<div dir="ltr">On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 09:22, Perry Klein <<a href="mailto:pk@washcable.tv" target="_blank">pk@washcable.tv</a>> wrote: > Thanks, Gerald.  We would be interested in comparing notes and sharing > resources with the Cleveland Park group.   Are they a member of TechSoup to > receive software at a discount?   I think libraries are eligible.  For > example, Microsoft Windows XP and Office 2007 Pro licenses are about $20 > each.   See <a href="http://www.techsoup.org" target="_blank">www.techsoup.org</a>  Hi all, Thanks for getting in touch. Something that continues to get lost in translation when trying to advertise our little group:  We're very committed to Open Source (a.k.a. "Free as in freedom" Software).  The software is unencumbered, non-proprietary software, which from an educational standpoint should be a natural fit for libraries and schools. And, since in the case of Ubuntu Linux, it's free as in "cost" as well, there isn't much use for a discount from Microsoft.  Linux is being used in several schools in the area.  It is also heavily used at the Takoma Park Library, and all of the libraries in Howard County.  (I don't keep track of where else in the area it's being used.) We see Linux (and other unencumbered, non-proprietary software) as both an economical solution and as an environmental one, in that it can often rescue machines destined for a landfill. While more computers would be nice, a few things on my wish list would be: <ul><li>More volunteers!!!!!  This is the big one.  At the moment, it's largely me solo on Saturday afternoon, and Sanjay at various times during the week.  Sanjay has also been responsible for actually getting the space, the initial computers, and setting up the space, as well as advertising the group.  The two of us are getting spread a wee bit thin as the word about the computers gets out.  In fact, next Saturday is once again a conflict for me, since I'll be hosting the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Learning Club of DC at Gallaudet. (<a href="http://olpclearningclub.org/" target="_blank">http://olpclearningclub.org/</a>) (The XO laptop, produced by the OLPC Foundation, is also a Linux-based computer.  See <a href="http://laptop.org/" target="_blank">http://laptop.org/</a> for more info.) We're not looking for experts.  The idea is to create a "chain" of more advanced users helping less advanced users. </li><li>backlit keyboards: The lighting in the room is really poor, and the eyesight of many people coming in is not 20/20.  Electrical outlets up there are at a premium (and frankly old).  So, rather than more external lighting, I'm thinking "if the keyboards themselves were lit..." </li><li>trackballs or other replacements for mice.  I'm not certain about this, but some of the older visitors, having difficulty controlling the mouse, may benefit from an alternative input device. </li> <li> brilliant ideas about how to increase the performance of the wireless on second floor, since the librarians don't want us attacking the concrete with power drills. ;-)  Though honestly, it seems better now than when I started volunteering there.</li> </ul>As for Tech Soup, I've been to their site a while back, and bookmarked it for future reference but haven't checked in recently.  I'll look again.  A few of us have expressed interest in trying to become a FreeGeek partner. (See <a href="http://www.freegeek.org/" target="_blank">http://www.freegeek.org/</a> and <a href="http://www.freegeek.org/family.php" target="_blank">http://www.freegeek.org/family.php</a> for more info.) The Ubuntu DC Local Community (a.k.a. the "DC LoCo") will have a table again this year at the Takoma Park Folk Festival (<a href="http://tpff.org/" target="_blank">http://tpff.org/</a>) where we will be distributing free Ubuntu Linux CD's and answering questions.  There's also been some discussion regarding a possible appearance at the Green Festival (<a href="http://www.greenfestivals.org/content/view/625/280/" target="_blank">http://www.greenfestivals.org/content/view/625/280/</a>) in November. I hope that helps clarify things a bit. -- Ubuntu Linux DC LoCo Washington, DC <a href="http://dc.ubuntu-us.org/" target="_blank">http://dc.ubuntu-us.org/</a> </div>