I've added a section on "Who uses Linux in the Philippines?" See point
4.
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A Linux and Open Source Software Primer for Philippine Journalists
1) What is Open Source?
Open Source is a collaborative way of developing software whereby the
software and its source code is made freely available. There are four
aspects to this freedom:
i. the freedom to use the software, without restriction as to purpose
or group;
ii. the freedom to study the source code to see how the software
works;
iii. the freedom to redistribute the software and its source code;
iv. the freedom to improve the source code.
It is also a kind of license which governs the use of software so as to
guarantee these freedoms. There are several open source licenses and
each one is crafted to suit specific situations or philosophies.
However, their underlying principles meet the criteria above.
This, however, does not mean that open source software is
non-commercial. In fact, commercial development and distribution of
open source software forms part of the ecosystem of software
development.
For more information
* http://www.fsf.org/licensing/essays/free-sw.html
* http://opensource.org/docs/definition.php
2) What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source UNIX-like operating system developed and
distributed under the GNU Public License. It is one of the most
prominent examples of free software and of open-source development.
In the narrowest sense, the term Linux refers to the Linux kernel, but
it is commonly used to describe entire Unix-like operating systems that
are based on the Linux kernel combined with libraries and tools from the
GNU Project and other sources.
Linux was originally developed for Intel 386 microprocessors and now
supports all popular computer architectures, including the Intel EM64T,
AMD64, and PowerPC. It is deployed in applications ranging from embedded
systems (such as mobile phones and personal video recorders) to personal
computers to supercomputers.
For more information
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux
3) What is a Linux distribution?
Linux distributions are customized and reasonably complete compilation
of Linux with other useful applications. It also provides a more
user-friendly installation process. This term is sometimes shortened to
"distro."
There are dozens of Linux distributions available, owing largely to the
customizability of the operating system as well as to the freedoms
guaranteed by open source. Each one was built to meet a specific need.
However, the major distributions in circulation now are: Red Hat
Enterprise Linux, Novell SuSE Linux, Ubuntu, Mandriva, Fedora Core,
Debian, and Knoppix.
For more information
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution
* http://www.distrowatch.com
4) Who uses Linux in the Philippines?
Several people and organizations use Linux in the Philippines. Among
the more prominent business users, you have Bank of the Philippine
Islands, Jollibee, WG&A, SMART Telecommunications, and Philippine
Airlines. Among schools you have University of the Philippines, Ateneo
de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of San Carlos,
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Lorma Colleges
in Angeles, and Foundation University in Dumaguete.
The Department of Science and Technology, through the Advanced Science
and Technology Institute, conducts research into Linux for use among
government entities and state universities. Linux has also featured
prominently in community projects such as the Community Health
Information Technology System spearheaded by the University of the
Philippines School of Medicine.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, and is only meant to give an
idea of the extent of Linux usage in the country.
The fact that these companies and schools use Linux does not mean that
they are exclusive to that technology.
5) What is the Philippine Linux Users' Group?
The Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) is a non-stock, non-profit
organization that advocates for the adoption of the GNU/Linux operating
system and free and open source software in the Philippines. It is
composed entirely of volunteers from many sectors of society such as
businesses, the academe, government, medical sciences and other
non-government organizations.
PLUG works in conjunction with other Linux users' group across the
country. Founded in 1994, PLUG is also the oldest Linux users' group in
Asia.
For more information
* http://linux.org.ph - for news and updates about local Linux and open
source activities
* http://linux.org.ph/about/ - about PLUG
* http://linux.org.ph/lugs/ - for a full listing of Philippine LUGs
--
Dominique Gerald M. Cimafranca
http://villageidiotsavant.blogspot.com
Dumaguete City
_________________________________________________
Philippine Linux Users' Group (PLUG) Mailing List
[email protected] (#PLUG @ irc.free.net.ph)
Read the Guidelines: http://linux.org.ph/lists
Searchable Archives: http://archives.free.net.ph
