[ilug-tvm] Re: [Fsfs-discuss] Call for meeting on December 3rd Wednesday

[Anivar Aravind]

On Sat, Dec 6, 2008 at 7:20 PM, Dr. B. Ekbal <ekbalb at gmail.com> wrote:
> Open Access/Free software etc are getting official patronage and media
> support these days.

Adoption is also happening for Open access in a big way

For Open access. last month we have seen MG University launched the
Digital Archives of MGU Theses in  Open Access format (little more
work is needed for making it fully complaint with Open access Format:
it is done by one of my Close friend's own startup in cochin)  see the
Library archive  http://www.mgutheses.org .  (i feel this case is not
highlighted enough yet)

The FDL licensing of സര്‍വ്വവിജ്ഞാനകോശം is another great step.

>This is good development. However, if you look at the
> ground level very few in Kerala still use Free softwares. How many in Kerala
> use FS in their computer, Malayalam softwares in their computers, abysmaly
> low. When you meet please discuss how we can make freesoftware usage a mass
> program. Making a majority in Kerala to use FS in their computers.

I totally agree with your comment on Free Software adoption in Desktops

Free Software User groups throughout the state is planning some
programmes to increase the FS usage in desktop . What we need to do
now is strengthen these local group and give more publcity to them

For eg I am listing some recent programmes of various user groups

FSUG calicut is used to conduct Trainings for hardware Vendors in
installation & Trouble shooting  of Free Software systems. Also they
helps Colleges & public institutions to Migrate to Free Software

In malappuram, MES kuttippuram students &SSUG malappuram are very
active in Free Software Research & Development. They just launched
GNUlab yesterday
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/06/stories/2008120652210300.htm

In Thrissur Newly formed Free Software User group- Thrissur is very
active in Organising Public Training Functions. You can see the
details of  the One day Programme titled "A Window to Freedom"  which
is attended by nearly 300 people
http://pramode.net/2008/12/05/a-window-to-freedom-report-on-dec-4th-free-software-users-group-thrissur-meeting/
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/05/stories/2008120550580200.htm
http://fsugtsr.org/

In january a Big Public event titled hackerdom is also announced by
GEC Thrissur & FSUG Thrissur

In Cochin ILUG Cochin is very active in spreading the cause of free
software and helping new users to migrate . In last Cochin Conference
itself They sold a lot of Free Software CDs

GNU Linux Users group Thiruvanathapuram is a also a very active group,
which used to conduct Install fests and supporting Endusers.  In
Thiruvanathapuram an important factor is the birth of a Free Software
Company which provides installation and support.
ZYXWARE is developed india's First Freedom Toaster which helps users
to burn CDs through an ATM kind of machine

I think this model need to spread all over the state.  I feel an
ecosystem for Free Software exists in the state. The need is more
entrepreneurship providing free software  support who can work closely
with user groups is an immediate necessity.  Free Software is anyway
not Free Meal. It will be good if new initiatives like ICFOSS can work
on this direction, which will strengthen user groups and
enterprenurship possibilities around Free Software. Local support is
the First thing needed for spreading Free Software in Desktops


Anivar Aravind

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