Thanks all for the comments. I'm wrapping up the first version of the
primer, and as there seems to be no vehement objections, I'll proceed
with it more or less intact. You will see the version incorporating the
recommendations at http://sketches1.netfirms.com/linuxpress momentarily.
Addressing some of the points raised in this thread:
1) How will this be circulated?
Announcement-only mailing list using Googlegroups. Nothing fancy, but
it it'll work.
2) re PLUG, approximate number of members and more contact ie address,
telephone numbers and an email addy.
I'll update the numbers as soon as we get a more accurate count. There
is another section for contacts, and for now, I'll limit it to board
members.
3) re PLUG, there is no 'purpose' of the group.
Added that.
4) you can also note a 'how to use' guide for Journalists, mentioning
that these are the definitions of above terms as far as PLUG is
concerned.
I'll make that clear in the cover letter.
5) i also recommend a 'how to use' guide for PLUG users / writers..
basically an explanation that if you're a PLUG member, and at some point
you need to explain Linux, FOSS, or PLUG, please use this primer....
The next step here is a pool of interview resources. I'll be sending
out a call soon for volunteers. Needless to say, board members and past
board members will be on the first tier.
***ACTION POINT***
Understand that there's a need for PLUG members to be educated in
dealing with a press. So I'll suggest a topic "Dealing with the Press"
in the next quarterly meeting. Can I ask Gary to run that?
***ACTION POINT***
6) Finally, on the topic of the list of open source users...
For the primer, it is important to mention some big names using open
source in critical functions, so I shall do so. The primer was never
meant to provide a comprehensive list of open source users, and in fact
I say so by way of disclaimer.
On this related note, I think it is not PLUG's job to initiate publicity
for companies using open source. It is the job of the open source
vendor who engaged that customer in that particular project. This is
something that vendors ought to do (and do properly, with the right
sign-offs) for their case studies and references.
The most PLUG can do will be to collect these stories in one central
repository.
Thanks very much to JM and Jijo for their additional inputs which I've
incorporated into the document; and to Ariz for pointing out my mistake
with Lorma. Thanks to all who participated in this discussion.
Latest version:
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,
person, 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.
Collaboration in the open source model is made possible by licenses
whose underlying priniciples allow the freedoms mentioned above. There
are several open source licenses and each one is crafted to suit
specific situations or philosophies.
This, however, does not mean that all 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 kernel, the heart
of an operating system. However, it is commonly used to describe entire
UNIX-like operating systems that are based on the Linux kernel and
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.
The major distributions in circulation now are: Red Hat Enterprise
Linux, Novell SuSE Linux, Ubuntu, Mandriva, Fedora Core, Debian, and
Knoppix.
LiveCDs are a special category of Linux distribution. They are
specially customized so as to boot from a single CD or USB flash drive
and operate without installation of the operating system to hard disk.
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, either in
an incidental capacity or in critical business functions. Among the more
prominent users in business you have the Bank of the Philippine Islands,
Jollibee, WG&A, Shopwise, Rustan's Supercenter, and Goldilocks
Bakeshop.
Schools also use Linux and open source in their systems, laboratories,
and curriculum. In this list you will find the 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 La Union, and Foundation University in
Dumaguete.
Finally, in the public sector, 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. It is meant to give an idea
of the extent of Linux usage in the country. Be aware also that the
fact that these organizations use Linux does not necessarily mean that
they are exclusive to Linux as their operating system platform.
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 aims for the betterment of society through the proper use of open
source software. PLUG works with various sectors -- research,
education, corporate, government, non-profit, etc. -- in assisting the
community, both users and non-users alike. We educate and empower
members through the adoption of Linux and open source so that they will
be self-sustaining and self-motivating contributors to society.
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
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