[van-announce] Mayworks: Open source for Justice workshop

[announcements at resist.ca]

Mayworks: Open source for Justice workshop

Where:
Dogwood Centre 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver

When:
Sunday, 2nd of May 2004 from 10:00 AM until approximately 12:00 AM

Cost: free

Sunday May 2, 2004 10 am - 12noon @ Dogwood Centre (706 Clark Drive, Vancouver)
Workshop and discussion on open source software. Using open source for
organizing working class struggles & social justice.
Facilitator: Will

The development of technology, like computer software, is largely guided
by large corporations. For the past 10 years and more, an alternative to
using Microsoft(tm) and other proprietary software has evolved, commonly
referred to Open Source or GPL (Gnu Public License) software. This
software differs from proprietary software, in that it is free to use,
modify & redistribute.

In the early stages, Open Source software was relegated to the Internet
Service Provider and the computer geek. Recent development of Open
Source computer applications (word processing, spreadsheets, design) has
brought Open Source computing from the closets of early adopters to the
desktops & servers of businesses & the military. Are non-profits,
grassroots organizations, unions, and social justice activists ready for
Open Source? Is Open Source software a working-class success story, or a
technocratic pipe dream?

The concept of public licenses has been extended recently to "Open
Content" licenses for text, images & graphics with the Creative Commons
licenses, introducing a legal instrument for collaboration, which
Intellectual Property rights deny. Can the concept of "open" licenses be
useful in other models of social organization such as working class
struggle?

This workshop will begin with an introduction to the basic concepts of
Open Source software and licenses, and an overview of some prominent and
successful examples. Following the introduction will be a discussion on
advantages and challenges of using Open Source software to further
working class and social justice issues. Stick around after the
discussion for a demonstration of Open Source software and a chance to
try out the software in an open multimedia lab.

CD-ROMs of various Open Source operating systems will be available by
donation

For more information:
will
will at resist.ca

http://users.resist.ca/~mayworks/opensource.shtml

  




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