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%20... 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_i... "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_movement... 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-guardia... --- Your feedback and suggestions on this list are always warmly welcomed, Kind regards, Kathy