[plug] OT: Advocating Linux Was: OT: Computers for East Timor

[Jacqueline McNally]

Please don't forget Computer Angels in Perth:
http://www.ca.asn.au/

Computer Angels advocate and use GNU/Linux and provide printed manuals and 
training to individuals and organisations in need of a computer.

I was recently contacted to locate computers for solicitors setting up 
legal centres in East Timor. ( http://www.dcls.org.au/etimor )

Although their wish list was geared toward mainstream computer systems, I 
provided the solicitor in Darwin with information wrt Linux, and the groups 
that may be able to best assist. Through Computer Bank email contacts in 
Sydney and Melbourne, to people configuring and implementing computers at 
Dili University, and Computer Angels in Perth this may happen.

Computer Angels, like most volunteer groups, always need donations "in 
kind", time and expertise. I am sure there are many joint projects in which 
Pluggers and Computer Angels could be involved, particularly along the 
lines of awareness and advocacy. For example, our state govt to consider 
using Linux as the NT govt has done.

I am sure that if you contacted Computer Angels and let them know that you 
had some computer hardware that was superfluous to your requirements that 
they would be able to arrange collection. Perhaps not in a Lotteries 
Commission van, but by enthusiastic volunteer s that advocate the use of Linux.

All the best
Jacqueline

At 08:53 AM 07/27/2001, you wrote:
>Hi Plug, I spoke with members of the "Mandurah Muscateers" (a registered 
>charity group who make computers up for charity).
>I was told that all of the first shipment to East Timor was stolen within 
>2 weeks of arrival.  They are chasing 386 computers and above with hdd > 
>81 mb.  They install Win 3.1 and chase licensed copies of W95 (evidently 
>there have been some discussions with MS about licenses - as yet not 
>progressed ).
>
>I asked about Linux and they said they don't have anyone in their group 
>familiar with it enough to teach it to their new users.
>
>They have a van for fortnightly pickups around Perth (courtesy of 
>Lotteries Commission) and can be contacted at their workshop on 9534.7834
>(if there's a van load they're happy to make arrangements for other trips 
>- so maybe some of us can get together).
>
>I have some things in the shed that may be of some use to them.  If any of 
>you do to then perhaps we can organize something.
>Over to you for feedback.
>
>Regards,
>Daniel.
>(as posted before - it seems network cards are the one thing they have 
>plenty of and seldom need.)
>If OK with PLUG I'll fwd details they send me when I receive them