[linuxinindia] LinuxInIndia#3

  • From: Frederick Noronha <fred@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: linuxinindia@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Sat, 20 Jul 2002 09:45:56 +0530 (IST)


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                 CopyLeft2002 GNU/GPL v2 OR LATER * ISSUE03 * JULY16, 2002 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Co-edited by Frederick Noronha and Parag Mehta <pm at linuxindia dot org> *
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In this issue   o Linux... and the (Indian) languages (Yudit, Indianisation
                  document, linguistic info)
                o Reports from the regions (Calicut-Kozhikode, Mumbai, Pune,
                  Delhi)
                o Ingenuity from India (GNU software for libraries, 
                  qmailtheeasyway, Newbie's Guide to Linux, ElxLinux,
                  suggesting for Indian accounting, thinclients at Goa,
                  NevyOS, GLUE, mailinglist for PHP, MP3player, etc
                o Events (Lineo, Exocore training in Bangalore July 2002)
                o Linux goes to school (updates from Delhi, Goa...)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
****************** LINUX...AND THE (INDIAN) LANGUAGES ********************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

YUDIT... GOES MALAYALAM, KANNADA, TELUGU: Gaspar Sinai <gsinai@xxxxxxxxx>
announced recently that Yudit 2.5.4 has been released. As Raj Mathur noted:
"The current version of Yudit has complete support for Malayalam and other
indic languages. It can also use Opentype layout tables of Malayalam fonts.
I think Yudit is the first application that can use opentype tables for
Malayalam, as MS is yet to release it's engine for Malayalam."
~
Yudit 2.5.4 can be downloaded from:

  http://www.yudit.org/download.html

Changes: o Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu support o Software glyph-mirroring
o iso-8859-15, iso-8859-16, koi8-c, koi8-u, ncr and rovas converters etc
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GNU/LINUX'S FUTURE... IN INDIANISATION: Ankur <terminus@xxxxxxxx> mentioned
some weeks back about work on Indianisation of GNU/Linux

This is the link to that Indianisation document:
http://www.geocities.com/ratheeshvadhyar/ratheesh-thesis.pdf

And, a few relevant exchanges on the Linux Kernel mailing list:
http://www.uwsg.iu.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/0012.0/0297.html

Says he: "One thing especially that I am not very clear about is, what
should be the priority for Indianisation: Transliteration(for people who can
think in English) or pure ground up IndiX type of effort so as to replace
English as the language of the system."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

INDIC-COMPUTING WORKSHOP, STILL AT PLANNING STAGE: This is an early
announcement from Tapan Parikh <tap2k@xxxxxxxxx> Please check with him for
final details, dates could change due to the early nature of these plans.

The Indic-Computing workshop is being planned for its core contributers of
the Indic-Computing Project at sourceforge.net at the end of August, either
August 24-25 or 31st - Sept. 1st.  It will be held in Bangalore in
association with Hewlett Packard.

The main purpose of this workshop is to bring together young and energetic
developers working in the space of developing local language development
tools, applications, and content.  It would be a small and informal
workshop, with 20-25 core participants, including a lot of free discussion
intended to spur creative and passionate thought about the future of local
language computing technologies.

The agenda would be two days in length.  There would be a few presentations
on each day to seed discussion, but these would still allow ample time for
discussion, consensus building and group interaction.

At the end of the meeting, organisers hope to have assembled a community of
technically informed and motivated people to organize and lead the
indic-computing development effort into the future.  The leadership of this
community should be individual driven, technically motivated, and entrenched
with youth, vitality and a progressive vision.

By building a community of practitioners, developers, linguistic experts and
organizers, they hope to share ideas and experiences, facilitate broad
discussion about the issues involved and discuss future directions for the
field.

"We also hope that this broad coalition would play in faciltatory role in
helping local language groups interact more effectively with international
standards processes and forums, such as the Unicode Consortium and W3C," say
the organisers.

"By the end of the meeting we will also talk about the future of the
indic-computing project, how we can broaden it's impact and membership, and
how it can be sustained, developed and expanded in the future," a concept
note says. 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LINGUISTIC INFO FOR INDIAN LANGUAGES: Tapan S. Parikh <tap2k@xxxxxxxxx> says
he is working with Koshy to pull together some linguistic info for Indian
languages, document that and post it to the handbook on their web page.

Says he: "Basically the idea now is to put these guidelines out there and
solicit a lot of feedback on this info from the general community for each
language, from which we can collate the best results and publish in the
handbook.  So we dont want so many questions that people will be
overwhelmed, and we should accept partial responses and the collate the best
answers to each area on our side, but we still want to be comprehensive."

Contact Parikh for more information.

Email tap2k@xxxxxxxxx  http://www.cs.washington.edu/homes/tapan/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*********************REPORTS... FROM THE REGIONS**************************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MAILING LIST FROM DOWN SOUTH: Baiju M <malayalamlinux@xxxxxxxxx> tells us
about the the Calicut (Kerala) mailing list, which welcomes all useful
GNU/Linux related information.

Self-description: "Free Software User Group - Calicut has one mailing list
to discuss various topics related to free softwares and freedom of users and
devlopers. We are promoting free software use."

To subscribe mailto fsug-calicut-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
with a subject of 'subscribe' 
Website //www.freelists.org/website/fsug-calicut
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MAILING LIST FROM MUMBAI: Check the Linuxers mailing list on the
ilug-bom.org.in server.

Send Linuxers mailing list submissions to
        linuxers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
        http://mm.ilug-bom.org.in/mailman/listinfo/linuxers
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
        linuxers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
You can reach the person managing the list at
        linuxers-admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

INITIATIVE IN PUNE: Ignatius Nayan D'Rozario <inigo@xxxxxxxx> who has been
associated with the ILUG Kolkata Chapter from the time it was formed in St
Xavier's Kolkata, is currently in Pune. He's student Sys Admin of Symbiosis
Institute of Mass Communication.

He is in the process of setting up an intranet and linking up their website
www.simc.edu as a central portal where all the students and staff can log
into the institution. He hopes to cash-in on his earlier experience with
GNU/Linux.

Says he: "I have been reading a few scattered articles on how Red Hat has
partnered with Goan educational institutions in the propagation of the Open
Source movement. I was hoping that association with a major like RedHat
would strengthen my case when I present my proposal for setting up the
intranet. Also I would need info on any Indian successes both corporate and
if anything like this is up and running based on a Linux server anywhere in
India, especially in the West so that the "see-and feel-factor" would be
nice...." 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ILUG-DELHI, KEEPING IN TOUCH: To subscribe, send email to
ilugd-request@xxxxxxxx with subscribe in subject header.
To unsubscribe, send email to ilugd-request@xxxxxxxx with unsubscribe
in subject header 
Archives are available at http://www.mail-archive.com/ilugd%40wpaa.org

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
***********************INGENUITY... FROM INDIA****************************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GNU/LINUX SOFTWARE FOR LIBRARIES: Check out the software package for library
automation created by three young men when they were engineering students in
Goa. Sharmad Naik <sharmad@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> says the software is available
for download from http://sourceforge.net/projects/glibs
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

QMAIL, THE EASY WAY... COURTESY TREVOR: Trevor Warren
<trevorwarren@xxxxxxxxx> of Mumbai is behind the project called
www.qmailtheeasyway.com, which is "within the top 200 projects" in the Free
Software world on Freshmeat.net. Says he modestly: "Of course, the major
success of the project goes to DJB on whom my software is based." Warren is
the Project Manager for Linux/Unix at ZCL, Zenith Computers Limited and
works out of Mumbai. http://www.qmailtheeasyway.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GUIDE... FROM INDIA... ON GNU/LINUX: 
Check the "Newbie's Guide to Linux"
http://db.ilug-bom.org.in/Documentation/NGL/

Also the SGML sources are available at the following location
http://db.ilug-bom.org.in/lug-authors/sameerds/

It comes to us from Sameer D. Sahasrabuddhe <sam_buddhe@xxxxxxxxx> of the
Reconfigurable Computing Lab, KReSIT, IIT-Bombay.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FEEDBACK ON ELX-LINUX (HYDERABAD): Delhi-based journalist Jal Khambata
<jalnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, an old-time friend, writes in to say that he has
been using elx-linux "by a Hyderabad team" for quite some time and "find it
very well configured to easily work in the network environment".  As he puts
it, his friends and colleagues "still refuse to migrate from Microsoft and I
can now network to them through Samba on elx."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WHAT ABOUT INDIAN ACCOUNTING? Saswata Banerjee <scrap@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
who heads a cost accounting firm, recently had this to say on ILUG-BOM: "I
think if you want to do things to make Linux more popular with corporate
users, we will need more of common office use software. If you wish to add
an "accounting software" to your list of projects, I will be willing to put
in time to coordinate it (of course, someone here will have to tell me how
this coordinating is done)."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THIN-CLIENTS, PALMTOPS... AT GOA: Arvind Clemente of Controlnet, Goa
<arvind@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> has announced plans for a live demo of thin
clients to be given by Yunus Shaikh, who was working on this type of an
environment in Norway and Goa.

This will be demoed at the next Margao ILUG-Goa meeting on Saturday, July
20, at Adarsh Vidyalaya High School, Margao, South Goa at 4 pm.

Arvind will himself also show a demo of how to connect your Palm OS based
PDA to a standard D-Link 56K modem and configure the same for dialup to ISP
and get mail/browse the Internet.

To join ILUG-Goa send a blank email to ilug-goa-subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxx 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NEVYOS: Check out Mayuresh Kathe's site and work on the NevyOS
http://www.tisya.co.in/nevyos/
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GLUE, A USEFUL COMPILIATION OF LINUX IN EDUCATION: baiju m
<malayalamlinux@xxxxxxxxx> comments on the GLUE CD compiliation
<http://ele.gec.ac.in/~msr/glue/>

"I think this GLUE CD will be useful for all category of students especially
Engineering. I am a Civil Engg. student. I had an experiance during my 7th
semester, our B.Tech project requires on Project Management software. The
commercial non-free softwares like Primavera was very costly. At last we
only got a demo version of MS Project and Primavera. Later I found that
there are some free softwares available for this, but those projects were in
the initial stages only.

"Now MrProject, a free Project Management Software is available with GNOME
office. Redhat 7.3 has included this package. If this utility is not
included in GLUE; include this one in the next version. link:
http://mrproject.codefactory.se

"Recently, one of my junior asked whether there is any Visualization toolkit
available along with GNU/Linux, for his project work. Mayavi is a good
choice for this. It is a Data Visualizer from an Indian hacker. Link:
http://mayavi.sourceforge.net/ "
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TRAINING FOR STUDENTS IN PHP, A MAILING LIST ON PHP: Dr Tarique Sani
<tarique@xxxxxxxxxxxx> the medico-turned-GNU/Linux guru from Nagpur, says
his firm SANIsoft is "going thru what has happened to good companies which
were left after the dotcom bust -- we are busy with our commercial
projects...." But if this trend continues, he hopes to hire more programmers
and put in at least "thirty per cent of total man-hours" into Open
Source-related work.

Says he: "Yes my *free* PHP courses are continuing -- every month for three
weeks, six days a week for 90 minutes each day I teach a batch of six
choosen students about PHP". Keep up the good work Dr Sani!

Check out: 
PHP Applications for E-Biz: http://www.sanisoft.com
Indian PHP User Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/in-phpug
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SIMPUTER APPS... ARE YOU INTERESTED? Simputer (www.simputer.org) prototypes
are ready and this GNU/Linux project is expected to go in for commercial
production shortly. 

One suggestion that came up recently was for the need of a volunteer team to
help build Simputer-applications, that would make this 'commonman's
computer' even more useful. 

Sandra Morgan of GraffitiWorkz, Inc. says they already have an active
website under development and are partnering with both Encore and PicoPeta
on the manifacture and distribution of the Simputer. Says she: "We will
certainly be happy to supply space and the development of the portal under
discussion."

Vivek K S <ksvivek@xxxxxxxxxxxx> of Picopeta says: "I already have a
Simputer project registered at Source forge; If there is a basic idea about
what one wants to do; I can create a module under that name and give CVS
access for the same. There should be one person who will take personal
responsibility for the module; I can help in initial coordination; till the
person can completely handle the module by himself. Also all developer
discussions should be made on the simputer-devel mailing list; to ensure
that non-technical subscribers of this mailing list are not affected."

Check PicoPeta Simputers Pvt. Ltd., for interesting updates on the
GNU/Linux-based Simputer http://www.picopeta.com

To subscribe from the Simputer group, send an email to:
simputer-subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxx
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WHAT IS IMLI: IMLI is a browser created by the Simputer Trust, and it uses
the IML markup language. It is designed for easy creation of Indian language
content and is integrated with the text to speech Engine. It is a choice for
the implementors of the Simputer, to decide whether the IMLI browser is
included in a standard distribution or not.... The HTML browser on the
Simputer will always support HTML browsing irrespective of the presence of
IMLI. IMLI can be indepently installed on any Simputer, irrespective of any
existing framework. The PicoPeta Simputer comes pre-installed with IMLI,
however, IMLI can also be downloaded and installed independently on any
Simputer. Transferring data to the Simputer can be achieved via serial, USB,
IR or modem. More information from <ksvivek@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SPECS OF THE (ENCORE) SIMPUTER: The Simputer uses a built-in modem to dial
into an ISP and then browse the net.... For connectivity you need access to
a telephone line. The modem is built-in. You also need an account with an
ISP. You do not normally use GPS. But is a GPS Receiver is incorporated,
your positional information can be recorded. This information could then be
used in conjunction with GIS maps of the region where you might be
travelling. "Considerable progress" has been made in the development of a
new version of the Simputer which has several interesting features that help
in product expansion and connectivity. Encore has added a CompactFlash
socket, through an optional Docking-Cradle, that could be used for CF-II
compliant cards such as a Flash card or a Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) interface.

They also offer a choice of Colour or Monochrome LCD displays. Their new
Simputer will now be available in "atleast four" different standard
configurations described in the attached specification-sheet.

Encore's current plan calls for launching 200 Simputer Evaluation Kits by
the 1st week of August, and a subsequent launch of 1000 Simputers, before
large scale production starts. "We are now accepting orders for the new
Simputer Evaluation Kits, with delivery within 10 weeks of receipt of
orders," says Encore. 

The following 4 standard models of the evaluation kit are planned:
ESKIT-3216M Monochrome, 32 MB RAM, 16 MB Flash
ESKIT-3216C Colour, 32 MB RAM, 16 MB Flash
ESKIT-6432M Monochrome, 64 MB RAM, 32 MB Flash
ESKIT-6432C Colour, 64 MB RAM, 32 MB Flash

Further technical and pricing details from Shashank Garg VP - Product
Development Encore Software Limited 6F Leo Complex 44 Residency Cross Road
Bangalore - 560025 [India] Tel: +91-80-5593182, 5593174 Fax: +91-80-5587690
shanks@xxxxxxxxxxxxx www.ncoretech.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WHAT IS ANJUTA? Anjuta is a nice IDE (integrated development environment)
which combines the power of GLADE (a tool which creates the graphical
front-ends for your GTK programmes) to create excellent iterfaces and its
own code editing abilities to give the user a power-packed tool for creating
apps on the fly. It has Glade integrated within it such that Glade creates
the interface and Anjuta edits the code and builds the projects. 

Check the article in the July 2002 issue of DeveloperIQ
(www.developeriq.com) by Ishan Chattopadhyaya, a Class XI student of St
Joseph's College in Allahabad. For the past year, he has been engaged in
Anjuta and Glade's documentation. He is also responsible for the creation of
the easy-to-install wGLADE and winGTK ports of GTK and Glade to the windows
environment. "Although they are in testing stage, they work quite well,"
comments DeveloperIQ. 

Anjuta is a creation of Delhi-based Naba Kumar (23), who hails from Manipur.
He named this software after his girlfriend! Explains Naba Kumar: "(Anjuta)
is an integrated development environment. Or, in short, an IDE. It's a
platform where one gets all the tools for developing software. You could
call it a factory to develop and distribute software."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PROJECT FOR A MP3 PLAYER ON LINUX: Siddharth Desai
<engico83_2k@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> tells us details of a recent project: The MP3
player that we made was based on a P166/200 MMX with an addon that we made
that connects to the parallel port. No keyboard, mouse or monitor needed.
Hard disk could be used to speed up the system and store MP3's else CD-ROM
drive for MP3s. Floppy drive (or hdd) to boot. OS + program fits on a
floppy. Program reads parallel port and runs mpg123 which plays MP3s. Also
modified the power supply to run of a car battery. The keypad (connects to
parallel port) has 5 keys -- play/pause , next track, previous track, eject
and one key which selected between songs 0-99 or 100-199 (since the LED
display on the keypad could show only 2 digits). We entered the contest in
the software section at the CIIILP exhibition of technical projects."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BHARAT MEDIRATTA, GALLERY PROJECT ON SOURCEFORGE: Anyone trying to track
Indians contributing to GNU/Linux globally have a tough task. Are these
names from India? Could they be from the subcontinent outside of India (e.g.
Sri Lanka)? Are they part of the Indian diaspora that settled in countries
like Malaysia or Guyana generations ago?

Ravi Rao <ravi@xxxxxxxxxx> draws our attention to Bharat Mediratta, one of
the creators of the Gallery project on sourceforge -- http://gallery.sf.net/

"I'm wondering if he's Indian," said Rao.

Hari Nair <Hari.Nair@xxxxxxxxxxxx> who's name is prominently mentioned on
xplanets, writes in to say: "My family is from Kerala, but I was born and
raised in the US."

See also http://nagendra.com/
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WORK FROM GAURAV VAISH: Check out some work from Gaurav Vaish:

- http://home.iitk.ac.in/student/gvaish/
- http://mastergaurav.virtualave.net/
- http://home.iitk.ac.in/student/gvaish/pg.shtml

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*****************EVENTS, EVENTS, EVENTS, EVENTS, EVENTS*******************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LINEO, EMBEDDING LINUX TRAINING IN BANGALORE: Two-day technical training
workshop on Lineo Embedix SDK will be held on July 22-23 at the Leela
Palace, Airport Road, Bangalore from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. 

This is the first Workshop on Lineo Embedix SDK in India to provide in depth
complete training. This two-day intensive course promises theory as well as
hands-on training.

It will makr the launch of Embedix SDK. Lineo India will host the workshop
by Lineo USA personnel. 

Embedix SDK operating system configuration tool is a powerful development
environment for configuring, customizing and deploying Linux embedded
software solutions. Embedix SDK 2.4 is a comprehensive solution that leads
developers through the key steps of the application development and
deployment process, including target configuration, user application
development, automated deployment, debugging, software license review, and
integration of new software and patches.

Rs 6500 per head. Registration via email to lineo@xxxxxxxxxxxx Or, register
online www.gtcdrom.com/lineo.html ajay.kapoor@xxxxxxxxx
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

EXOCORE PROGRAMME FOR LIN-ADMINS IN BANGALORE: The Exocore Professional
Linux Administrator Workshop is being held on July 18-19 at Hotel Le
Meridien, Bangalore It will take participants from ground-up (installation
and configuration of Linux) through network services (deployment and
managing of Linux based services) to management (securing and maintaining
Linux), according to its promoters.

It also covers the deployment of Linux based desktops. This workshop is not
a "What is Linux" kind of seminar -- it is aimed at practical deployment of
Linux in a corporate environment, drawing on the years of experience that
Exocore Consulting has in this field, says its promoters. 

"The course is conducted by Exocore Consulting - the people behind the well
known PCQuest Linux Initiative, which has over the past 6 years been
responsible for thousands of people across India successfully deploying
Linux in their organisations," says the team organising it.  This course is
designed by Atul Chitnis and Gopi Garge. Supported by Shankar Balan, Vaibhav
Sharma, Sony Philip and Ramakrishna K.

Course Fees Rs.9,500 per participant. 

http://www.exocore.com/events

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
***************LINUX GOES TO SCHOOL... AND COLLEGE************************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DISCUSSING GNU/LINUX IN SCHOOLS< COLLEGES AND VARSITIES: LIFE is the
Mumbai-based mailing lists that looks at GNU/Linux in education issues. It
is run by Nagarjuna G <nagarjun@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> More details about him
from from his website http://www.hbcse.tifr.res.in/gn/

About LIFE: LIFE is a mailing list for discussing and posting information
related to the use of GNU/Linux and other Free software solutions to
education in schools, colleges and universities.

LIFE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://mm.hbcse.tifr.res.in/mailman/listinfo/life
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SINGLE CD ON ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS: One of Nagarjuna's recent ideas: "I
am presently planning a single CD distribution containing the applications
and goodies requiered for a regular engineering college student.  I would
like to keep in mind the syllabus and projects students do.  Can some of you
tell us what kind of applications are used/needed by students?  We can build
the list and sit on one sunday and make the distro.  Debian GNU/Linux has
special scripts to make custom CDs from their original master distribution. 
I am planning to use this." --Nagarjuna
http://mm.ilug-bom.org.in/mailman/search/college-distro/
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LINUX TERMINAL SERVER SYSTEM, SOLUTION FOR SCHOOLS? Ajith in New Delhi
<ajith@xxxxxxxxxxxx> recent wrote in to say that he is trying to propose the
GNU Linux Terminal Server System as a solution to schools and colleges. He's
doing so after testing it at Nuclear Science Centre "for nearly one year on
around 100 terminals".

Writes Ajith: "(There are now) several GNU/Linux Terminal Server
Installations. At University of Calicut, CEDT, IHRD computer training centre
and some other places. The Skill Development Centre at district panchayat
office, Calicut, also has one with 10 terminals and giving training on Linux
based office automation packages."

He argues that the cost of a good color terminal (diskless) will not exceed
Rs.13,000/- . You can also configure an old P1 or 486 as a graphics
terminal. (The GLUE CD he recently put together contains the software and
instructions to setup a system.) 

This, he calculates, a 20 terminal system + server + network will cost less
than Rs 350,000 (approx US$ 7000). The Free Software User Group, Calicut,
has a group of volunteers trained in setting up Terminal Server System and
offering help."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

REDHAT... IN ONE CD: Supreet <supreet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> who's working on the
GNU/Linux-for-schools project in Delhi says in mid-July: "I have modified
the redhat 7.3 distro and it ships in one CD.  Installs kde desktop, grub,
timezone by default asia/calcutta. Has mozilla 1.0, openoffice 1.0. If
anybody is interested in testing the CD can contact me. There could be a
10-20 minute demo of the CD in next meet."

He also needs to add basic and logo packages because he could not find
stable release of bwbasic or ucblogo. "I am also looking at packages like
xbasic and yabasic. If anybody has prior experience in compiling and running
any of these packages should inform me with details," says he.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GNU/LINUX IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOO?: Linux in schools... what next? Linux in
primary school? Lawrie <lawrie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> has been working on a plan
with a primary school to shift over to Linux. He hopes to guide the school
and train the teachers too...  Adds his sig-line: "The one who says it
cannot be done should never interrupt the one who is doing it."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LINUX ACCESS PROJECT IN DELHI: Sarai <www.sarai.net>, in association with
Linux Users Group, Delhi, recently initiated the Linux Access Project. This
project attempts to generate awareness and use of Free Software in schools
in Delhi.

As a first step the Free Software team at Sarai is creating a Red Hat-based
distribution network that will be easily available on a CD. A few schools
willing to start using Linux-based systems have been identified and a series
of workshops are planned through the year to introduce and familarise
students to Free Software programs. The Free Software Kit prepared by
Supreet Sethi and Pankaj Kaushal at Sarai will be distributed. Members of
the project will also extend technical support.Details from: dak@xxxxxxxxx
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DELHI PARCELS OUT RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SCHOOLS PROJECT: Prateek Khanna
<prateek@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> lists the responsibilites being parcelled out to
various individuals to take the Linux-In-Schools project ahead in Delhi:

* Proposal to be prepared for IDG for mutual dealing (Tripta)

* Syllabus: what is the current class XI-XII CBSE syllabus (prateek khanna
to arrange a copy); is the syllabus and texts OS-neutral; if not good enough
make courseware which is relevant; analysis of questions papers.

* Issues on CVS to be dealt with by Sandip, Karan, Pai and Supreet. Not a
matter of much concern for the time being

* Quizes on linux and talks on open source to be held in the Software
competitions organised by the schools.

* The talks with the schools should not just be on pragmatic points. They
should talk about freedom of software; open source; the fact that you can
learn more from free source... the implementation of what they study as a
part of programming

* No commercial organisation be brought into picture as far as possible. Red
Hat will be the favoured distribution. Still, an evaluation is being done
for a better alternative for schools.

* Mailing list has been set up.
 
* Key responsibilities: Project management (Sudheer Gandotra), presentation
(Prateek/Tripta), Write ups and manual (Dhurv/Supreet), Distribution (Raj
Mathur), Tickets (Raj Mathur), CVS (Raj Mathur), Central Support (Sarai),
Machine for testing (Tripta), Software List (Leo Fernandez), Syllabus
(Prateek). 

There's a new mailing list for the Linux for Schools project initiated
by ILUG-Delhi.  Please send subscribe in the Subject header to
mailto:school-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=subscribe to subscribe;
send mail to mailto:school@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx to post to it.

Non-member posts are disabled by default.  If you wish to post without
subscribing, please send the mail to raju@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and he'll forward it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GLUE, GETTING LOT OF UNADULTERATED ENTHUSIASM (ALREADY): Ajith Kumar
<ajith@xxxxxxxxxxxx> put together GLUE, what some are already callling an
"excellent resource" of GNU/Linux resources for education. Says Prof Rayudu
of the Goa Engineering College: "First let me congratulate all of you
involved in compiling the CD. The CD is an excellent resource."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NOTHING OF MINE, SAYS KUMAR MODESTLY: When asked for permission to post it
on a site, Kumar says modestly: "There is nothing much of mine in it, except
a little bit in the physics, php and device driver sections. You can do
anything with that internally. External hosting we cannot do with things
like StarOffice 5.2 that is included in it. it is not much of an issue since
we are not selling it. Try to utilize it any manner you find suitable. Try
to distribute copies to anyone interested. Print the file gluecover.ps to
make a paper cover for the CD if you like."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FOR DISKLESS TERMINALS: "(For diskless terminals) the CD contains most of
the stuff needed, I hope. LTSP is very significant for us. NSC is using it
on a large number of machines," says Kumar.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF GETTING GNU/LINUX INTO GOA SCHOOLS: Tom Fernandes,
working amidst trying and difficult circumstances with others like Ashley
Delaney and a few other volunteers, for the Goa Schools Computers Project,
has something to report. Recently GSCP opted to install GNU/Linux in
schools, with some support from Red Hat.

Says Tom: "There is a project in Goa /India (www.goasudharop.org/gscp -
sorry not much usefull information YET) where we distributed around 350
machines (Pentium 1) to schools all over Goa. Around 100 were sent out
configured with LTSP.... We used RH 7.2. Servers are 166-200 MHZ with
96-128 MB of Edo RAM. Clients are 66-166MHZ, 16-32 MB of RAM."

They're using Gnome and additionally windomaker. To make things easier, they
customized the installation procedure and are writing some script to
automize some things. 

The problems so far: * A lot of hardware probs (old buggy, hardware in a
very tropical country (as Tom, who's of German-Indian origins, puts it: "At
the moment my t-shirts are rotting.") * Gnome crashes sometimes (the server
is just too slow, but what to do -- six slots for edo ram only and edo ram
is not easily available or cheap * People mess up the settings (panel
mostly) -- need some recovering scripts for the teachers to refresh some
configs or create user-accounts anew * Not too much educational software
(that might be your second biggest problem - support is your biggest...

In addition, some other issues faced: * Many programs don't run in 640x480
proper and some teachers insist on it... on the 14" to 15" monitors * Some
of the programs being used are gnumeric (sometimes buggy and
limited-functionality), abiword (teachers are okay with that but now
complain about missing tables), xpaint (ugly, but nothing better's
available... couldn't get gpaint running yet), opera (ad-version), xwc
("llllighter than bloody Nautilus"). They still need to keep Mozilla (for
helpfiles, etc) and Nautilus as it's backend for Gnome). Eager to replace it
with gmc; suggestions for how to do so would be appreciated, as Nautilus is
too slow for the machines being used.

Mail software was still be searched for (something not heavy on resources).
"The only time the (school) teachers have to use the console is to mount...
will try to integrate supermount, which doesn't seem to be too easy and use
the scripts we built," says Tom.

In Goa, Arvind Yadav <arvind@xxxxxxxxx> customized RedHat 7.2, to create a
CD that would allow for easy install on the school computers. There are
about 15-20 volunteers to support some 20 schools. But something more is
needed, suggests Tom. Much depends on the teachers and their attitude. 

Says he: "If you want to spread linux widely in schools (and want the
teachers to really use the systems and not leave them getting dusted) you
have to teach them proper (not only linux BUT WHY linux) . Here we told the
schools: we can give you six slower systems where six kids can learn at the
same time or we could have given you one new fast system where you can have
linux (we paid 40$ for each system -- shipped and packed from the US to Goa
-- all non profit organisations involved)."

"Perhaps somebody should open a website www.reasons_for_linux_in_schools.org
:-)," says Tom.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
**********************NOTEWORTHY DEVELOPMENTS*****************************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CDC LINUX, CSIR SIGN PACT: This report appeared in the BusinessLine
commercial daily dated April 17, 2002 - the Bangalore-based CDC Linux has
been signed on by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
to develop portable software for bio-informatics on the GNU/Linux platform
and the establishment of high performance supercomputing infrastrucutre for
research organisations in bio-informatics, according to the company.

The company will be an industry partner, under the CSIR's New Millennium
Indian Technology Leadership Initiative. As part of the project, CDC-Linux
will be collaborating with the Centre for Biochemical Technology on the
development of software applications in the area of comparative genomics and
proteomics.

The products developed by CBT and fine-tuned by CDC Linux include the
Genedecoder, a gene prediction tool, the Proteome Calculator, a comparative
protein sequence analyser, and the See-Path, an intelligent protein
classifer, according to CDC Linux. These products would be available for the
international market, according to a press release. ENDS
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WHAT'S NEW -- ASIA'S FIRST LINUX CD-ROM MAGAZINE: Linux Magazine on CD has
just been announced by IQ Techmedia Pvt Ltd. The monthly CD-ROM magazine
will focus on GNU/Linux, Free Software and the Open Source world. It is
scheduled to be available as a five CD starter-kit on the stands "across the
country" from June 16, 2002. The retail price of the kit is Rs 1500.
DeveloperIQ will provide a CD-ROM of all updates and upgrades of more than
70 popular products in Open Source every month, for one year. That means 17
CDs in a year plus a bonus CD, almost 10 GB of researched content in a year.
For the equivalent of US$30 (within India). Also round-the-clock
six-days-a-week email support from Deep Root Linux Private Ltd. 

The starter-kit will contain RedHat 7.2 (2 CDs), applications (Openoffice
1.0, Galeon 1.2.1, KDE 3.0, Mozilla Internet suite 1.0rc2, Netscape 6.2.1,
Acrobat reader 4.05, Gimp 1.2.3, Ximian Gnome 1.4, Kmail 1.0.29.2, gqmpeg
0.12.0, Etherape 0.8.2, Kyahoo 0.7, Image viewer 0.1.9, Qcad 1.4.7, Blender
2.12, Cross Artist 1.1, sfront 0.70 and more... a number of development
tools, and an entertainment CD with over two dozen programmes.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For GNU/Linux and BSD CDs check out http://www.linuxcampus.net
This note came to us courtesy Prakash Adnani
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WROX... ROCKS?: Shivanand Nadkarni <shivanandn@xxxxxxxx> informs that Wrox
India has set up a full-fledged editorial office in Mumbai. "Wrox India will
emphasize on open source technologies. Till now Wrox India has produced
books on PostgreSQL, MySQL and PHP4," says he. Great news...
 
Wrox is also very much interested in Indian talent pool. They are trying to
seek as many Indian authors and reviewers. Recently, they were on a look out
for technical reviewers for Apache 2.0. 

Contact details Shivanand Nadkarni Technical Editor, Wrox Press Ltd
http://www.wrox.com or http://www.p2p.wrox.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NEWS FROM THE UNDP IN KUALA LUMPUR: Shahid Akhtar <shahid@xxxxxxxxx> of the
Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme, a programme of the United
National Development Programme, says APDIP is thinking seriously about
organizing some kind of a consultation on open source/linux.

Says Akhtar, who's headquartered in Kuala Lumpur: "We want to see how we can
further this cause in the region. What would you say are the most important
questions and issues that are require discussion? Who are some of the key
players (institutions and individuals)in this arena in the region? What are
some of the things that can be done at a practical level to get the open
source research and development moving in the region? Who can do this best?
Are there any present seminal studies, reports, efforts in the region that
should be taken into account before one develops a plan of action in this
area? Are there any other bodies out there who might wish to partner with
APDIP-UNDP in this area?" Anyone with suggestions, please contact Akhtar.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OPEN SOFTWARE: "Open Standards and Open Software in  South Africa",
discussion paper. In January, South Africa's National Advisory Council on
Innovation (NACI) published a discussion document called "Open Standards and
Open Software in South Africa: A Critical Issue for Addressing the Digital
Divide". It "discusses the nature and impact of Open Software and
recommendations for South Africa to take full advantage of this rapidly
growing phenomenon in IT." The document is licensed Open Content, and there
is a space on the NACI web site for public comment. http://www.naci.org.za
[in English]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OPEN PUBLICATION LICENCES, A NEW LICENSE: A new public license -- the Open
Publication License -- promises to bring the power of the open-source
software movement to video, audio, and text while still preserving authors'
rights to profit from the calluses of their creative hands.
http://www.wired.com/news/news/politics/story/20276.html
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GNU/LINUX... IN THE TRIBUNE OF CHANDIGARH: One recent article on GNU/Linux
in the Third World, carried in Chandigarh's The Tribune:
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020603/login/main1.htm
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SHROFF GETS THE BOOKS ACROSS: From Mumbai Vikas Kasalkar (91 22) 763 4290,
768 9126 - ext. 120/121 or e-mail at kasalkar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx announces
popular GNU/Linux books that are released.

Some of the books he listed recently included Bill McCarty's 'A Guide to Red
Hat Linux for New Users' Rs 450; Building Linux Clusters Rs 350; Linux
Device Drivers Rs 375; Linux in a Nutshell 3/e Rs 300; Linux Network
Adminstrator's Guide Rs 350; Running Linux Rs 500; and Understanding the
Linux Kernel Rs 450. These books are between 376 pages to 824 pages thick.
Some come with CDs. Good value for money, at affordable Indian prices, it
seems! Details from spdorders@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THIS FORUM FOR GNU ISSUES: Please check
http://forum.gnu.org.in which is a forum to discuss GNU issues.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LINUX ON IDGNET: Journalist John Ribeiro <ribeiro@xxxxxxxx> has put out an
interesting article recently, linked to GNU/Linux and India. Check
http://www.idgnet.com/ic_829012_4394_1-3921.html Ribeiro is based in Ashok
Nagar, Bangalore. P; 91-80-5533341
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

LINUX DOC PROJECT TURNS 10 THIS YEAR: From: Sayamindu Dasgupta
<unmadindu@xxxxxxxxxxxx> spares a thought to remember that the Linux
Documentation Project turns 10 this year.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

YOU CAN POST YOUR GNU/LINUX ARTICLES HERE: Please visit
http://opennews.indianissues.org. Our dream is to make this a modest site
reporting on GNULinux issues in India.

For posting GNU/Linux information in this e-zine, contact
fred@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and send the details in plain-text format.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* FOOTNOTE: Frederick Noronha <fred at bytesforall dot org> is a Goa-based
freelance journalist, who writes on IT-for-development and GNU/Linux themes
regularly. He is currently working on a print-media fellowship from
www.sarai.net to study the Indian contribution to GNU/Linux and is cofounder
of BytesForAll <www.bytesforall.org>. Parag Mehta <pm at linuxindia dot org>
is webmaster for Linux India, listadmin for Ilug-bom, Country Manager of
India for Linux Counters. Visit his personal site at: http://pmehta.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++




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