Freedom Drive (.org)mail me
one strong brand, system and URL
"it just works"
the (vision for) one generally available startpoint for installing free(er) software
For example: as ‘everybody’ knows the “freedom drive” i ask to borrow the USB stick (CD/DVD/(mobile)internet/floppy/whatever) of the next guy,
stick it in my computer, choose my favorite distro from the menu, and install or only run live.
The menu from which to choose is filled dynamically, depending what is available in cache or over a connection and questions are available to help you make your choice.
Only the startpoint is general, the rest is optional (so distro's don't have to uncomfortably squeeze in).
For it to really work as "the 1-stop solution" it also has free software for Windows, “fix your broken Windows” functionality (Knoppix like), and non-free packages.
Good branding can make all the difference.
timing is important too
- make sure kids' first computing experiences are on free software
- “can't help you re-install Windows at this moment, in the mean time use this (a liveCD), call me when you have questions”
- “That is indeed quite expensive (or other problems), maybe you'd be interested in .... ”
- 2007 extra opportunity for desktop Linux
projects maybe offering ingredient:
Open OEM
Linux Firmware Kit,
Linux-incompatible hardware list
LinuxBIOS,
OpenBIOS
Das U-Boot, Universal Bootloader,
Etherboot
Ultimate Boot CD,
Knoppix, best hardware detection Linux distro
Ubuntu install.exe
CDrom-less Ubuntu install,
Create a bootable USB disk with Damn Small Linux
Package Management Standardisation,
autopackage,
Nixstaller, creating installers for any Unix/Linux system,
Gobo Linux, more understandable (apparent) placing of program files
QEMU(machine emulator and virtualizer)
Virtual Box(virtualization)
OpenSolaris,
OpenBSD,
FreeBSD
OpenCD,
OSS Portable Office,
Install Knoppix on USB stick
Ubuntu minimal CD
Windows installation adapted to your preferences
Access Linux partitions from Windows
PlayOnLinux
klik
If you need help from an actual person getting your computing more free: homecomputerhelp.org
state of mind
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Trying to let people make small steps towards more freedom in computing by showing them ease and advantages has more effect than "all free" fanatism (though that certainly has its place too).
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Make sure data is not under someone else's control or property, use open standards to prevent vendor lock-in
(for office software that means Open Document Format (ODF; ISO standard 26300),
properly supported by many, including Open Office, currently excluding Microsoft Office)
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Experience the cooperative power of the web fully (as Internet Explorer currently doesn't properly support the open standards making that possible, don't use it.
Mozilla and Opera are popular options).
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Free software allows for customization, using a computer more as you want it, instead of putting up with the taste of 'the majority' or the supplier
(extensions/add-ons are important factors in the popularity of Mozilla's Firefox and Thunderbird. GAIM does more protocols than just MSN. The popular Inkscape does SVG,
making drawings work everywhere).
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Installing Linux on your computer has stopped being difficult a while ago. Try Linux Mint, a "just works" flavour,
or one of the many others