Encyclopedia/Dictionary for linux

[Jonathan Carter]

Hi Conrad

> apt-get install wikipedia ???
> 
> The answer currently is no.  According to what I understand,
> the images in wikipedia are included based on the principle
> of fair use, but this is not sufficient to permit redistribution,
> which is a necessary prerequisite for inclusion in Debian/Ubuntu.
> 
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Copyright_FAQ
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Fair_use
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Image_description_page
> 
> It would of course be interesting to go into this question
> in more detail, and discover if at least a subset of wikipedia
> could be included in the framework of free software/free content.

The package should still be able to make it into multiverse (supported 
non-free software). It won't be ready for the first release of Edubuntu, 
and when it is, it's going to be a steep download (the database is about 
400MB, images 16GB) and it's doubling roughly each 6 months. In some 
countries (referring to South Africa specifically) these kinds of 
downloads are virtually impossible, since you get capped at 3GB each 
month even if you do have a high-speed connection.

I think the wikipedia DVD sets are more practical, and will be the ideal 
solution long term. Perhaps Canonical might consider lending out the 
shipit infrastructure? I'm sure any school will be able to afford $5 for 
a Wikipedia DVD set.

-Jonathan