Re: Promotional event for the average person
On Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:25:15 Jeff Mitchell wrote: > I read the Software Freedom Day sites, but I don't think it has received > enough mainstream coverage. We should have TVNZ, Tv3 and RadioNZ there, > along with an MP or two. Linux has plenty of success at the moment, but > it would be nice to have even more. Do you mean something like the following, or slightly lower key YouTube - Linus Torvalds shaves Bdale at LCA 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYt4i4OU_yc&feature=PlayList&p=68B877941F9D2385&index=0 regards, Andrew
Re: Promotional event for the average person
I don't know much about the average person, but I have had a lot of experience of being a below average person. I use Linux because I am too dumb to figure out Windows, and have done so since 3.11 days. The average to below average user does not use an Operating System - they use a collection of software. The dilemma with Linux is that there is an incomprehensibly huge amount of software and so when a newbie sticks in a disc and clicks install everything they are confronted by forty applications that can look at the photos in their camera, more email things than they have so far had emails, twenty music playing things from the subliminal to the next generation for the recording industry. On most distros I have tried - a week after mastering an elaborate piece of copylefted free and free software - I can't even find it and before I have finished looking for it I have got the job done with something I have never seen before and may never see again. Without a home folder ??? if Linux apps saved everything in a pocket of itself - I shudder to think or I have to think to shudder. So I got little white e which is great - nothing works to perfection but if you want to play music it does without trying to ramp up the old IQ, gets emails, buys and sells shit on trade me, it does not even invite me to understands its OS, personally I don't even know why I have to have an OS, I am sure they would run lots better without one in the back ground demanding to be upgraded and downdated, understood and all that sort of thing. What I want and usually get is a distro I can stuff in a machine, give it a bit of foreplay in the bios cimos department push go and get up and running without learning anything and keeping my stupidity and lack of understanding intact. That is the future Go Linux Nick Rout wrote: I used to be a gentoo devotee and a kde fanboy. However I switched to ubuntu (and therefore gnome) because it installed and worked (mostly) without complete futzing around. the move to gnome was easy. Mostly people are clicking on a button to start a program, thats the same in win/kde/gnome, just as long as someone points out the start|K|applications menu. Once the program has started, firefox is the same in all environments, all mail programs look more or less the same (3 panes, message preview, click a message to read it). There, we've covered 90% of what people do on their computers - web browsing and email. And only an idiot couldn't find the web browser and email client in the average linux install, kde or gnome based.
Re: Promotional event for the average person
Hi all, > We are going to need a lot of good speakers, and this topic should be brought > up at the > next LUG meeting. This is not about promoting Linux, this is about solving > problems. We > can eliminate pathetic problems with ease. There are people > who still need to defrag and > scan for viruses, and in some cases they even need to pay for software or > submit to DRM > (shudder). Heh, reminds me of my dad. I was suggesting he try linux, but he says to me "window$ works for me, so why change?" But then again, he loves to defrag... > Here is my summary: > - We are going to need a lot of good speakers (e.g. good communicators, distro > specialists, people in the IT industry, every day users). I can help out here. I know Debian, Gentoo and Slackware. I havn't been to a CLUG meeting yet, so I don't really know you guys, but I would be more than happy to help out. > - This topic should be brought up at the next LUG meeting. > - We need to promote cross-platform apps, not just Linux. > - We should mostly focus on Ubuntu, due to its great community, but I'm not > against > being more generic. Ok, but perhaps Kubuntu, simply because for the computer-illiterate, its easier to use after using window$. > - We need to explain how Microsoft is ripping us off. Yes yes yes. > - We need to argue our case that "free" software is about freedom, not price > (this is a > common misconception, and it annoys me when people get it totally wrong). Absolutely. We need to demonstrate why free software is a better model for making software, and the community spirit it fosters. Of course, the price may have some sway with some people... > - We need to have a target audience and guest list, and perhaps run more than > one event. Target computer users? > - Most importantly, we are going to have to organize a team to do this (let's > start by giving > roles to certain individuals, then have some real life > discussion). Yip. If yall are planning something, give me a yell and I can help out. Just my two cents. Cheers Tim
Re: Promotional event for the average person
On 16/01/2009, at 5:17 PM, Jim Cheetham wrote: On Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 4:11 PM, Craig Falconer wrote: Script some kind of bulk wget, feed the image to an OCR program, store the output in a database and write a web frontend to search it. Then you can never share this, because it would be redistribution of copyright material :-\ Mmm ... given that the originals are *pictures*, would a textual representation of the words represent a *copy* ? Maybe not a copy, but "derivative work"? ;-) I bet they use a very restrictive license. Can I be bothered reading it? /me *shrughs* -- Delio Obviously showing the image as a search result would be showing a copy; but you could provide a link to a public archive instead ... or just transclude it on the page. -jim
Re: Promotional event for the average person
On Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 4:11 PM, Craig Falconer wrote: > Script some kind of bulk wget, feed the image to an OCR program, store the > output in a database and write a web frontend to search it. > > Then you can never share this, because it would be redistribution of > copyright material :-\ Mmm ... given that the originals are *pictures*, would a textual representation of the words represent a *copy* ? Obviously showing the image as a search result would be showing a copy; but you could provide a link to a public archive instead ... or just transclude it on the page. -jim
Re: Promotional event for the average person
David Lowe wrote, On 16/01/09 15:46: So here's something I've always wanted - a keyword search on Dilbert to find just the right cartoon for the situation I'm in. I reckon there is the perfect analogy in there for every annoying person in the office you ever came across, I just struggle to find them... Script some kind of bulk wget, feed the image to an OCR program, store the output in a database and write a web frontend to search it. Then you can never share this, because it would be redistribution of copyright material :-\ -- Craig Falconer
Re: Promotional event for the average person
So here's something I've always wanted - a keyword search on Dilbert to find just the right cartoon for the situation I'm in. I reckon there is the perfect analogy in there for every annoying person in the office you ever came across, I just struggle to find them... - D On Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 2:17 PM, Craig Falconer wrote: > John Carter wrote, On 16/01/09 14:08: > >> http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/2007-01-25 >> > > > FYI the dilbert web site can be viewed much faster using the fast mode > viewer. EG > > http://dilbert.com/fast/2007-01-25/ > > > > -- > Craig Falconer >
Re: Promotional event for the average person
John Carter wrote, On 16/01/09 14:08: http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/2007-01-25 FYI the dilbert web site can be viewed much faster using the fast mode viewer. EG http://dilbert.com/fast/2007-01-25/ -- Craig Falconer
RE: Promotional event for the average person
On Thu, 15 Jan 2009, Payne, Owen wrote: "I doubt we'd look like a Hare Krishna group or anything, because we're not promoting a belief system, we're providing a public education service which applies to the field of technology and computing (something which is very useful!)." Hmm, well one of these events I've been to overseas had lots of Mr Onion head types wombling around in their slayer and metallica t shirts handing out the latest distros and trying to ( unsuccessfully) engage members of the public in conversation; It was a bit embarrassing. Well I was going to say the Hare Krishna's at least have a certain exotic sense of style... http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/2007-01-25 Trouble is you are going before people who are trying desperately to rip as much cash out of their clients... for doing whatever they do... And then you're trying to tell them, uh, well, actually free is better. The trouble is when they say "free", they think of the crippled and useless freebies they give away in vague hope that someone will remember them. The notion of "free" as in "freedom" doesn't occur. Conversely decades of right leaning, umm, ah, "education" have made "freedom" and "liberation" dirty, tainted and gut level deeply feared words. ("Bloody Commie/Terrorist!") http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html Perhaps we should shift to talking about "collaborative", "unhindered", "unencumbered", "always available", "groupware", "batteries included", "digital rights included software". John Carter Phone : (64)(3) 358 6639 Tait ElectronicsFax : (64)(3) 359 4632 PO Box 1645 ChristchurchEmail : john.car...@tait.co.nz New Zealand
Re: Promotional event for the average person
I used to be a gentoo devotee and a kde fanboy. However I switched to ubuntu (and therefore gnome) because it installed and worked (mostly) without complete futzing around. the move to gnome was easy. Mostly people are clicking on a button to start a program, thats the same in win/kde/gnome, just as long as someone points out the start|K|applications menu. Once the program has started, firefox is the same in all environments, all mail programs look more or less the same (3 panes, message preview, click a message to read it). There, we've covered 90% of what people do on their computers - web browsing and email. And only an idiot couldn't find the web browser and email client in the average linux install, kde or gnome based.
Re: Promotional event for the average person
Sorry sent to to Christopher rather than the list On Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 9:29 AM, Caleb Sawtell wrote: > I'm gonna go out on a limb here and not recommend kde. > Gnome has put a lot of effort into making a very intuitive user interface. > Kde has only recently started to put the effort into sensible user > interface design, but IMHO it has been played as second fiddle to glitz and > glamour because, lets face it, that's more fun. > My second point is that Mac OS X has proven that people can cope with > another user interface that isn't windows. Plus the default gnome setup in > opensuse has removed the top bar and put everything down the bottom just > like windows. > > On Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 7:27 AM, Christopher Sawtell > wrote: > >> On Friday 16 January 2009 06:43:28 Robert Fisher wrote: >> > On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:48:49 pm Volker Kuhlmann wrote: >> > > On Thu 15 Jan 2009 13:12:44 NZDT +1300, Tim Buchanan wrote: >> > > > I've recently been helping my co-workers with their laptops. When I >> > > > have suggested that they might try to try a Linux OS, they tell me >> > > > that "they would like to stick with what they know how to use (ie >> > > > window$ xp)". >> > > >> > > Time to drop Ubuntu and go for one of the KDE distros?? >> > >> > My thoughts exactly. There can be no doubt that it is easier for a >> Windows >> > user to learn KDE than Gnome. >> >> But be certain that you know exactly how to use the desktop of choice >> before >> you install it on the computer belonging a friend or client. Note that >> while >> KDE-4 is visually appealing, it is not only very different from that which >> came before, but also some applications are not, imho, particularly stable >> when running under KDE-4. >> >> As it stands at the moment, I'd be very cautious before installing KDE-4.x >> on >> dear old Aunt Tilly's computer, particularly if said aunt has had some >> exposure to a different user interface. >> >> -- >> With Sincerity, >> Christopher Sawtell >> >> >> >
Re: Promotional event for the average person
I read the Software Freedom Day sites, but I don't think it has received enough mainstream coverage. We should have TVNZ, Tv3 and RadioNZ there, along with an MP or two. Linux has plenty of success at the moment, but it would be nice to have even more.
Re: Promotional event for the average person
On Friday 16 January 2009 06:43:28 Robert Fisher wrote: > On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:48:49 pm Volker Kuhlmann wrote: > > On Thu 15 Jan 2009 13:12:44 NZDT +1300, Tim Buchanan wrote: > > > I've recently been helping my co-workers with their laptops. When I > > > have suggested that they might try to try a Linux OS, they tell me > > > that "they would like to stick with what they know how to use (ie > > > window$ xp)". > > > > Time to drop Ubuntu and go for one of the KDE distros?? > > My thoughts exactly. There can be no doubt that it is easier for a Windows > user to learn KDE than Gnome. But be certain that you know exactly how to use the desktop of choice before you install it on the computer belonging a friend or client. Note that while KDE-4 is visually appealing, it is not only very different from that which came before, but also some applications are not, imho, particularly stable when running under KDE-4. As it stands at the moment, I'd be very cautious before installing KDE-4.x on dear old Aunt Tilly's computer, particularly if said aunt has had some exposure to a different user interface. -- With Sincerity, Christopher Sawtell
Re: Promotional event for the average person
On Friday 16 January 2009 06:43:28 Robert Fisher wrote: > On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:48:49 pm Volker Kuhlmann wrote: > > On Thu 15 Jan 2009 13:12:44 NZDT +1300, Tim Buchanan wrote: > > > I've recently been helping my co-workers with their laptops. When I > > > have suggested that they might try to try a Linux OS, they tell me > > > that "they would like to stick with what they know how to use (ie > > > window$ xp)". > > > > Time to drop Ubuntu and go for one of the KDE distros?? > > My thoughts exactly. There can be no doubt that it is easier for a Windows > user to learn KDE than Gnome. But be certain that you know exactly how to use the desktop of choice before you install it on the computer belonging a friend or client. Note that while KDE-4 is visually appealing, it is not only very different from that which came before, but also some applications are not, imho, particularly stable when running under KDE-4. As it stands at the moment, I'd be very cautious before installing KDE-4.x on dear old Aunt Tilly's computer, particularly if said aunt has had some exposure to a different user interface. -- With Sincerity, Christopher Sawtell
Re: Promotional event for the average person
On Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:48:49 pm Volker Kuhlmann wrote: > On Thu 15 Jan 2009 13:12:44 NZDT +1300, Tim Buchanan wrote: > > I've recently been helping my co-workers with their laptops. When I > > have suggested that they might try to try a Linux OS, they tell me > > that "they would like to stick with what they know how to use (ie > > window$ xp)". > > Time to drop Ubuntu and go for one of the KDE distros?? My thoughts exactly. There can be no doubt that it is easier for a Windows user to learn KDE than Gnome. Rob
Re: Promotional event for the average person
On Thu 15 Jan 2009 13:12:44 NZDT +1300, Tim Buchanan wrote: > I've recently been helping my co-workers with their laptops. When I > have suggested that they might try to try a Linux OS, they tell me > that "they would like to stick with what they know how to use (ie > window$ xp)". Time to drop Ubuntu and go for one of the KDE distros?? Volker -- Volker Kuhlmann is list0570 with the domain in header http://volker.dnsalias.net/ Please do not CC list postings to me.
Re: Promotional event for the average person
- viz "Do we have any annual events happening?" - yes: Software Freedom Day <http://www.softwarefreedomday.org> - since 2004, globally and in Christchurch / Canterbury. More info: http://www.infohelp.co.nz/sfd9 (poster draft) NB SFD event @ South Library,* *Beckenham - thanks for that CCC. - Glad on any & all assistance. Cheers, Rik pp Free Software Group *GNUz <http://lists.ourshack.com/mailman/listinfo/gnuz>* PS South Library FOSS night classes recommence Weds 4 Feb, 7.30-9.30pm (SFD / Ubuntu training), in the South Learning Centre (use Library rear door). Payne, Owen wrote: I agree, I recently had a comment from a sys admin of many years experience that he never bothers with FOSS as you don't get anything for nothingPeople are still either unaware, suspicious or assume that it is limited or dodgy software. A free software disc for windows based software along with a Linux distribution disc at a software demo or event at a demo would do wonders to raise the profile in the right environment, and I don't just mean a room in the back of the computing department. A high profile event raising the awareness of FOSS as well as Linux would help. Problem is we start looking like Hare Krishna members or Jehovah witnesses when we normally try doing this, so it would need to be properly organised and professional in approach. -Original Message- From: Jeff Mitchell [mailto:jeffmitch...@orcon.net.nz] Sent: Thursday, 15 January 2009 11:24 am To: linux-users@it.canterbury.ac.nz Subject: Promotional event for the average person Hi all, I think that Ubuntu is an awesome computing solution, and I am very impressed with Compiz Fusion and the Emerald Theme Manager. Canonical does an amazing job of maintaining the community, and they also do an amazing job of creating partnerships (like the one they have with Dell). So anyway, it kind of bugs me how no-one knows what Linux is. What are we doing to inform the public? We have an excellent computing solution, but people know absolutely nothing about it. Neither do people in the IT industry. I studied at Electec College Of Technology in 2007, and the tutor there basically said that Linux didn't work well and that we didn't need to know anything about it. I heard something about an opensource software demonstration which apparently happened in 2006 - but what is happening this year? Do we have any annual events happening? Because I haven't heard of any, and I think that people aren't exactly thrilled about the basic concept of FOSS (I'm sure that plenty of people know what FOSS is, but don't really care). Why not run an event to specifically demonstrate Compiz Fusion and *buntu - along with some cool applications and games? That would be great for the average person. We could spread the word via radio, newspapers and word of mouth (also with promotional flyers). I'd like some opinions on this - just note that I'm not saying this should be done, I'm just saying it could be useful. The growth rate of the Ubuntu/Linux installation base is too slow, and we should be aiming to get more Windows users educated about alternatives. I only know one person in real life who uses Linux. ** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz **
RE: Promotional event for the average person
"I doubt we'd look like a Hare Krishna group or anything, because we're not promoting a belief system, we're providing a public education service which applies to the field of technology and computing (something which is very useful!)." Hmm, well one of these events I've been to overseas had lots of Mr Onion head types wombling around in their slayer and metallica t shirts handing out the latest distros and trying to ( unsuccessfully) engage members of the public in conversation; It was a bit embarrassing. On the other hand at a serious event I went to, the stalls were well laid out with lots of information and many articulate people engaging lots of joe public typesfrom the word go, so I suppose it depends on the approach and the skill of the people involved. -Original Message- From: Jeff Mitchell [mailto:jeffmitch...@orcon.net.nz] Sent: Thursday, 15 January 2009 1:57 pm To: linux-users@it.canterbury.ac.nz Subject: Re: Promotional event for the average person I like the idea of handing out free Windows software (i.e. cross-platform apps). I doubt we'd look like a Hare Krishna group or anything, because we're not promoting a belief system, we're providing a public education service which applies to the field of technology and computing (something which is very useful!). There are a lot of really daft people out there, some of whom don't even know about openoffice. So if we run a broad enough event, then we could cover lots of things and some people will no doubt benefit as a result. Some attendees would probably be happy just with the latest Firefox, Thunderbird or ooO. A lot of people haven't even caught onto those sorts of things yet. We are going to need a lot of good speakers, and this topic should be brought up at the next LUG meeting. This is not about promoting Linux, this is about solving problems. We can eliminate pathetic problems with ease. There are people who still need to defrag and scan for viruses, and in some cases they even need to pay for software or submit to DRM (shudder). Here is my summary: - We are going to need a lot of good speakers (e.g. good communicators, distro specialists, people in the IT industry, every day users). - This topic should be brought up at the next LUG meeting. - We need to promote cross-platform apps, not just Linux. - We should mostly focus on Ubuntu, due to its great community, but I'm not against being more generic. - We need to explain how Microsoft is ripping us off. - We need to argue our case that "free" software is about freedom, not price (this is a common misconception, and it annoys me when people get it totally wrong). - We need to have a target audience and guest list, and perhaps run more than one event. - Most importantly, we are going to have to organize a team to do this (let's start by giving roles to certain individuals, then have some real life discussion). ** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz **
Re: Promotional event for the average person
I like the idea of handing out free Windows software (i.e. cross-platform apps). I doubt we'd look like a Hare Krishna group or anything, because we're not promoting a belief system, we're providing a public education service which applies to the field of technology and computing (something which is very useful!). There are a lot of really daft people out there, some of whom don't even know about openoffice. So if we run a broad enough event, then we could cover lots of things and some people will no doubt benefit as a result. Some attendees would probably be happy just with the latest Firefox, Thunderbird or ooO. A lot of people haven't even caught onto those sorts of things yet. We are going to need a lot of good speakers, and this topic should be brought up at the next LUG meeting. This is not about promoting Linux, this is about solving problems. We can eliminate pathetic problems with ease. There are people who still need to defrag and scan for viruses, and in some cases they even need to pay for software or submit to DRM (shudder). Here is my summary: - We are going to need a lot of good speakers (e.g. good communicators, distro specialists, people in the IT industry, every day users). - This topic should be brought up at the next LUG meeting. - We need to promote cross-platform apps, not just Linux. - We should mostly focus on Ubuntu, due to its great community, but I'm not against being more generic. - We need to explain how Microsoft is ripping us off. - We need to argue our case that "free" software is about freedom, not price (this is a common misconception, and it annoys me when people get it totally wrong). - We need to have a target audience and guest list, and perhaps run more than one event. - Most importantly, we are going to have to organize a team to do this (let's start by giving roles to certain individuals, then have some real life discussion).
Re: Promotional event for the average person
Hi all, I agree completely. However, why not demonstrate more distributions other than Ubuntu? I've recently been helping my co-workers with their laptops. When I have suggested that they might try to try a Linux OS, they tell me that "they would like to stick with what they know how to use (ie window$ xp)". What I believe we need to demonstrate to non-computer-literate people is that Linux isn't that hard to use (with modern distributions anyway) and is easy to learn. This is possibly where Ubuntu comes in. Also, most people don't realise that when they buy a new PC that there is a window$ licensing fee as part of the purchase price. Maybe we could have a public installfest sometime? We would probably need some advertising thats not on the internet (flyers and that sort of thing). Anyway, if this idea goes ahead, let me know and I would be glad to help. I've been using Linux for about 6 years now, and I believe that its a superior OS to windows$, but it frustrates me that no-one knows about Linux. Our case isn't helped by mainstream magazine publishers who rarely mention Linux and focus most of their attention on window$. Cheers Tim Buchanan On 1/15/09, Payne, Owen wrote: > I agree, I recently had a comment from a sys admin of many years > experience that he never bothers with FOSS as you don't get anything for > nothingPeople are still either unaware, suspicious or assume that it > is limited or dodgy software. A free software disc for windows based > software along with a Linux distribution disc at a software demo or > event at a demo would do wonders to raise the profile in the right > environment, and I don't just mean a room in the back of the computing > department. A high profile event raising the awareness of FOSS as well > as Linux would help. Problem is we start looking like Hare Krishna > members or Jehovah witnesses when we normally try doing this, so it > would need to be properly organised and professional in approach. > > -Original Message- > From: Jeff Mitchell [mailto:jeffmitch...@orcon.net.nz] > Sent: Thursday, 15 January 2009 11:24 am > To: linux-users@it.canterbury.ac.nz > Subject: Promotional event for the average person > > Hi all, > > I think that Ubuntu is an awesome computing solution, and I am very > impressed with Compiz Fusion and the Emerald Theme Manager. Canonical > does an amazing job of maintaining the community, and they also do an > amazing job of creating partnerships (like the one they have with Dell). > > So anyway, it kind of bugs me how no-one knows what Linux is. What are > we doing to inform the public? We have an excellent computing solution, > but people know absolutely nothing about it. Neither do people in the IT > industry. I studied at Electec College Of Technology in 2007, and the > tutor there basically said that Linux didn't work well and that we > didn't need to know anything about it. > > I heard something about an opensource software demonstration which > apparently happened in 2006 - but what is happening this year? Do we > have any annual events happening? Because I haven't heard of any, and I > think that people aren't exactly thrilled about the basic concept of > FOSS (I'm sure that plenty of people know what FOSS is, but don't really > care). Why not run an event to specifically demonstrate Compiz Fusion > and *buntu - along with some cool applications and games? That would be > great for the average person. We could spread the word via radio, > newspapers and word of mouth (also with promotional flyers). > > I'd like some opinions on this - just note that I'm not saying this > should be done, I'm just saying it could be useful. The growth rate of > the Ubuntu/Linux installation base is too slow, and we should be aiming > to get more Windows users educated about alternatives. I only know one > person in real life who uses Linux. > > ** > This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended > solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are > addressed. > > The views expressed in this message are those of the individual > sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch > City Council. > > If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the > sender and delete. > > Christchurch City Council > http://www.ccc.govt.nz > ** > > >
RE: Promotional event for the average person
I agree, I recently had a comment from a sys admin of many years experience that he never bothers with FOSS as you don't get anything for nothingPeople are still either unaware, suspicious or assume that it is limited or dodgy software. A free software disc for windows based software along with a Linux distribution disc at a software demo or event at a demo would do wonders to raise the profile in the right environment, and I don't just mean a room in the back of the computing department. A high profile event raising the awareness of FOSS as well as Linux would help. Problem is we start looking like Hare Krishna members or Jehovah witnesses when we normally try doing this, so it would need to be properly organised and professional in approach. -Original Message- From: Jeff Mitchell [mailto:jeffmitch...@orcon.net.nz] Sent: Thursday, 15 January 2009 11:24 am To: linux-users@it.canterbury.ac.nz Subject: Promotional event for the average person Hi all, I think that Ubuntu is an awesome computing solution, and I am very impressed with Compiz Fusion and the Emerald Theme Manager. Canonical does an amazing job of maintaining the community, and they also do an amazing job of creating partnerships (like the one they have with Dell). So anyway, it kind of bugs me how no-one knows what Linux is. What are we doing to inform the public? We have an excellent computing solution, but people know absolutely nothing about it. Neither do people in the IT industry. I studied at Electec College Of Technology in 2007, and the tutor there basically said that Linux didn't work well and that we didn't need to know anything about it. I heard something about an opensource software demonstration which apparently happened in 2006 - but what is happening this year? Do we have any annual events happening? Because I haven't heard of any, and I think that people aren't exactly thrilled about the basic concept of FOSS (I'm sure that plenty of people know what FOSS is, but don't really care). Why not run an event to specifically demonstrate Compiz Fusion and *buntu - along with some cool applications and games? That would be great for the average person. We could spread the word via radio, newspapers and word of mouth (also with promotional flyers). I'd like some opinions on this - just note that I'm not saying this should be done, I'm just saying it could be useful. The growth rate of the Ubuntu/Linux installation base is too slow, and we should be aiming to get more Windows users educated about alternatives. I only know one person in real life who uses Linux. ** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz **