Achieving small victories

[Digital Wokan]

I like the OpenOffice CD idea the more I hear it.  I'm going to start finding 
all the versions of OpenOffice I can (RPMs for each of the RPM distros, Debs, 
source, Windows, etc.)  I've got the room to spare at the moment, and I'm on 
cable, so it's time I put the bandwidth to use for a good cause.  (I'm guess 
Quake didn't fall into that category. :) )

On Friday 12 July 2002 10:26, Matt Alexander wrote:
> I see PLUG as having two major components.  One, as a support group for
> its members, and two, as an action group for promoting the use of Free
> software in our community.
>
> Maricopa County is a good target, and I think we'll be successful, but
> it's going to take some time.  Right now, I think it's important for us to
> also focus our energies on smaller fish.  With enough group participation,
> we should be able to have regular success stories at each meeting.  Maybe
> have a prize for the PLUG member that converts the most organizations each
> month, like, say, a Delphi 5 CD for Windows NT (you had to be at the
> meeting last night for this to be funny...  or not funny.).  So, let's
> begin targeting various organizations that would be relatively easy to
> migrate over to Free software.  Several non-profit organizations were
> mentioned last night, so lets start with them.  And as was mentioned last
> night several times, getting Windows users comfortable with OpenOffice,
> Mozilla, etc., will go a long way towards easing their transition to
> Linux.
>
> -Libraries Part I
> Make free CDs w/ software that runs on both Windows & Linux, such as
> OpenOffice, Mozilla, Gimp, etc., available for checkout.  Make it clear
> that people can install this software without any licensing restrictions
> on as many computers as they want to.  Include PLUG info with each CD, as
> well as brochures about PLUG on a stand by the software.  Does PLUG have
> any existing informational brochures?  If not, we need to create some.
> Any volunteers?
>
> -Libraries Part II
> LTSP for computer labs.
>
> The libraries should be an easy way to prove the success of our
> software/setup.  We can then use the libraries as examples when
> approaching other larger organizations.
> Here is a possible outline for approaching local libraries (please suggest
> any modifications for improvement):
>
> (1)  Collect information on current software that can be checked out.
> Collect information on current computing uses within the library.
> (2)  Contact libraries and discuss our purpose and motivations.  Ask if
> they'd be willing to accept free software donations for checkout.
> (3)  Discuss the possibilities of setting up a Linux Terminal Server and
> several clients for use within the library.  Explain the benefits, etc.
> Give a demonstration.  Explore options for any additional hardware needs.
> (4)  Setup an LTSP lab and give basic training in administration and
> client-side use to the librarians.
> (5)  Be available for emergencies?
>
> We should be contacting as many small non-profits, schools, and other
> financially strapped groups as possible, and hand them CDs with
> OpenOffice, etc.
>
> As individuals, we should give (and help install) OpenOffice on any
> computer that we can our hands on.  Make it clear to the user that they
> can (and should) install it on all of their additional computers, and also
> encourage them to loan the CD to their friends and families as well.
>
> ASU and the various community colleges in our area would be an excellent
> venue for getting OpenOffice into more users' hands.  Maybe have CDs
> available in the bookstore?  Maybe have CDs available in the computer
> labs?  Maybe instructors could give students the URL for OpenOffice and
> encourage them to use it?  Is there anyone that's currently a student that
> has some good suggestions on getting more students to use OpenOffice?
>
> Hand out OpenOffice CDs to your coworkers.
>
> Hans mentioned that he tried to apply for a job at Maricopa County, but
> couldn't because of the outdated Acrobat plugin for Linux.  Hans, buddy,
> find a Windows system and apply.  If you could get hired working for the
> county, we'd be unstoppable.  ;-)  BWAAAHAAAHAAA!!!
> ~M
>
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