tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98850572011-07-08T14:39:00.579+01:00to make cyberspace a better placeGnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.comBlogger1631100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-26179789047414426442007-08-21T14:44:00.000+01:002007-08-21T14:52:28.133+01:00

I have moved both physically (from Cameroon to Taiwan) and virtually (from Blogger to Wordpress).My new virtual home is here. Its RSS feed is here. My "first" post is here.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-64864785536300775312007-08-17T16:32:00.000+01:002007-08-17T17:00:13.909+01:00

Some have inquired as to what happened regarding this story. Here are some facts that have unfolded since that post...1. The school received a very large grant of money to be spent on technology shortly after the decision to move to free software was overturned. Part of this was spent on purchasing about two-dozen brand new computers equipped with Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Office, and other

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-48955129711137148012007-08-16T08:21:00.000+01:002007-08-16T08:30:31.236+01:00

Read about it here. Until this decision becomes entrenched in the behavior of the state, it may be wise to remain cautiously pessimistic. It's amazing how quickly hopes can be crushed when Big Money is at stake. Nonetheless, I'm smiling.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-75141716947701834742007-08-10T16:44:00.000+01:002007-08-10T16:45:53.128+01:00

this petition.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-86048927243238298962007-08-08T01:12:00.000+01:002007-08-10T16:47:49.975+01:00

...but regularly plopping children in front of one-way "learning" videos rather than interactive real-world objects (or better yet, people) isn't the best strategy to counter one's busy schedule. Go figure.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-72598268335453070722007-07-22T07:24:00.000+01:002007-07-22T08:38:48.466+01:00

I've heard two arguments why one should not buy Harry Potter books. One insane (but tempting if into the psychological manipulation of children), the other reasonable.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-11425723490568159352007-07-21T08:15:00.000+01:002007-07-21T08:32:59.563+01:00

A recent conversation with an Intelligent Design supporter produced the following snippet...I ask, "Why do you believe in a creator? It's fear, no?""No." was the response."Then why do you believe?" I ask."It gives me comfort."

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-2406819984381130532007-07-07T20:30:00.000+01:002007-07-07T20:50:24.334+01:00

According to this site, GNUosphere could be a little edgier...Speaking of ratings, this film is interesting.Thanks Tim!

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-58708567489489440322007-07-05T17:12:00.000+01:002007-07-05T17:40:00.817+01:00

I enjoyed Das Rad, a CC-BY licensed short film. Download it here. For classroom possibilities, I'm considering its use to spark a discussion around technology, civilization, and environmental issues.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-89958760153112185022007-07-04T00:28:00.002+01:002008-12-09T23:15:03.446+01:00

With a few days in Copenhagen recently, there was one thing I had to do. The cozy Ørsted provided the venue...

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-56526676593403017512007-06-25T19:52:00.000+01:002007-06-25T19:59:37.206+01:00

The Minister of Health's mandated message at the bottom of a highway billboard attempts to counter an audacious Lambert & Butler slogan.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-11655127485195203402007-06-24T22:28:00.000+01:002007-06-24T22:40:18.468+01:00

I often pass this building minutes from my home and wonder...

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-16902169870886093162007-06-14T07:40:00.000+01:002007-06-14T07:45:10.135+01:00

C|NET asks an "open question on open source".My answer: Sure they can. It's called GPL3.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-76596995767937820592007-06-13T16:54:00.000+01:002007-06-13T17:01:03.147+01:00

A third video installment regarding the OLPC project is out. This video helps explain mesh networking.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-53219221790645883042007-06-06T07:11:00.000+01:002007-06-06T07:32:33.737+01:00

With good reason, RMS and others have been critical of licenses offered by the Creative Commons forbidding the noncommercial sharing of complete works. With this news RMS says:"This is a big step forward, and I can now support CC." (email 5/07)And in typical fashion he offered some sound advice:"However, the remaining CC licenses, while all ok in my opinion for some uses, remain very different.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-91244457958955890702007-06-05T09:13:00.000+01:002007-06-05T12:30:56.858+01:00

I had a big smile on my face when I read this. (via Glyn)It's been unfortunate having to explain to others that while I support the Creative Commons organization, I do not support the phrase "creative commons license" when it lacks a clear qualifier. I've never thought favorably of either the DevNations or Sampling licenses. These options, while rarely employed, made declarations such as, "That

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-85695990832685213282007-06-01T13:21:00.000+01:002007-06-01T14:30:45.188+01:00

Jim Klein brings up several good points about OLPC and its inhernet design favoring the learner. He finishes his post with the following -"We've been so bogged down answering questions about reliability, availability, price, performance, implementation, etc. that we've lost sight of what makes the OLPC a solution that can work. The learner is the goal - not the teacher, institution, or government

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-25774785332766262982007-05-31T19:31:00.000+01:002007-05-31T19:35:17.325+01:00

We're now just days away from the final release.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-2761621369457139922007-05-21T18:55:00.000+01:002007-05-21T19:03:44.290+01:00

Via CNN. And just a reminder, I am against piracy.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-80183955403623876002007-05-15T08:25:00.000+01:002007-05-15T09:09:14.702+01:00

Evangelicals Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort recently teamed up to debate the existence of "Him". Why people debate their beliefs never ceases to amaze me. Why people try to convince others of their beliefs never ceases to amaze me. Why people believe never ceases to amaze me.Is asking questions and not knowing that scary?Speaking of evangelism, have you seen this yet?

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-87019639646785796002007-05-14T10:36:00.000+01:002007-05-14T10:42:16.939+01:00

I wasn't there. Therefore, I don't know all the details. But this certainly appears to be "poor judgment".

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-82611435159102327032007-05-11T16:51:00.000+01:002007-05-11T16:58:15.583+01:00

"occupy the moral high ground" during an immoral occupation.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-20362650234657905762007-05-10T22:04:00.000+01:002007-05-10T22:22:33.772+01:00

This must be what Han feels like during the GPL3 drafting process. :)Thanks Cory.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-33437614691321505432007-05-10T20:34:00.000+01:002007-05-10T20:46:41.157+01:00

Slashdot has an article linking to several websites concerning ATI and free software drivers. I'm still not convinced that the ATI statement last August was not purposefully spun to set AMD up as savior.Fact or not, a spin I'd be happy receiving some vertigo from.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-36269887208843203302007-05-09T23:41:00.000+01:002007-05-10T11:13:08.530+01:00

I'm not against accountability in education. I don't want to "leave children behind". While I have a strong opinion on what accountability means, this post isn't intended to travel down that road. But to be clear, my understanding of "accountability" has no relationship to the quantified results of standardized tests mandated by authorities outside of a school (e.g. district, city, state, country

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-62436151044022288912007-05-08T18:32:00.000+01:002007-05-08T19:45:49.608+01:00

Update: Just as I finish writing the post below, I hear this news.-----------------------Sam Varghese plays a little on the Star Wars theme with "The empire strikes back".The article is pretty straightforward. Sam mentions the Microsoft/Novell deal eventually bringing SUSE to Dell's plate. As well, the news of Dell's deal with Canonical to support Ubuntu. This all gets mixed into a reasonably

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-65420891833526932612007-05-07T09:13:00.000+01:002007-05-07T09:30:45.532+01:00

Resulting from an xkcd webcomic that gave me a chuckle, RMS receives a bedside buddy to help bring about a GNU dawn. My question: has anyone sent nunchucks to Torvalds yet?

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1719868569654303032007-05-02T15:44:00.000+01:002007-05-03T06:53:21.245+01:00

Arrowhisper sends me early morning photos of her Valiant during a frosty Spring (2007) morning in Canada.Click on images for full size (~500KB each).

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-41648646448703962262007-04-25T16:16:00.000+01:002007-04-25T16:21:35.893+01:00

Damn. A good idea but must I now buy a TV to participate?

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-24701382046470802202007-04-25T14:54:00.000+01:002007-04-25T15:29:32.501+01:00

With free software, individuals and organizations are free to share, sell, and commercially support such tools.By contrast, proprietary software denies individuals and organizations needed economic freedoms. The result is monopolization of business specializing in such endeavors. Monopolization means dependency upon permission from another when a modification to, or knowledge of, source code is

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-73496765660837758702007-04-17T00:17:00.000+01:002007-04-17T12:09:35.902+01:00

Recently, I've found my way to the free culture definition wiki through both Benjamin Mako Hill and now Tom Hoffman. Tom says "few understand freedom-driven licensing". I tend to agree as I struggle to see this from the "few's" POV. What I don't understand about the current definition is the absolute negation on any commercial restriction of free culture. A couple weeks ago I anonymously (too

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-46868908881974881252007-04-14T23:30:00.000+01:002007-04-16T09:29:40.620+01:00

Leave it to mainstream media to serve up useful but critically incomplete advice on protecting one's right to speak freely using the Internet. Need to make it exceedingly difficult for an oppressive regime to spy upon or censor you? Yes, don't use your real name. Yes, use a proxy. Yes, use tools like TOR. But do this with a machine equipped from top-to-bottom with free software. That is, a few

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-75622243132034259112007-04-11T12:56:00.000+01:002007-04-11T13:15:15.333+01:00

Nigerian students try out their green machines.More pictures and commentary here.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-55538338176393158122007-04-11T00:53:00.000+01:002007-04-11T02:47:56.998+01:00

Miguel asks "others to speak up". Here's what I have to say.Schools should spend their money on free software. When money is spent on proprietary software instead of free software alternatives, schools are choosing the pedagogically inferior option.What makes free software the right choice for schools are educational and economic opportunities provided for students/citizens. Free software

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-34106037287836294862007-04-09T12:15:00.000+01:002007-04-09T12:31:53.513+01:00

Spoiler warning: the solution is the first comment on this post. Via Phillip Torrone at the MAKE blog:White to move and mate in two. Click image to enlarge.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-33777868102653720972007-04-09T00:33:00.000+01:002007-04-09T00:55:23.444+01:00

While one affirming to others that there is (or isn't) a God is committing an error in judgement, others err on a completely different scale."[Children] are so usable in Christianity."- Becky Fischer in Jesus Camp

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-81235489798847575532007-04-06T16:37:00.000+01:002007-04-06T18:00:04.434+01:00

I just finished inhaling an extremely large bowl of pasta in an attempt to lessen the nausea the antimalarial drug I'm taking causes. Yep, for the 3rd time in three years those little bastards got me.The joints ache. The head aches. Shivering one minute, sweating bullets the next. The mind incessantly rambling to itself in an incoherent manner. Lacking the energy needed to simply sit on the

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-77897591786058684582007-04-02T09:46:00.000+01:002007-04-02T12:17:52.041+01:00

Michael Matthews shares some insight into the futility of being "offended" and the tactic of apology often employed by politicians to use another's emotionally-based and reactionary criticism advantageously. Michael provides us with the example of Warren Chisum's distribution of an anti-evolution essay espousing anti-Semitic claims of a Jewish conspiracy to destroy Christian teachings about the

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-10508241519002269342007-04-01T16:26:00.000+01:002007-04-02T03:41:13.431+01:00

I'm probably going to ostracize myself with this post and receive hate mail but I have to speak some truth. I know this post will rub a few liberal minds the wrong way but I just can't sit silent anymore. I love my race. There, I said it.Some races are just plain beastly, dumb and violent compared to my race. My race is intelligent and compassionate compared to several other races. Sure, my race

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-55896844987394570452007-03-31T16:42:00.000+01:002007-04-03T06:33:44.755+01:00

Tom Hoffman points us to this article and advises schools to "Hold Those Purchase Orders!"I was just writing a little on this not too long ago. I wasn't expecting progress quite this rapid. Good news indeed.---------------------------Update 1: Digital Rights advocator Russell McOrmond says"[...] an inexpensive laptop that is designed from the ground up to be lower-powered and run FLOSS is

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-16928875391037042122007-03-29T12:19:00.000+01:002007-03-29T13:08:57.915+01:00

Han Solo is rethinking the situation. Things are looking much better than before but he's clearly not entirely convinced of our intent.Han confuses the rebel alliance when stating -"The 'we control not just the software, but also the hardware it runs on' parts [of GPL3] still drive me up the wall."GPL3's intent is no different than GPL2 or GPL1. The intent is to restrict through copyleft how our

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-88541068441168056822007-03-28T15:44:00.000+01:002007-03-28T19:35:34.242+01:00

...has been released. In cyberspace (like in meatspace), a consequence of freedom is the negation of profit-making through exploitive oppression. Cash (euphemistically referred to as "business") is at stake. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the FUD over GPL3 has been extraordinary.A reminder: We are not against making money. In fact, there are proven ways to do so ethically with free

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-9533731679926733942007-03-23T09:08:00.000+01:002007-03-23T09:16:26.733+01:00

If interested in sex with flowers and/or cutting through the FUD over GPL3, a must-read article by Bruce Perens is here.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-16311875268640019462007-03-18T14:09:00.000+01:002007-03-18T14:17:06.634+01:00

"Thinking's important. It's good to know how.And someday you'll learn to, but someday's not now.Go on to sleep, now. You need your rest.Don't think about thinking. It's not on the test."Download Tom Chapin and John Forster's "Not On The Test" here.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-75950327679905235382007-03-16T16:33:00.004+01:002009-10-31T11:45:53.480+01:00

Spyware and malware survive and thrive on ...(This post has been reworded and updated here)

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-78123441440684476922007-03-15T15:59:00.000+01:002007-03-15T16:27:28.880+01:00

Tom Hoffman adds to Miguel Guhlin's thoughts regarding 1:1 computing initiatives in schools and the "entrenchment of anti-technology" attitudes that often come when administrators/coordinators feel pressure to prove the value of such investments. Tom ends his post saying:"We need laptops that are cheap and functional enough that nobody thinks they will go away, that we can afford whether or not

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-79630860544181280452007-03-14T21:08:00.000+01:002007-03-14T21:33:41.916+01:00

Charles Babcock has posted an article concerning GPL3 and Linus Torvalds' criticism of it. Charles says -"I am struck by the contrast between the lofty ambitions that Stallman and the Free Software Foundation are now placing behind GPL 3.0 versus Torvalds' common sense."First of all, I find it somewhat generous to state that Linus is exhibiting "common sense" in regard to GPL3, but I'll address

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-56619043931698655172007-03-05T05:13:00.000+01:002007-03-05T20:30:15.315+01:00

One keyboard key (in this case, "1" and "!") on an otherwise well-functioning mobile computer running Gnome on gNewSense is not working. Of course, the optimal solution is to physically fix the key. Perhaps another day.Until then, the user is stuck selecting their "1"s and "!"s to copy and paste from other sources when needed.Here's an ugly hack...Go to System > Preferences > Keyboard and choose

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-91233352299091713372007-03-02T21:44:00.000+01:002007-03-02T22:06:08.684+01:00

I'm going to watch this for a while.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-5209724835097610412007-02-25T23:40:00.000+01:002007-02-26T09:50:32.281+01:00

From a post here, Stephen says:"Given that the shift in focus from authority (such as schools) to empowerment (such as for students) is at the very core of the whole concept of '2.0' the idea of 'school 2.0' is inherently self-contradictory. It stands for the very *opposite* of what its public posture presents."Stephen is right.And here is a manifestation of that contradiction. The smoking gun is

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-26211906197267118262007-02-19T14:25:00.000+01:002007-02-19T15:41:00.491+01:00

Original image here. License here.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-89512546793595488932007-02-14T19:48:00.000+01:002007-02-16T09:25:23.913+01:00

Uh oh.Methinks Kansas has left His grace by pissing Him off. I bet Topeka is now added to His crosshairs and will receive a rainfire of destructive meatballs proving Pat right.But seriously...

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-65555870657765326312007-02-09T19:18:00.000+01:002007-02-10T01:03:44.419+01:00

Robert Sinsheimer, attorney for two couples of school-aged children in Boston, Massachusetts, has taken on a case to fight the discussion of sexual orientation in schools. Apparently, the couples are upset that their children are being taught the fact that love is not only expressed through heterosexual behavior.According to the article, the couples claim their "parental rights" have been

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-27774977040229882222007-02-08T20:13:00.000+01:002007-02-08T20:27:21.145+01:00

Glyn Moody, author of Rebel Code (a thorough and entertaining must read for those interested in the origins of free and open source software) points us to an emerging stack represented visually by this diagram.There's a problem though. It feels like something is missing. Not sure what it is though. It's picking at my conscience...ugh. What a nuisance!

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-91117062945987850922007-02-08T19:57:00.000+01:002007-02-06T15:31:13.281+01:00

Tom calls it right. Just read the last paragraph. That is, if you're a masocheducator who enjoys a good stomach churn.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-79674898699016466552007-02-04T10:53:00.000+01:002007-02-04T11:03:01.514+01:00

Here's an article on Mary Lou Jepson, CTO of the One Laptop Per Child project. I admire those who have helped turn this project into reality. It takes determination and vision to ward off attractive but useless free (as in beer) offers from proprietary operating systems vendors. Those heading the OLPC project must be human-centered and down-to-earth. I found Mary Lou's take on academic

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-83782635171229122952007-02-02T14:23:00.000+01:002007-02-06T11:08:49.892+01:00

Update: Scott McLeod has commented on this post below. His misinterpretation of my point has led me to clarify this post. The old has been struckthrough.Lately, I'm noticing a fair number of so-called "edu-bloggers" fussing over Technorati ranking, awards, number of hits and links. This is, apparently, in an effort to identify the top "edublogs". Recently, Scott McLeod created a chart breaking

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-27617650908838972732007-01-29T15:25:00.000+01:002007-01-29T16:01:56.365+01:00

The freedom to share, modify, and use for any purpose are the frequently celebrated benefits of free software. These are the freedoms that give rise to cooperative software communities. As well, the freedom to distinguish one's own community-developed distribution from another is clearly important. After all, you wouldn't want to confuse Jesus with Satan.However, as a saint (and non-theist) I

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-53430497379628454172007-01-28T16:06:00.000+01:002007-01-31T06:40:19.150+01:00

"China censorship damaged us, Google founders admit" reads the headline of this article. Co-founder Sergey Brin demonstrates why Google's "no evil" philosophy has no meaning and instead exists to manufacture a profitable but romantic image in the minds of Internet users.Note to Sergey: With such censorship comes a moral wrong. Chinese citizens don't care that,"On a business level, that decision

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1169621340157239442007-01-24T07:32:00.000+01:002007-01-24T15:12:18.891+01:00

...what OS you use and why. BBC News asks -"Tell us in 100 words or less, why you are such a supporter of your chosen operating system and what features you love about it."Knowing full well a lottery win is more likely than BBC publishing my response, I felt compelled to submit an answer anyway. And much to my own amusement, I hit the 100-word bullseye without intention as follows..."I use the

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1169194719490269682007-01-19T09:01:00.000+01:002007-01-22T19:12:59.156+01:00

I'm often asked this question by those who don't understand the motives of the free software community.I can't speak on behalf of everyone in the community but to be clear, I don't hate Microsoft. If my intention was born from a hatred of Microsoft, I'd just use Mac. ;)

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1169036804103225142007-01-17T13:04:00.000+01:002007-01-18T08:06:21.530+01:00

UPDATE: Although I feel what I say below is valid, Russell McOrmond does a better job at getting to the point of why Torvalds' determinism should be rejected. He says, "It is our duty as informed technologists to be involved in helping to create sane public policy regulating technology." I agree.-----------------------A recent ZDNET article attempted to grok Linus Torvalds' view on DRM. Torvalds

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1168872834583760612007-01-15T15:32:00.000+01:002007-01-15T16:06:28.253+01:00

I've heard this confusion regarding free software security several times..."We need proprietary software to control our computers. Free software means 'anyone' is 'free to change' it, so it's insecure."When you have a free software program, you are free to change your copy. Nobody else can change your copy as you are the one who controls that copy. If another gets a copy then they may change that

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1168349909573157652007-01-09T14:33:00.000+01:002007-01-20T21:16:44.616+01:00

Anyone interested in free and open source software in education should read this. Dr. Couros has set out and tied together a rich body of research and observations. I'm learning a lot as I go through his work.On page 132 of Couros' dissertation something struck me as odd as a participant argues for "compudiversity" over "monoculture" in schools. Generally, I agree. However, diversity/monoculture

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1168181936978715522007-01-07T15:49:00.000+01:002007-01-07T16:20:53.996+01:00

Why is this not under a copyright license allowing not-for-profit distribution of complete copies? Here's a bare-minimum suggestion.Hmm. Let's see. The film, and anything resembling rationality, is saying that our planet is really - to put it mildly - bungled. Inefficient technologies and inefficient lifestyle is negatively affecting us and many other species. Our uncooperative behavior is

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1167905073236144202007-01-04T10:37:00.000+01:002007-01-04T17:10:07.946+01:00

Stephen Downes has thrown his very reasonable two cents in regarding the One Laptop Per Child project. It took some time but I'm on board. I wanted to reflect upon the OLPC and questioned its substance for some time but am failing to understand opposition. I'm convinced that OLPC should be supported for many of the reasons Stephen brought up. I expand on those reasons in the comments section of

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1167659261486830652007-01-01T14:06:00.000+01:002007-01-01T14:47:42.396+01:00

Like any religious leader, I invariably find ways to link what I experience to free software. This past week I skimmed through the late Robert J. Gula's book Non-sense and wrote up the tacit illogic of the proprietary software argument. Clearly valid but unsound, it goes something like this...To profit from software, users must be restricted.Free software does not restrict users.Therefore, profit

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1166110795103723542006-12-14T16:03:00.000+01:002006-12-14T16:39:55.606+01:00

Richard meets with Rafael Correa to explain why free software is the right choice for Ecuador. It appears that Ecuador will now put forth a plan to make free software the country's standard.Of course, U.S.-based corporate pressure will likely follow. It will be interesting to see if those in charge have the fortitude needed to carry this through to the end. But for now, congratulations to Ecuador

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1165573079791232762006-12-08T10:59:00.000+01:002006-12-08T11:31:37.983+01:00

In June of last year I expressed approval.While it's disturbing that some even consider gender a factor of marriage law, it's good to see the continued ostracization of irrational bigotry.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1165420737586440942006-12-06T16:58:00.000+01:002007-01-08T08:18:09.336+01:00

The online beating Novell has been taking (Bruce has even more here following his letter of protest) has produced some rather vapid articles pointing out the "good" of Novell's seditious patent deal with Microsoft. Here's one example. In it, corporate CEO Peter Yared makes the claim that -"many open-source backers fundamentally don't understand the software business."and that..."The software

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1164787217498057382006-11-29T08:55:00.000+01:002006-11-29T09:00:18.136+01:00

Bruce follows his letter of protest (now signed by thousands) with an allegory."Novell didn't feel bad about breaking their agreement with the volunteers, as long as what they did was only unethical and repugnant, not against the law."Read it in full here.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1164213490221330902006-11-22T17:37:00.000+01:002007-05-08T19:45:16.212+01:00

Bruce Peren's has written an open letter of protest to Novell. It can be read and signed here. Thank's Bruce.There have been many significant and critical moments within the history of the Free and Open Source Software movements. This is no exception. I don't know what Linus Torvalds and other core Linux kernel hackers are thinking now that Microsoft and Novell have made their announcement. It is

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1163950007182613482006-11-19T15:53:00.000+01:002006-11-21T09:01:02.620+01:00

Thrice have I made the confession."There is no system but GNU, and Linux is one of its kernels."And thanks to vrms, I have confirmation of my holy stature. I am a saint in The Church of Emacs. Let it be known that my ranking is (tied for) second, behind only the mighty St. IGNUcius himself.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1163521271113026172006-11-14T17:03:00.000+01:002006-11-17T11:55:31.040+01:00

Wow.It appears to be official. The net is buzzing. Sun has released Java under the GPL. Thank you Sun. And thank you GNU Classpath and GCJ developers. Your work only helped make this happen. And what a reward! Your cooperative community instantaneously and exponentially grew.The "classpath exception" appears to make the GPL act more like the LGPL. Nonetheless, the choice of licensing is

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1162970817101521862006-11-08T08:17:00.000+01:002006-11-08T08:34:23.960+01:00

...but if this actually happens, it's great news for the free software movement. Sun has been talking of "open source" Java for some time now. However, the actual license of choice will determine the level of credibility Sun earns for Java. Kudos to Sun if they decide on the GPL.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1162550218982656472006-11-03T11:33:00.000+01:002006-11-03T11:36:59.573+01:00

FSF press release here. Homepage here.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1162390459726516912006-11-01T15:03:00.000+01:002006-11-01T16:36:30.246+01:00

Over at Miguel's blog, some interesting comments are being made that deserve a response. Alfred Thompson has opined in a seemingly reasonable way. He says:"I think that students need to be taught about choices and options. I think that teaching students about the philosophy behind free software and having them read some of the things RMS says is a great idea. [But,] I think they should also be

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1162209952126884102006-10-30T12:35:00.000+01:002006-10-30T13:05:52.416+01:00

...I wrote this in elementary school about 25 years ago. Hey, at least it's somewhat legible. :)I still remember giving the processor its input through a "cassette recorder". My father and I would wake up early on Saturday mornings to load text-based adventure games onto our TRS-80. Some copies we bought. Some copies friends had shared with us. Some copies we typed in manually from magazines that

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1162129507562696782006-10-29T14:44:00.000+01:002006-10-30T15:12:23.800+01:00

Alfred Thompson asks me in the comments section of his post:Well Peter, why do you avoid teaching students how to use any proprietary language or user-level application?It is a very straightforward, simple and legitimate question. I thank Alfred as I believe it to be an important question that deserves a response. My response...I avoid teaching using proprietary technologies because such practice

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1160162447183214832006-10-06T20:20:00.000+01:002006-10-08T14:53:52.983+01:00

...shoot yourself in the foot.I "applaud" this ill-thought-out plan which can only serve as an accelerator toward a liberative tipping point.Of course, the "anything-for-shareholder-profit" decision makers at Microsoft will likely wake up and see that this is a bad idea in the long-run. In time, the "reduced functionality mode" will become minimal. Microsoft will continue to schizophrenically cry

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1158132770183433132006-09-13T07:19:00.000+01:002006-09-14T16:23:12.496+01:00

Jonathan Zuck at CNET has published an astonishing article of misinformation regarding GPLv3 and its proposed DRM provisions.Jonathan states -"With TiVo in mind, the [DRM] provision includes language that prevents hardware companies from controlling the final implementation of their devices."This is not true. GPLv3 allows the owner of a device running GPLv3 software to decide how their device and

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1156940404246511152006-08-30T12:37:00.000+01:002006-08-30T13:20:09.250+01:00

A colleague of mine ordered a GNU/Linux distribution called Ubuntu and received stickers with the software. He gave me one of those stickers. Unfortunately, the sticker expresses an oversight that will hopefully be fixed on future versions.A distribution that uses a name of such depth yet neglects its own origin is rather strange. The fact that ubuntu defines a spirit of community actually

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1155332109801972342006-08-11T22:34:00.000+01:002006-08-11T23:12:02.600+01:00

According to Stephen Shankland at CNET, ATI has responded to Intel's move of releasing their graphics drivers as free software. ATI makes graphics chip sets and driver software to be installed in commoners' computers. The company statement starts out horribly as ATI promotes their archaic and oppressive business model by emphasizing the "value" of proprietary, patented software technology."

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1155174052136311382006-08-10T02:40:00.000+01:002006-08-10T05:53:19.250+01:00

For the free software world, this is absolutely enormous news from Intel. Freedom for layers closely tied to the kernel is key. This is truly a historical day for the free software community.In the article, ATI had no comment though nVidia said they "wouldn't change [their] approach as a result of Intel's move."As a personal and school purchaser of computer hardware, I will then make the change

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1155023198747837722006-08-08T08:22:00.000+01:002006-08-08T08:53:15.830+01:00

One often hears people compare the supposed "development" model of proprietary software to that of free software. But really, to describe the authoring of proprietary software as a "development" model makes little sense. If development is taking place, it would be sane to assume that the entity that benefits is the whole of humanity. However, proprietary software is licensed and propagated in

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1154506215009481082006-08-02T08:50:00.000+01:002006-08-02T09:13:57.823+01:00

Unfortunately, to watch videos directly from the YouTube website requires the installation of proprietary software and thus, the forfeiting of freedom. For those who refuse to forfeit the freedom they value, there is an option.Using the website keepvid.com, one can download the desired YouTube video and save it in .flv format. Simply select "Youtube" from the drop-down menu, paste the YouTube URL

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1154280889124784832006-07-30T18:30:00.000+01:002006-07-30T18:44:50.590+01:00

While traveling around a small city in north america this past month, one passed by a church surrounded by fast-food restaurants and shopping centers. It was not unlike most gathering places christians tend to flock to on this continent, though it bore something striking. In the parking lot was a large, curvaceous, beaming electric sign that demanded attention from passers-by - a sign similar in

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1153102013611087532006-07-17T02:26:00.000+01:002006-07-17T03:07:02.686+01:00

Some fine news from China. A FOSS communications system based on the Skype protocol may soon become a reality. The protocol has been reverse-engineered by a group in China. Communications by chinese using Skype are being censored by the Chinese government. Because Skype and its protocol are proprietary, the Chinese government has been able to censor chosen information by striking a deal with the

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1152959152400413012006-07-15T10:26:00.000+01:002007-08-19T04:18:42.520+01:00

Miguel does an impressive rip, mix, and burn of Patrick Henry's liberty or death speech. Thanks Miguel for an entertaining and important reminder that freedom is what's at stake. The term "open source" has its roots of intention in the hush-hushing of freedom-talk in corporate/business circles. Perhaps such a specialized movement has value within such a context. As "open source" definition author

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1151057574007960042006-06-23T10:52:00.000+01:002006-06-23T11:51:06.953+01:00

Click the image to see the enlarged map by author Steven Hilton.The description states "FOSS"s battle versus Microsoft though the map includes proprietary projects (in black) that are, nonetheless, a thorn in the side of Microsoft. Unfortunately, a map like this implies "Microsoft" to be the problem. Although Microsoft holds the lion's share of oppressive technology and can legitimately have the

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1150887536795758922006-06-21T11:39:00.000+01:002006-06-21T12:00:53.880+01:00

Eighty Days Production's David Madié is creating a film about free software in africa. It's apparently to be released sometime in 2007.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1150710304833547962006-06-19T10:43:00.000+01:002006-06-19T10:47:33.166+01:00

Another Sky Press is an organization that values the dissemination of culture. To understand their angle, see their beliefs page. Organizations like this in tandem with conscientious consumers and paradigm-smashing approaches to copyright and software patent law (e.g. most creative commons licenses and free software) can help create a brave gnu world.Some of Another Sky's key beliefs that ring

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1149592484556227182006-06-06T10:57:00.000+01:002006-06-06T12:16:16.566+01:00

After a most disturbing turn of events, my school's technology committee met yet again to discuss (be told?) what would happen with our computer systems. It was a rather ugly meeting but a very fruitful one considering we were facing a school-wide ban on free software. It's interesting to note that one member resigned from the committee half-way through the meeting. He was justifiably upset that

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1149245008372357102006-06-02T11:33:00.000+01:002006-06-02T11:48:37.636+01:00

I wonder if anyone has noticed that as "An Inconvenient Truth" opens in theaters, it's decided that it's the Oilers vs. Hurricanes in the NHL Stanley Cup final.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1149243858074422192006-06-02T11:02:00.000+01:002006-06-02T11:24:18.213+01:00

Thanks to Michael Geist for pointing out some blatant propaganda all educators serious about 21st-century copyright should avoid like the plague.Michael hits the nail on the head in reference to the exercises teachers may download and have their students do:"They are an embarrassment that should not find their way into any classroom in the country."

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1149237151345033902006-06-02T09:12:00.000+01:002006-06-02T10:53:51.036+01:00

I teach technology classes and act as the technology coordinator at a small international school in west Africa. Almost 2 years ago I presented to the school board the idea of testing free software as a possible replacement for our predominantly Microsoft Windows machines.The time had come to order hardware and the school needed to make a decision. We were to order new machines and decide upon

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1148916026046370442006-05-29T16:07:00.000+01:002006-05-29T16:23:42.190+01:00

The freedom to communicate and share useful information is important. If you agree, take a look at irrepressible.info and consider signing this pledge.

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1148887949983357332006-05-29T08:32:00.000+01:002006-05-29T08:32:34.893+01:00

To kneel, or not to kneel. The "pressing moral question"?

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1148295682675840542006-05-22T11:29:00.000+01:002006-05-22T12:05:48.073+01:00

Observing the follow up to this, one sees a lot of praise given to Statistics Canada for making the 2006 online census "Linux compatible." Not surprisingly, this praise is primarily coming from "open source" advocates. Indeed, the government has made strides for those who value the practical advantages an "open source" platform offers. Unfortunately, those who value freedom are still shut

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9885057.post-1147168581564907492006-05-09T10:50:00.000+01:002006-05-09T10:56:21.813+01:00

Sometimes people get the wrong idea about where I stand on certain issues. I'm often asked strange questions like, "Do you support piracy?"Just to make things clear, I see piracy as an evil wrong. It is an immoral crime. I support all initiatives that combat piracy. I support all humane methods that help bring those guilty of piracy to justice. For example, I wholeheartedly agree with the

Gnuospherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13242430566758242991noreply@blogger.com1