on Linux would use, e.g. GTK+ (the Gnome toolkit). Apps written in wxWindows thus have the look and feel of the platform they're running on...." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NOTES FROM THE REST OF ASIA: Thanks to Bala Pillai <bala(a)tamil.net> for this input: "The most interactive open source/Linux community in our time zone/Asia springs out of the Philippines. Primarily because the Filipino psyche is a more secure psyche, a more self-confident pyche. Folks who are self-confident worry about the future less, and allocate more time diagnosing and solving problems rather than echoing and reechoing it. Filipinos are also more into sharing and online sharing - we should look to more symbiosis with them. Manila-based Miguel Paraz whom I have interacted with since 1996, is a key catalyst in the Filipino Linux community. http://www.q-linux.com is a good starting point to get a feel for the key Open Source catalysts in the Philippines. KL,Malaysia-based Dinesh who runs http://www.alphaque.com is another lead Open Source catalyst in our timezone. Do look for symbiosis opportunities there too." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FROM THE DEVELOPERiq: Some updates from the August 2002 issue of DeveloperIQ, an Indian software magazine published from Bangalore. www.developeriq.com LINUXmag section has a special article on how to compile your own Linux kernel, by Philip de Groot. On the CD: Corel Photo-Paint 9 for Linux. Special DeveloperIQ Linux applications collection CDs: RedHat 7.2, 2 CDs Rs 299 RedHat 7.3, 5 CDs Rs 699 Caldera OpenLinux - Workstation 3.1.1, 2 CDs Rs 199 Caldera OpenLinux - Server 3.1.1., 2 CDs Rs 199 Mandrake 8.2, 3 CDs Rs 499 with support Rs 999 Debian 2.2, 3 CDs Rs 499 or with support Rs 999 (support for 30 days or 30 e-mails, whichever earlier) LINUX MAG INDIA-on-CD: 18 Cs in a year. Rs 1499. Get a whole lot of Linux apps and the latest updates. Log on to www.linuxmagindia.com for full details. Five CD starter kit contains RedHat 7.2, Openoffice 1.0, Galeon 1.2.1, KDE 3.0, Mozilla Internet suite 1.0rc2, Netscape 6.2.1, Acrobat reader 4.05, Gimp 1.2.3, Ximian Gnome 1.4, Kmail 1.0.29.2, gqmpeg 0.12.0, Etherape 0.8.2, Kyahoo 0.7, Image 0.1.9, Qcad 1.4.7, Blender 2.12, Cross Artist 1.1, sfront 0.7 and more Development tools: j2re1.4.0, j2sdk1.4.0, j2sdk1.4.0Forte, Redhat 7.2 manuals: installation guide, getting started guide, customization guide, reference guide, release notes, MySQL 3.23 a Redhat RPM, server (i386), Behcnmark/test suites, client program, libraries and header file for development, client shared libraries, binary package, Glade, Anjuta 0.1.7, clip 0.93, DDD 3.3.1, DejaGNU 1.4.2, gIDE 0.3.5, GNU Debugger 5.0, gnome debut 0.1.5, jDBA 0.7, KDE SDK 2.2.1, Open DAP 2.0.19, pyut 1.0, Libtool 1.4.2 and more ENTERTAINMENT: Half-life Opposing Force Server, Trophy 1.0.1, Tux Racer 0.61, Mojoworld Transporter 1.02, Search and Resume Game, Q3Text (Linux)1.07, Armagetron, abuse-SDL0.6.0, Vega Strike 0.2.0-14, 4st Attack Version, SDL_Paradroid, EasySok Version: 0.3.0., FreeDroid 0.7.0, Decopter Version 0.2.3, Penguin Command Version, gf passthru Version; 0.0.1-alpha, Iter Vehemens Ad Necem Version 0.311, Operation Blacksun 2 Version. Send your comments and feedback to ramdas(a)developeriq.com (Editor Ramdas) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UPDATES FROM i.t. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: It calls itself "the magazine for techies and those who want to be"): * Simputer team gets first Dewang Mehta award. ("The [GNU/Linux-based] Simputer places computing power in the hands of the masses. It has a wide range of applications such as microbanking, data collection, Internet access, agricultural information, the school laboratory, the kiosk Simputer, smart card, general purpose citizen's ID card, driving licence, land records, income tax records, passport, bank pass-book and digital cash.") * Included on this CD: ComunigatePRO (scalable, standards-compliant and feature-rich Internet mailing server), Kalculate (complete Indian accounting package for GNU/Linux users), MySQL-Front 1.16, etc. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO PROMOTE THIS LETTER? WRITE IN AND TELL US WHAT IDEAS YOU HAVE IN MIND. CONTACT fred(a)bytesforall.org ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ It is not possible to verify all claims made by our informants above. We have attributed statements, as far as possible, to ensure that readers can cross-check details. Please verify software and other claims independently. * FOOTNOTE: Frederick Noronha <fred at bytesforall dot org> is a Goa-based freelance journalist, who writes on IT-for-development and GNU/Linux themes regularly, and is cofounder of BytesForAll <www.bytesforall.org>. In the past year, he worked on a print media fellowship to study India's contribution to GNU/Linux, from www.sarai.net (Sarai-New Delhi) Parag Mehta <pm at linuxindia dot org> is webmaster for Linux India, listadmin for Ilug-bom, Country Manager of India for Linux Counters (do get counted as a GNU/Linux user!). Visit his personal site at: http://pmehta.org ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Singapore...
by Frederick Noronha 12 Sep '02

12 Sep '02

The Singapore Linux Conference 2002 Call For Papers Introduction. The Singapore Linux Conference 2002 celebrates the 8th year of existence of the Linux User Group of Singapore. The official theme of this year's conference is "Linux Means Business". We would like the conference to highlight Linux use in the business environment. This includes any current Linux roles that might interest conference attendees, as well as new proposals. The business track in particular will be geared toward introducing Linux to attendees who may have never used Linux in a business setting. We are seeking individuals who are experts in Linux and free or open source software (OSS) to share and discuss your experiences with Linux/OSS, or to present your current project. If you are a commercial sponsor of the Singapore Linux Conference 2002, we welcome you to submit papers to the conference. We request that the submissions highlight your corporate commitment to open source software by presenting technical papers. However, we will also have a business track for application specific papers and allow tutorials/demonstrations promoting proprietary products that use Linux. Suggested Topics Presentation Types. Business Track Conference Papers: This track is to help introduce Linux to businesses as well as highlight current developments in applications specific to business. Presentations may have commercial or non-commercial content. If you are interested in presenting a paper on a commercial product or service please consider being a sponsor. Technical Track Conference Papers: The technical track will consist of general open source topics. Linux-specific papers, particularly business-oriented ones, will be given priority. However, we will consider all topics and will accept as many papers as time permits. Tutorials: These longer sessions, which usually address a smaller audience, provide the attendee with more in-depth insights, practical information and/or hands-on learning opportunities than a normal paper presentation. Tutorial sessions are also suitable for commercial presentations that include interactive product demonstrations. These are scheduled as 110-minute sessions, but we will try to accommodate any request. Demonstrations: (open to the public up to 70 people) Product demonstrations during the conference are an excellent way to introduce new products or make Linux-related commercial announcements. Please inform the committee by September 8th if you wish to schedule a demonstration. These are free to sponsors. These will be treated as BOF sessions for the purpose of scheduling. Birds-of-a-Feather (BOF) Sessions: (open to the public up to 70 people) We will be scheduling open discussions and technical Q&A sessions during the event. Consider these if you are interested in discussing any open source topic with similar-minded attendees in an informal setting. These sessions are also suitable for those who wish to promote their project but lack the time or experience to give a full paper. These will be scheduled concurrently with the conference. It is requested that a short description and title be submitted by September 15th 2002. Important Dates. Abstract submission deadline: August 16th 2002 Acceptance notification: August 23th 2002 Paper submission deadline: September 15th 2002 Tutorials: October 14th 2002 Presentations: October 15th-16th 2002 Abstract Submission Form Paper and Tutorial Submission Guidelines. Each conference paper presentation is allotted 50 minutes including time for questions and discussion. If you are interested in conducting a tutorial or a workshop, or if your topic is particular in-depth and/or involves audience participation, please notify us that you require a 110-minute tutorial time slot. Please also be sure to note down any additional requirements (e.g. special equipment). Abstract submission (August 16th 2002): Abstracts should be approximately 200 words long and be accompanied by a brief (100-word) biography of the author(s). The deadline for abstract submission is flexible, though on-time submissions will help us tremendously. The abstracts will be reviewed by the conference committee based on content, presentation and suitability for the event. Paper submission (September 15th 2002): Accepted speakers will be notified and will be required to electronically submit a written paper, approximately two to ten pages in length, for inclusion in the conference proceedings. Full papers must be submitted by the September 15th 2002 deadline to ensure publication in the conference proceedings. Paper submissions must be the final, print-ready versions, and no later changes will be accepted. Submission format: Postscript, PDF, Tex, XML/DocBook, or text format is acceptable. The official language of the conference is English. All submissions and correspondence regarding them should be conducted through the website or via e-email to the conference committee: papers(a)slc.lugs.org.sg. Licensing of accepted papers: Upon paper acceptance, authors will be required to grant an unlimited, non-exclusive right to the Linux User Group of Singapore and its partners to publish the papers and presentation material in both electronic form on CD-ROM and the website, and in paper form for the conference proceedings and magazines. Your submission indicates that you agree to these terms. Papers accompanied by non-disclosure agreement forms can not be accepted, and will not be reviewed. Papers will be held in full confidence during the reviewing process. Conference Location. The Singapore Linux Conference 2002 will take place at the Le Meridien Singapore in Singapore. Accommodations will be provided for accepted speakers in hotels close to the venue. Singapore tourist information is available at Singapore Tourism board. Speaker Incentives and Financial Compensation. All speakers will be provided with hotel accommodation for the duration of the event and all conference events. We are not able to pay any royalties for presenters. The Linux User Group of Singapore is a non-profit organization of volunteering professionals and enthusiasts of free and open-source software. We therefore have only a limited budget for travel expenses and request that you or your employer kindly pay for your trip if possible. We may be able to pay travel expenses (economy-class plane tickets) for a limited number of speakers, on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to ask for commercial sponsorship of your paper, please let us know and we will try and contact sponsors on your behalf. Please submit your request for a travel grant together with your abstract submission.

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Re: Linux Workshop
by Frederick Noronha 12 Sep '02

12 Sep '02

Could anyone suggest a suitable resource person? FN On Wed, 11 Sep 2002, Chairman wrote: > hi Frederick > > Mr Rajkumar has referred your name for helping us to find a person for a workshop in Linux Networking. > > The students attending the workshop will be having a preliminary knowledge of Linux, commands and general things. The number of students will be around 30 -40. The workshop can be conducted in our labs. The portions for the intended workshop is given below > > Linux Networking > > Configuring a NIC > Basic Network Services > - telnet - Server / Client > - ftp - Server / Client > Basic Concepts of DNS > - Implementation of BIND > - forward & reverse lookup > - DNS Client Commands > DHCP - Server / Client setup > NFS - Network File System > - RPC portmapper > NIS - Network Information System > - ypserver / yp client configuration > - RPC portmapper > Apache Web Server > - Restriction through htaccess; > - Name & IP Based Virtual Hosting > Samba Server - File & Print Service > - Authentication through samba > - smbmount; smbclient; > Dial-up connectivity > PPP Server setup > Sendmail - Mail Server > - Configuring mail over LAN/WAN > - SMTP Server; POP3 Server Setup > Proxy Server - Squid > - ACL for restricting access > > We know this is too much to cover. What I was having in my mind is to cover as much as possible in 2-3 days. > > Kindly let me know whether you can find someone for conducting the workshop. > > regards > Kiran C > Chairman > IEEE Student Branch > College of Engineering, Chengannur > Kerala > India > > ------- > > > _____________________________________________________________ > Get Your Free ScanMail and Email At http://mail.ttkbharatplanet.com >

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Mahiti... wanting to fill a post
by Frederick Noronha 12 Sep '02

12 Sep '02

This is a Bangalore-based IT firm that helps NGOs to get into technology, and Sunil has been moving to GNU/Linux in the recent past. Contact Sunil Abraham <sunil(a)indiacares.org> ---------- Forwarded message ----------

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2002 Free Software Awards
by Arun M 11 Sep '02

11 Sep '02

The FSF and the GNU project request nominations for the 2002 FSF Award for the Advancement of Free Software. We want to give this award to a person who has made a great contribution to the progress and development of Free Software (free as in freedom as defined in the Free Software Definition), through activities that accord with the spirit of software freedom. http://www.gnu.org/award/2002/2002.html

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Sincere Choice
by Raju Mathur 10 Sep '02

10 Sep '02

[Cross-posted. Beware when replying!] Bruce Perens analyses Microsoft's Software Choice campaign and proposes a new Sincere Choice campaign of his own. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/26616.html http://sincerechoice.org/ -- Raju Mathur raju(a)kandalaya.org http://kandalaya.org/ It is the mind that moves

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Regular Press Releases by FSF, India till March 2003
by CK Raju 08 Sep '02

08 Sep '02

-- Amended one --- Pls discard the earlier msg, if received -- As adviced by some prominent academicians and social scientists, here within Kerala, I would like the issue to be discussed within this forum on whether it would be more appropriate from our part, if we were to issue some press releases on a regular basis on social fairness, economic impact etc of Free Software under the banner of FSF, India. The timing is crucial for FSF India, as e-governance is on the agenda of most of the Indian States (originating from the Planning Commission of India). State Planning Board of Govt of Kerala had announced allocation of around 147 crore of rupees for the process. Coupled with the announcement of Ministry of Information Technology, Govt of India that it would be a partner in funding goes on only to prove the degree of commitment to this cause. Even if we were to focus on the freedoms, I would seriously like to put forth the suggestion to include themes of 'dependency factor', 'economic impact on future generations of taxpayer' and the 'magnitude of economic capital that may fly out', as money still happens to be the prime attention catcher for the general public. Once this attention is caught, we may get into more philosophical issues. Perhaps if we plan to launch press releases at a time (of a month) when there are no serious national news items, we may be able to hit the bull's eye. The issue came up for discussion with some eminent social scientists. A diagram ( http://business.vsnl.com/kalapila/egovernance.pdf ) highlighting the issue explained against the background of flight of capital (with over 1200 local bodies, various education departments, finance institutions, health institutions, training institutions - private sector, and data-processing units from private sector, to name a few) when the entire network is based on a proprietary software technology was thoroughly debated. A counter proposition that an effective software migration policy would set records straight, seemed highly improbable. Any single department arguing for a migration would have to be subjected to the discretion of other sister departments. When the economic impact of a migration is countered at this stage, coupled with the 'inertia factor' of the bureaucratic setup and the dependency factor (that would have built up ever since commissioning), such a migration would remain a distant dream. For instance, for the Department of Local Self Government with over 1200 local bodies, the recurring costs would come up to over Rs 20 crore for three years. Combined with around 10 data entry supporting units (on Build Operate Transfer !) and around 4 training institutes, other department offices, this 20 crore could easily shoot up to Rs 400 crore and even further. And keep allocating this amount for every block of three years. Since the global market survey appears to be in favour of Free Software, most of those trained on proprietary systems might land up within the State, prescribing it for the micro-enterprises. (Going abroad, even otherwise, would be a distant dream with the ITES landing up within the State.) If the press takes up the issue, perhaps our policy makers keen to help proprietary transnational software companies would be forced to think again. The picture appeared to go deep inside, when it was supplemented with economic figures, stressing on the freedom of companies like Microsoft Licensing Inc, to impose arbitrary recurring licenses. Since this huge figure would go out from 'circulation', poorer sections of the society would take the brunt of the fallout, a highly explosive situation. Journalists listening to this forum should help in finding a way out. CK Raju KILA, Thrissur

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Regular Press Releases
by CK Raju 08 Sep '02

08 Sep '02

As adviced by some prominent academicians and social scientists, here within Kerala, I would like the issue to be discussed within this forum on whether it would be more appropriate from our part, if we were to issue some press releases on a regular basis on "Social Fairness of Free Software" under the banner of FSF, India. The timing is crucial for FSF India, as e-governance is on the agenda of most of the Indian States, where Kerala's State Planning Board had announced allocation of around 147 crore of rupees for the process. Coupled with the announcement of Ministry of Information Technology, Govt of India that it would be a partner in funding goes on only to show the resolve. Even if we were to focus on the freedoms, I would seriously like to put forth the suggestion to include themes of 'dependency factor', 'economic impact on future generations of taxpayer' and the 'magnitude of economic capital that may fly out', as still money happens to be the prime attention catcher for the general public. With no serious political developments happening around, other than the 'Veerappan factor' in South and 'Children's death' in East, should we openly come out in the front, at this point ? I discussed the issue by highlighting on how the different vertical departments of the State Governments that were to have proprietary software platforms would become a spider's web (with each concentric circle denoting inter departmental connections with smaller units, say at district level, each straight line from the centre denoting the different departments) and even if we were to assume that by suitable software migration policy we could make records straigt, how the different connecting lines within the spiders web would prevent such a transformation from taking place. I then imposed another spider's web on top of the origin, without the concentric lines, telling them that this one was the supporting arms from other sectors like information processing sub-units, training units and education establishments that would be there to help the overall process. The picture appeared to go deep inside, when it was supplemented with economic figures. Perhaps, journalists listening to this forum could contribute more, to this suggestion. CK Raju KILA, Thrissur

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infoDev Core Grant Program (fwd)
by Frederick Noronha 01 Sep '02

01 Sep '02

Don't know if it would be politically correct to apply for World Bank money for Free Software work. Anyway, here's the info for anyone desiring it. FN ---------- Forwarded message ---------- infoDev Core Grant Program August 29, 2002 -- The new guidelines are now available. #### Proposals may be submitted at any time, however they will reviewed with all other proposals when the next batch process of reviews is announced. Proposals are reviewed in batches during the year. The next batch review deadline will be September 30, 2002. All submissions for the next round will be expected to conform to the revised guidelines. How to Submit a Proposal to infoDev: 1. Download and carefully review the Guidelines for Writing an infoDev Proposal Revised August 2002 MS Word Version (272K) http://www.infodev.org/projects/guidelines.doc PDF Version (308K) http://www.infodev.org/projects/guidelines.pdf 2. Submit your proposal online http://wbln0018.worldbank.org/ict/projects.nsf/Infodev+Project . Before entering online, you may wish to download and complete the Application Form (MS Word file: 54K) http://www.infodev.org/projects/proposal.doc If necessary, you may send it to us via email to: infodev(a)worldbank.org source: http://www.infodev.org/apply.htm

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request from a new member-fsf
by Ubais Ali 31 Aug '02

31 Aug '02

hello my dear fsf-friends.. I'm a final year Btech student.I want to do my final year project.I would like to do it in linux.If anybody has got any ideas ,please let me know your ideas including the details at my email id ubaisali(a)hotmail.com Thanking you all.. luv Ubais Ali.. _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com

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