On Sat, Dec 6, 2008 at 7:20 PM, Dr. B. Ekbal <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 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 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ "Freedom is the only law". "Freedom Unplugged" http://www.ilug-tvm.org You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ilug-tvm" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For details visit the website: www.ilug-tvm.org or the google group page: http://groups.google.com/group/ilug-tvm?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
