Billy's blog

Having just read about the new WorkSource center for the Beaches which will open on June 24, a question came immediately to mind.  The Beaches already has one job-help resource at Job Junction.

Would it not make sense to support the already existing Job Junction resource on Beach Boulevard rather than start from scratch with a new program?  It seems that there will be considerable duplication of resources, from office space to staff to computers, for two centers.

There is an implicit responsibility with public funding for good stewardship.

Dear to my heart is the OpenDisc (and the closely related OpenEducationDisc) project which aims to introduce Windows-users to the many benefits of Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS). Dozens of high-quality programs are available for easy distribution via a single CD (or simple download from the OpenDisc website). On the disc is a screenshot and description of each program so you get a feel for each program before installing.

The recently published 'Open Life: The Philosophy of Open Source' introduces readers to many entertaining and thought-provoking ideas, such as “Are all nerds courageous? Is laziness a virtue? Why did Stephen King leave a horror story unfinished?”.  The author answers some and leaves others open for reflection after our journey into the Open Life.

The Philosophy of Open Source is currently a highly discussed and not yet understood concept in the computer and IT worlds. However, the philosophy is impacting many both inside and outside the technological realm. Almost everyone has been exposed to it and has been impacted by it. This book defines terms, clarifies ideas and introduces leaders within the Open Source Movement. A portion of the book is devoted to explaining how Open Source is being applied in non-technical areas.

Free Software For Busy People is a freely available electronic book written by Dr. Mohammad Al-Ubaydli in 2005 to educate the public about Free/Libre Open Source Software(FLOSS).  Dr. Mohammad Al-Ubaydli is a Cambridge-educated physician and programmer who uses IT to improve healthcare.  
 
His book is an introductory text for novices who are curious about free open source software but also contains many nuggets of useful information for all readers.  Real world examples of people, governments, and corporations already using FLOSS are particularly enlightening.  We are indeed in the midst of a significant cultural shift.

Chances are that if you are a computer user you have heard of Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or the new Vista.  These proprietary products are all properly termed operating systems.  An operating system connects you and your applications (programs) with your computer.  

What most computer users do not know is that there are other operating systems available!  Many are not only better but are also free.

Ubuntu is one such operating system that is gaining very rapidly in popularity.  Ubuntu (the word describes an African concept meaning 'humanity towards others' or 'I am what I am because of who we all are') is available for free download at http://www.ubuntu.com and also on CD from several sources including this blogger.  

What Exactly Is Free (Libre) Open Source Software?    

 Free (Libre) Open Source Software, known as FLOSS, FOSS, or OSS, is software that anyone is free to use, copy, improve, examine and/or distribute, either free of cost or for a price. More precisely, it refers to four fundamental freedoms which users of all software should have: