Monthly Archives: October 2006

Doing my bit with Ubuntu Linux

By | Published: October 5, 2006
Canonical have recently introduced a ticket system for Ubuntu Linux and other projects hosted on Launchpad. Like other help desk/ticketing systems it allows people who have problems installing or running Ubuntu Linux and other applications to post questions. The questions get answered by members of the community, not necessarily developers or employees of Canonical. I have started to pick up a few of these questions and attempt to answer them myself, it's surprisingly easy to do with very little knowledge of Ubuntu Linux. I consider myself a bit of a Linux newbie myself. Although Linux usage is often a bit like the game of golf in that people often tell you they are less skilled than they really are. But honestly, I'm no expert in Linux, I've just been using it for a few years now, so have a little experience to share.
Posted in Linux, Ubuntu | 5 Comments

Oooh You Have Ubuntu

By | Published: October 4, 2006
At work a new SAP Developer just walked up to my desk to ask a question, spotted the Ubuntu CDs and said "Ooh! You have Ubuntu!". I didn't press the subject further (I have work to do), but that brightened up my morning I can tell you.
Posted in Advocacy, Linux, Ubuntu | Leave a comment

Just what do you say to the Windows Weenie

By | Published: October 3, 2006
Now okay the term "Windows Weenie" is somewhat pejorative, I'll admit, but what else do you call them? Potential Free Software Users? Proprietary Software Fans? The Unenlightened? Sheep? Whatever you call them, they're the people you meet who are actively pro-proprietary software or veremently anti-free software. I've met quite a few who have reacted in very different ways when they see/hear/learn I'm a fan of free and open source software. I've had all of the following:-
Posted in Advocacy | 1 Comment

Leveraging skills to help Free Software

By | Published: October 3, 2006
A lot of talk in the Open Source community is about contributing. Indeed in a previous blog post I mentioned a discussion I had with a guy who doesn't directly contribute back to the community. I think there's distinct reasons why people don't give back to the community directly. First it's worth outlining some of the ways in which people can contribute. Design Software Software doesn't just appear out of nowhere (unless it's written by Novell ;) ). Ideally someone has to design and spec up the software before any code is written. If you have an idea for some software, and a search on line yields no results then write up a design specification for your idea. Run it past your local Linux User group or other distribution specific communities such as forums or mailing lists. Some might pooh-pooh or praise and embellish your idea, others might tell you it's already been done. You never know, you may stumble upon a developer who is willing to take up the project and help develop it.
Posted in Advocacy, Linux, Ubuntu | 5 Comments

Doing things I don’t like to fund things I love

By | Published: October 2, 2006
I have been working in the field of computing since the age of 18. Like other dedicated IT professionals over that time I've been exposed to many applications, platforms and systems. Some of them I've actually found enjoyable to use, not all, but some. Maybe it's just rose-tinted spectacles, but I'm sure I found Novell Netware 3.1x great fun to setup and administer. I also used to quite enjoy (in a perverse kind of way) fighting with DOS config.sys and autoexec.bat to maximise the memory available to applications whilst booting a usable system. More recently I've found Linux really good fun to use. I thoroughly enjoy using and administering it. Maybe my view is distorted because I'm still learning so much about it, and there's heaps left still to learn.
Posted in Advocacy, Linux, SAP, Ubuntu | 1 Comment