- luv-geelong - luv.asn.au

Fwd: [luv-ctte] linux.conf.au 2013 call for mini-conferences reminder
by Kathy Reid 03 Jul '12

03 Jul '12

Hi everyone, Just a reminder that the linux.conf.au Call for Presentations ends on Friday 6th, With kind regards, Kathy -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [luv-ctte] linux.conf.au 2013 call for mini-conferences reminder Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2012 10:51:41 +1000 (EST) From: mailout(a)lca2013.linux.org.au Reply-To: LUV Committee private mailing list. <luv-ctte(a)luv.asn.au> To: luv-ctte(a)luv.asn.au Dear LUG organizer -- we're trying very hard to ensure that potential presenters for linux.conf.au are aware of our Call For Presentations process. If you think the below would be of interest to your members could you please forward it on? Many thanks, Michael ------------------------------------------ Greetings. This email is a gentle reminder that the linux.conf.au call for mini-conferences closes in three days on 6 July 2012. Miniconfs are day-long sessions on a specific topic: a miniature conference, with a formal schedule published ahead of time listing speakers and sessions for the day. Instructions for submitting miniconf proposals are at http://linux.conf.au/miniconf-cfp ** There will be NO extension of the mini-conference submission deadline. ** The conference will showcase the best of open source and community-driven software and hardware. It will be held in Canberra at the Australian National University from Monday 28 January to Saturday 2 February, 2013, and provides a great opportunity for open source developers, users, hackers, and makers to share their ideas and further improve their projects. === Important Dates === Call for miniconfs opens: 1 June 2012 Call for miniconfs closes: 6 July 2012 Email notifications from conference organisers: 28 August 2012 Early Bird registrations open: 1 October 2012 Conference dates: Monday 28 January to Saturday 2 February 2013 Thanks, Mikal -- Michael Still Director linux.conf.au 2013 http://lca2013.linux.org.au Canberra 28 January 2013 to 2 February 2013

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Linux and FOSS news wrap April 2012
by Kathy Reid 21 May '12

21 May '12

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 --- 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 --- 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. --- 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/ --- 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. --- 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" --- 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 --- 7. Linux Users' Victoria Check here for upcoming events (mostly Melbourne based); http://luv.asn.au --- 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/ --- 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… --- Your feedback and suggestions on this list are always warmly welcomed, Kind regards, Kathy

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systemd vs upstart (aka Ubuntu vs everyone else)
by Eric Stacey 27 Apr '12

27 Apr '12

In the vein of posting something that I found interesting... I'm going to assume people know about upstart and systemd, two new (next generation?) system init.. systems. Recently Mark Shuttleworth announced some things about the next version of Ubuntu, and quashed the "move to systemd" rumours. Not surprising, I guess (Ubuntu keeps trying to do things their own way...), but they'll be basically the only major distro still using it (besides ChromeOS, does that count as a distro?). Everyone else haven't made a move, or have switched to systemd. This is where it gets good (drama-wise). Shuttleworth started slagging "the competition" and heavily trying to sell upstart (IMHO) in his post: "Rumours and allegations of a move from Upstart to SystemD are unfounded: Upstart has a huge battery of tests, the competition has virtually none. Upstart knows everything it wants to be, the competition wants to be everything." http://www.markshuttleworth.com/archives/1121 Of course, people wanted to hear what Lennart Poettering (creator of systemd) had to say. He posted: "I think this decision is not good for the Linux ecosystem. Ubuntu has now become an island that is growing more or more apart from any other bigger commercial Linux. Because they have not adopted systemd they will have to continue to develop and support infrastructure (such as ConsoleKit, independent udev) that is officially orphaned by its developers and maintainers. They are stuck with a half-obsolete stack that receives no new development. Of course, Canonical could step up and invest major work in the development of their platform, but that would definitely be a first for them, and I seriously doubt they have enough knowledgeable engineers for that. Canonical contributes barely anything to the Linux plumbing layer, much the same way they stay away from the kernel. There are now two options for them: a) stay stuck forever with a half-obsolete stack or b) invest a lot of work to develop their stack entirely on their own in order to stay competitive with us." https://plus.google.com/115547683951727699051/posts/X3fUhyJREKq Both authors posted more at the links above. This could be an interesting 'battle', and that's how they (or Shuttleworth, at least) is framing it. Ubuntu is easily one of the most popular distros for Desktop users, so it holds a lot of sway. If ChromeOS/Chromebooks explode, that will help expand the "upstart-using" market. However, Lennart makes some good points about an outdated software stack, and history shows Ubuntu's not real good at maintaining core software/giving back to the community. They're better at taking what's out there and putting little niceties on top for user interaction (although with Unity...). Either way, it's something cool to keep an eye on. (For those playing at home Lennart Poettering is the creator of pulseaudio, and has almost as fervent fans/haters as Shuttleworth and Ubuntu. He's also quite opinionated, and says things like "BSD isn't relevant anymore" (last year)). -Eric

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NETWORKING EVENT: NICTA (National ICT Research Centre of Excellence) Inaugural Event in Geelong (Wed 14 March 2012)]
by Kathy Reid 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Hi everyone, Forwarding on behalf of NICTA and ICT Geelong as this event may be of interest to members of this list. Kind regards, Kathy -------------- Introducing NICTA (the National ICT Research Centre of Excellence) to Geelong. With its relationship with Deakin University, NICTA will be hosting a number of events in Geelong through 2012. NICTA welcomes ICT Geelong in promoting these events through our network. Date: Wednesday 14th March 2012. Networking and drinks from 4:30pm (seminar starting at 5:30pm) Event: NICTA (the National ICT Research Centre of Excellence) Title of Seminar: 'Hear from the people shaping our technology future: The role of ICT in a competitive and healthy Victoria' Speakers: Prof. Chris Leckie (Deputy Director of NICTA Victorian Research Lab), Prof. Terry Caelli (Technical Director of NICTA Health Business Area), Prof. Stan Skafidas (Research Group Manager - Embedded Systems) Venue: Percy Baxter Lecture Theatre, Level 2, Deakin Waterfront Campus, 1 Gheringhap St Geelong RSVP Online by 9th March http://nicta.com.au/events/big_picture/vrl - DO NOT RSVP directly to ICT Geelong for this event. Click on the link below for Event Flyer & RSVP details. http://nicta.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/33447/Big_Picture_Invite_Ge…

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BarCampGeelong | face to face meet | open source wrap
by Kathy Reid 20 Feb '12

20 Feb '12

Hi everyone! Hope your start to 2012 hasn't been too hectic, Just a few quick things; -------------- BARCAMP GEELONG 2012 I'm starting to get some enquiries around running BarCampGeelong (http://barcampgeelong.org) again this year. What does everyone think? Is there enough interest to run another one? Are there any other major technical events on that would clash? With hiring Deakin facilities, we're generally limited to out of semester times, so the following dates are our options at the moment; 16th June 23rd June 30th June 7th July ------------- FACE TO FACE MEET Would we like to meet as a group face to face? If so, I'm happy to arrange venue (at Deakin Uni's Waterfront Campus), probably after hours during the week. What would be the best day / time for people? Is there enough interest to meet face to face? Would someone like to present on something open-source (ish)? ------------- OPEN SOURCE AND GEELONG TECHNOLOGY WRAP Next Linux Users' Victoria meeting: Tuesday March 6th, Evan Burge Building, Melbourne University http://luv.asn.au/2012/03/06 Next Geelong Web Tech and Social Media group: Wednesday 22nd February, The Edge, Geelong http://www.meetup.com/The-Geelong-Web-Tech-and-Social-Media-MeetUp/ Some open source tools you may not have heard about: - Bootstrap, from Twitter, a rapid web development framework - http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/ - Canvas, from Instructure, is an open source Learning Management System set to rival Moodle - http://www.instructure.com/technology - Salt is a remote execution and configuration manager, similar to Puppet - http://saltstack.org/ And in open source news - HP have decided to open source WebOS - http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2012/120125a.html?mtxs=rss-corp-new… - Canonical is pulling funding for development of Kubuntu - another death knell for KDE - http://www.itworld.com/it-managementstrategy/247708/canonical-aligns-kubunt… - And the UEFI secure boot issue continues to heat up - http://linux.slashdot.org/story/12/01/14/0236244/microsoft-taking-aggressiv… - NASA goes open source: Responses to their RFI are due March 6th - http://open.nasa.gov/blog/2012/02/18/help-us-open-source-nasa-gov/ This brochure from the G21 Lobby Group 'Connect Geelong' is also worth a read - it's basically a brochure which helps to lobby the federal government into rolling out the NBN in Geelong as a matter priority - http://ictgeelong.com.au/content.php?pid=25&Level=1 ----------------- KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT LIKE TO BE ON THIS MAILING LIST? Let them know :-) http://lists.luv.asn.au/admin/luv-geelong Kind regards, Kathy

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Wrap up of linux.conf.au 2012 Ballarat - LCA under the stars
by Kathy Reid 23 Jan '12

23 Jan '12

Hi everyone, Although membership of this list is quite small (around 10 members), you may be interested in a summary of linux.conf.au, held in Ballarat last week. (disclaimer: I was on the Core Team) http://blog.kathyreid.id.au/2012/01/23/wrap-up-of-linux-conf-au-2012 The videos are up at; http://www.youtube.com/user/linuxconfau2012 The event also garnered significant media coverage, listed below. Kind regards, and much FOSS to you, Kathy --- * http://www.zdnet.com.au/linuxconfau-2012-planes-and-freedom-339330154.htm - Stilgherrian - ZDNet * http://www.zdnet.com.au/linuxconfau-2012-freedomboxs-privacy-339329991.htm - Stilgherrian - ZDNet * http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/application-development/2012/01/18/perens-linux… - Stilgherrian - ZDNet * http://www.zdnet.com.au/cyborg-lawyer-demands-software-source-339330089.htm - Stilgherrian - ZDNet * http://www.zdnet.com.au/aus-becoming-surveillance-state-ludlam-339330108.htm - Stilgherrian - ZDNet * http://www.zdnet.com.au/open-source-needed-to-save-democracy-339329909.htm - Stilgherrian - ZDNet * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/awesome-high-altitude-balloon-launch-a… - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/beware-of-the-decoy-effect-when-shoppi… - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/cheap-tabloid-tricks-the-truth-about-l… - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/perens-the-iphone-is-destroying-democr… - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/beware-of-the-decoy-effect-when-shoppi… - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/wi-fi-and-nbn-lessons-from-an-open-sou… - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/lca2012-diary-rum-rain-rehearsals/ - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/lca2012-diary-the-smart-and-the-sweaty/ - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/01/lca2012-diary-i-came-i-spoke-i-zonked/ - Angus Kidman - LifeHacker * http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3787384.html - Stilgherrian - ABC Drum Opinion * http://www.itnews.com.au/News/287649,ludlam-warns-against-online-rights-com… - Sam Gentle, ITNews * http://www.itnews.com.au/News/287432,microsoft-takes-aim-at-rootkits-misses… - Sam Gentle, ITNews * http://www.itnews.com.au/News/287892,locking-down-linuxconfau.aspx - Sam Gentle, ITNews * http://www.techworld.com.au/article/412523/breaking_down_gender_divide_open… <http://www.techworld.com.au/article/412523/breaking_down_gender_divide_open…> - Rohan Pearce - Techworld Australia * (Syndicated to http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=504F7189-F1AF-E8F4-B0E1ED33F38F221D in Norway) * http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/opensource/dont-miss-developments-from-lin… - Tech Republic, Selena Frye

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Linux and FOSS news wrap
by Kathy Reid 13 Dec '11

13 Dec '11

Hi everyone, Just a quick 'wrap' of different bits and pieces you might be interested in. I'd also like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a very safe, happy and FOSS-filled holiday season. Kind regards, Kathy --- 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 --- 2. Linux.conf.au 16th-20th January, Ballarat http://linux.conf.au | @linuxconfau **DISCLAIMER: I'm a linux.conf.au organiser** linux.conf.au comes to Ballarat for the first time! Early bird tickets are sold out, but registrations are still open. The organising team is pleased to announce Jacob Appelbaum, Tor project developer and renowned internet security researcher as the final keynote speaker. The Rusty Wrench awards for service to the open source community are being revived. If you know of a free and open source software luminary, please consider nominating them. http://linux.org.au/vote/rusty-wrench-nomination-form --- 3. Drupal Downunder, 13th-15th January, Jesper Hotel, Melbourne http://drupaldownunder.org | @DDUMelbourne Drupal Founder Dries Buytaert will keynote this three-day event organised by the Melbourne Drupal Community. A big congratulations to Geelong's own Jason Brooks (@mudsurfer) on having a session accepted. Well done! --- 4. Wordpress 3.3 released Following in the tradition of naming releases after jazz musicians, WP 3.3 is codenamed 'Sonny' after musician Sonny Stitt. Tonnes of bugfixes, new help features and a revamped API. --- 5. AdaCamp Melbourne, Saturday 14th January, Melbourne Spearheaded by the Ada Initiative (http://adainitiative.org/) this invite-only camp is seeking nominations from those interested in furthering the participation of women in open technology and culture. Run by luminary Mary Gardiner and colleague Valerie Aurora, this FREE day of talks, networking and workshopping is undoubtedly going to be valuable. http://adainitiative.org/what-we-do/events/adacamp-mel-2012/ --- 6. ICT Geelong initiative given $100,000 to further develop ICT in Geelong Read more here: http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2011/12/12/296981_news.html --- 7. Linux Users' Victoria December Beginners' Session http://luv.asn.au/2011/12/17 This month's forum will feature Alec Clews (@alecthegeek) on Talk: Programming Tips, Tricks and Tools for Novices by Alec Clews --- 8. ThinkUpApp for social media tracking Developed by Gina Trapani of Lifehacker fame, @ThinkUpApp is a free and open source software platform for tracking social media. Check it out at http://thinkupapp.com/ ---

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Linux Video Editing Workshop with Alex Garber 19th November, The Hub, Docklands
by Kathy Reid 13 Nov '11

13 Nov '11

Hi everyone, If you're into video editing on Linux, you may be interested in Alex Garber (@clockworkpc)'s Openshot video editing tutorial being delivered for free, as part the the Linux Users' Victoria Beginners Workshops. It's on 12pm to 4pm (tutorial starting 1pm) at The Hub, Docklands on Saturday 19th November (a short walk from Southern Cross station). More details here http://luv.asn.au/2011/11/19 and if you're not averse to Facebook, here https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=271346206243490 Big thanks to Alex for giving up his time to deliver the tutorial :-) Kind regards, Kathy

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Status update from Geelong group
by Kathy Reid 02 Nov '11

02 Nov '11

Hi Russell, Geelong hasn't met as a group yet and at this time the interaction is limited to email. Of course, convening a group, and providing "monthly status updates" requires time, energy and effort - which are in limited supply at the moment. Everyone is welcome to join the luv-geelong list at; http://lists.luv.asn.au/listinfo/luv-geelong If we meet at some point in the future I'll be sure to let you know. Regards, Kathy On 2/11/2011 1:02 PM, Russell Coker wrote: > On Mon, 31 Oct 2011, lev(a)levlafayette.com wrote: >> the event. With a good turnout, LUV now has its third chapter established >> (Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton) in addition to the Melbourne city group. > It would be good to have monthly status updates on what the other chapers are > doing. > > Also how are they going for talks? Presumably they find it more difficult to > get speakers than we do. What size of audience do they get? I would consider > travelling to those places to give a talk if the audience is big enough... >

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OSDC in Canberra November
by Kathy Reid 28 Oct '11

28 Oct '11

Posting to this list on behalf of the OSDC folk -- Kathy --- Hi, As you may know, the Open Source Developers Conference (http://OSDC.com.au<http://osdc.com.au/>) is being held in Canberra from November 16-18. To purchase tickets from the OSDC website or from the payments link;https://osdc2011.wufoo.com/forms/buy-tickets/ The OSDC is a great opportunity for you& your organisation to see the latest in open tools, technology, business models and methods. The OSDC is a not-for-profit conference bringing together developers, technologists,& advocates working in various fields leading toward open technology - including software, open data, mobile technologies, visualisation, cloud computing, programming languages, system administration, licensing and open source in government. This year, starting November 16th, the Open Source Developers Conference is coming to the Australian National University in Canberra from Wednesday 16th November to Friday 18th November 2011 and we would love to see you and your team there. We've got a great lineup with keynotes from Senator Kate Lundy, Jon Oxer and Damian Conway, plus Brian Catto from AGIMO.gov.au<http://agimo.gov.au/> and Tony Beal from AGS.gov.au<http://ags.gov.au/>. We've got Mini-confs from the Open Source Industry Alliance, and on Java, PHP and GR8. Plus workshops on Arduino, Google's Go programming language and Agile software development. For the full line-up and more information visit the OSDC schedule - http://2011.osdc.com.au/schedule/ There's heaps more, so checkhttp://OSDC.com.au/ <http://osdc.com.au/> for more details and to purchase tickets, or reply to this email with any questions you might have. Hopefully we'll see you in Canberra in mid November for the conference. </blurb> We would love to see you there. Daniel OSDC Committee

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