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From ITShare SA Inc
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Free or Open Source operating systems
GNU/Linux
Debian
Debian is known as "The universal operating system". It runs on over a dozen computer architectures and half a dozen kernels. It is one of the Largest GNU/Linux distributions in the world, and is largely committed to the principles of Free Software.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular GNU/Linux distributions currently around. Although not committed to the principles of Free software like Debian (from which it is derived), it still makes a solid desktop distribution, and a good place to start learning about GNU/Linux.
gNewSense
gNewSense is a GNU/Linux distribution that is completely committed to the principles of Free software. Although small, it is growing, and has sponsorship from the Free Software Foundation. gNewSense is Derived from Ubuntu, for 'out of the box' usability.
Free and Open Source Software
OpenOffice.org Office Suite
OpenOffice.org is an office suite which feels very much like Microsoft Office, but which is download able for free from their website. It is cross platform, and handles all Microsoft/Star office file formats known, and many others.
GNOME Desktop Environment
GNOME is the official desktop of the GNU project, an attempt to create a completely free as in freedom computer operating system. It focuses on usability, and trying to overwhelm a user with options.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is the most popular Open Source web browser currently available. It is almost completely standards compliant, and has much fewer known exploits then Internet Explorer.
Apache Web Server
Apache is the most common web server on the Internet (with over 60% of the total known installs) is considerably lighter, faster, more flexible and more secure then some other HTTP servers.
Linux Terminal Server Project
An exciting way of making old computers useful again, LTSP enables you to buy one fast server and dozens of low powered clients, an run all your applications from a central server.
Squid Caching Proxy
One of the most powerful temporary caches around. Squid will help you speed up your connection and reduce downloads by caching the most common or popular files used on your site. Can be extended with software like dansguardian for content filtering too.
The GIMP
The GNU Image Manipulation Program - the Free software worlds answer to Adobe Photoshop. Simple picture changes, or with its huge range of plugins, and a highly scriptable nature, The GIMP will even allow you to create full length films and animations.
Organisations
LUGs (Linux User Groups)
LinuxSA
One of the oldest LUGs in South Australia, LinuxSA has monthly meetings where a talk is given. It has three lists, an 'on topic' discussion list, a misc. 'talk' list, and an announcements list
LinuxAU
Linux Australia holds the annual Linux.Conf.AU conference, and provides funding for projects involving Open Source across the country.
The Hut
"Hut services are provided with the help of a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome to learn new skills, meet new friends and join in community activities." (Taken from The Huts homepage)
Organisations who perform a similar role
In South Australia
- http://www.watiwara.com/. ( A direct link at http://ccrscheme.blogspot.com. )
Interstate
A larger organisation then ITShare SA, serving the Melbourne area in Victoria.
Other links of interest
Airstream
Air-Stream Wireless is a non-profit community group who are using wireless and open source technologies to deploy a Wide Area Network (WAN) in order to facilitate community participation, local content and communications.
ITShare logos in both PD and EPS format, from the website of the original creator.
The Free Software Foundation
"The Free Software Foundation (FSF), ... is dedicated to promoting computer users' rights to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free software ..."
GNU Operating System
"The GNU Project was launched in 1984 to develop a complete Unix-like operating system which is free software ..."
Open Source Initiative
"The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is a non-profit corporation formed to educate about and advocate for the benefits of open source and to build bridges among different constituencies in the open-source community."
Online help
Debian Related
System Administration Tips and Resources.
Documentation contributed and maintained by the Debian community can be found here.
Ubuntu Related
The latest official help available on the Ubuntu operating system can be found here.
Documentation contributed and maintained by the Ubuntu community can be found here.
