[plug] the gospel of tux

[sol]

 If you work to make this happen in
> twenty schools and consequently unearth the next Linus Torvalds, what is
> that worth to you?
Good point. Last Wednesday I gave my first public lecture on Linux at 
Mandurah Public Library to a small, but appreciative audience. It was my 
first go a giving a talk on Linux (I was focusing on desktop linux for 
newbies) and wasn't too sure how it would go, especially as I hadn't done 
that much preparation. I was quite surprised by the results.
A couple of interesting points:
1) People were stunned by how good, and how similar, free software was to the 
M$ crud they were using; when I opened applications like Gnumeric I would get 
comments like, "That's just like Excel. I can't tell the difference." They 
were also impressed by how much was available. One guy loaned all the books 
on linux to take home and install on his PC straight away.
2) One man there was over 80 and in charge of a group - I think they were 
called SeniorsNet - that is a computer support group for those over 80. There 
were more than 120 people in the group. He told me that many were concerned 
about copyright infringement because so many were using pirated software due 
to financial constraints of living on the pension, etc. I put him onto Open 
Office as a good starting point. Pity I didn't have a copy I could have given 
him right then and there, 120 retirees could have benefitted straight away.
3) One inquisitive teenager looking to improve his web skills is trying to 
get a copy of Debian. He'll be joining the list soon upon my recommendation. 
I think he'll get a lot out of it, especially if he gets a warm reception on 
this list.
4) People are aware of the evil of M$, including the back-doors that M$ has 
planted in XP and how this is a violation of privacy. The problem is they 
don't know about the Free alternative. 

I'm no guru, but I believe that Free Software is the way to go for most 
people. That's why I did this lecture and have set up to do a series of five 
more at uni next month - an intro for newbies. People seem really interested, 
but it needs more publicity and packaged information resources. I was 
surprised that the talk I gave which was only to a handful of people - for me 
it was a practice run - would have the impact it had. I feel encouraged about 
doing more in the future and would encourage others to get out there and 
spread the "gospel of tux" if they have had such inclinations.

regards,
sol
>
> While many on this list - and you know who you are - are involved with
> helpful groups like Computer Angels (or the Salvos, etc), many others are
> sitting on their hands - and you know who YOU are - too busy, too poor, not
> talented enough, no time, a zillion other bull#### excuses when you really
> look at them. I'm going to quote Ashleigh Brilliant at you: `Why be
> yourself, when you could be someone really worthwhile instead?'
>
> If you have no time, give money. If you have no talent, ring up or write
> and ask schools, government departments, big companies etc what they do
> with their old gear, and who you'd have to talk to to get some of it
> redirected to worthwhile causes. Carry stuff. Or collect computer gear from
> council chuck-out days and call CA when you get your first cubic meter. Or
> learn by doing. Same goes for `too poor:' get experience this way, by
> rearranging, installing, demoing machines, experience that will mean more
> to *worthwhile* employers than a degree in computer science would. Get some
> purpose into your life, it doesn't take very much.
>
> Cheers; Leon