Hi everyone,
Hope you all had a fantastic Easter and that this note finds you and
your loved ones well.
Just a quick wrap up of FOSS, linux and open source news globally and in
the region :-)
Kind regards,
Kathy
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1. Form, shape and direction of Geelong Linux User Group
There's been very little discussion of what form this group would like
to take.
Would we like talks? Discussions? A social catchup somewhere?
Debate on Archlinux vs Ubuntu? Gnome vs Unity?
Are we happy keeping the group to an email list?
Don't forget to tell your colleagues and mates about this list :-)
http://lists.luv.asn.au/listinfo/luv-geelong
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2. BarCampMelbourne 28th-29th July, Urban Camp at Royal Park, Melbourne
http://barcampmel.org | @barcampmel
**DISCLAIMER: I'm a previous BarCamp organiser**
For the first time in three years BarCamp comes back to Melbourne (after
the fabulous BarCampGeelong in 2011). Can you believe that tickets are
only $10, which includes dorm style accommodation and meals?! The
AWESOME is free!
Tix are selling very very fast, so you'll need to get in quick.
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3. Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (long term support released)
http://www.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/whats-new
Canonical's latest release of the desktop-based Ubuntu distribution
features a raft of improvements, including a new heads-up display.
If you work in a Uni or research institute the AARNet mirror may be your
best place to get the new release;
http://mirror.aarnet.edu.au/pub/ubuntu/
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4. ICT Geelong news
The latest news from the region's peak ICT body can be found at;
http://www.ictgeelong.com.au/userfiles/file/ICT%20Geelong-%20April%202012%2…
In this issue - roll out plans for the NBN in the Geelong region,
upcoming ICT events and success stories of ICT businesses in the area.
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5. OLPC study shows positive impacts on some skill sets
http://www.iadb.org/en/research-and-data/publication-details,3169.html?pub_…
"This paper presents the impact of the first large-scale randomized
evaluation of the OLPC program, using data collected after 15 months of
implementation in 319 primary schools in rural Peru. The results
indicate that the program increased the ratio of computers per student
from 0.12 to 1.18 in treatment schools. This expansion in access
translated into substantial increases in use both at school and at home.
No evidence is found of effects on enrollment and test scores in Math
and Language. Some positive effects are found, however, in general
cognitive skills as measured by Raven’s Progressive Matrices, a verbal
fluency test and a Coding test"
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6. Linux Australia seeks community feedback on changing name
Linux Australia, the parent organisation of activities such as
linux.conf.au, and which has grown the number and breadth of activities
in which it is involved is seeking community feedback on a possible name
change.
Have your say here:
http://lists.linux.org.au/pipermail/linux-aus/2012-April/thread.html
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7. Linux Users' Victoria
Check here for upcoming events (mostly Melbourne based);
http://luv.asn.au
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8. Geelong Web Tech and Social Media Meetup
is on next on Wednesday 2nd May
More info at:
http://www.meetup.com/The-Geelong-Web-Tech-and-Social-Media-MeetUp/
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9. And in other open source news;
Open-source hardware movement seeks legitimacy
A nonprofit organization, Open Source Hardware Association, is being
formed to promote open-source hardware
AGAM SHAH, Computerworld
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/421816/open-source_hardware_movemen…
What’s New in Firefox 12 and Chrome 18
CRAIG BUCKLER Sitepoint
http://www.sitepoint.com/firefox-12-chrome-18-whats-new/
Red Hat Certified Professional of the Year
Red Hat
http://www.redhat.com/summit/awards/rhcp/
How journalists can create Guardian-style data visualisations
Guardian launches Miso project, releasing open source code for data
visualisations
SARAH MARSHALL Journalism.co.uk
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news-features/how-journalists-can-create-guardi…
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Your feedback and suggestions on this list are always warmly welcomed,
Kind regards,
Kathy
