The Financial Express website features an article where the Kerala State is thinking of moving to support open source completely. Unlike the ban on colas (The debate is still going on whether this is a good thing or bad thing) this could actually be good news apart from promoting the use of open source software
it could help in making the public in general aware about the availability of non-proprietary software which is freely available.
Piracy is a big issue in India plus there is a lack of proper information available on the use of proprietary software. The biggest plus point is that it will be promoted in schools. It is easier to teach children to use computers even if it is a bit complicated, since they are able to grasp and learn thing faster. Plus it could have a cascading effect on the public in general. Below are some of the comments by certain DIGG users.
I’m glad to see advancement of such open source technology. The internet is a good community, and introducing more people into only further advances the community. Unfortunately with windows, there really isn’t much a community because it is closed source.
Why should the government pay some set amount for every single computer simply to have an operating system, when an OS (and almost all necessary software) can be had for free. Most people are simply learning to use the word processor, cruising the Internet for information. For programming, Linux has almost too many options for learning languages, old and new. If you want to learn MS Windows later, then buy a copy. It’s hardly difficult to learn. I highly doubt any school is teaching very much about Windows system management (to the general student pop), as any system administrator worth his salt wouldn’t allow them to be used with the admin accounts.
One of the main hindrances for Linux has been the immense popularity of windows which is used by around 90 % of the people worldwide. Linux brings with a stereotype or phobia that it is meant only for geeks. The UbuntuLinux is a good example of user friendliness in Linux. Apart from being freely available for downloading you can even ask them freely post it by Snail mail from https://shipit.ubuntu.com/ to your house with Zero Rupees being spent. All you have to is register and put your Postal Address. The Cds usually take about a month or so to arrive. I myself have used this service to get the Ubuntu Cds. You can order multiple copies so that you can share it with other people.
August 27, 2006 at 7:40 pm
I think the move is good. Linux and free software saves money. My only worry is whether left government of Kerala has taken this decision to keep “imperialist companies out”. That would not be good, there has to be both and consumers and students should be educated on its benefits rather than have something forced upon them.
Kerala is not the first. Four years ago the Madhya Pradesh government initiated the Rajiv Gandhi Shiksha mission by which all school in the state ran on Redhat Linux.
August 27, 2006 at 7:56 pm
I think that’s a great outcome for Indian IT sector. Kerala been front runner in adopting open source and linux for years. I’m pleased to see this happening. I hope this spreads in near states.
Let me also explain why i think using linux and open source is essential for country like us. Its important because cost is a factor, no, Its important becuse we dont spend much in R&D and open source solutions are key to innovation and open standards.
I said cost is not a factor, because to this date piracy is huge in IT sector and laws are not stringent so no body buys a proper licence, if that is imposed on us than cost will also be a major factor in going for that path.
I hope this helps..
Vishal
August 27, 2006 at 10:07 pm
Well all said and done, I feel Ubuntu needs quite a bit of fixing, people say its pretty hard on the processor and quite a few people have quite a few expensive losses with ubuntus running on their desks..so some work ahead I would say!
Secondly its not that easy to install things and fix stuff on linux based systems..people should be aware of forums that offer help. Some primary training should be given to officials (non technical guys) about how to look for stuff on forums and get the work done..Ubuntus or for that matter any linux are great for people who know how to find their way out..its a good step..provided they know what theyr doing.
August 28, 2006 at 7:59 am
@jacob I hardly think that moving to linux will mean that all use of windows or Microsoft products will stop. That is not pratical.
@ujj your comments are based on what other people have said I personally have never heard anyone complain about Ubuntu installation. Second it is easy to install If you are using ubuntu there is something called Automatix which works in the lines similar to Windows add/Remove program just single click install.
Like I said its just a sterotype about linux being difficult. Also the lack of proper information.
August 28, 2006 at 10:15 am
No one complaints about my Linux🙂. Its simply the best. Ok i have to agree that at times laymen find it quite hard to work on with.
Personally i prefer and use RedHat9/Fedora. They are not that user friendly. But my personal opinion about Ubuntu is that, I never liked the aesthetic appeal nor the way the things are done with it.
If user-friendliness is what they are looking then Suse or Knoppix is the best option. The lastest version of these are really meant for commom people.
Training is a must for someone new into Linux and as ujj said, hope they know what they are doing.
September 6, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Apart from all the savings done and a huge support for open source the good thing about the Linux injection into educational system is that they will be ready to use and be productive on two most commonly used OSs – Windows and Linux, unlike most who know how to use Windows, but can’t do anything on Linux.
Life is too short to enjoy only one OS🙂
September 13, 2006 at 8:28 pm
the decisions lacks any research into the benefits of one OS over other. one needs to study the benefits before these decisions are taken. trust politicians to take technology decisions???
http://abhishekkant.blogspot.com/2006/09/technology-myopia-in-kerala.html
September 13, 2006 at 9:05 pm
Abhi, I think you are over-reacting. The government is providing a choice with the introduction of a new OS. Right now there is no choice.
September 14, 2006 at 8:42 am
@abhishek
I just went through your blog, You seem like a MS Advocate. I personally don’t have a problem with that. I personally think Mac, Linux, MS fanboys are a bit too immature. This article is not about boycotting MS its about how dropping MS and using linux can help people and the goverment save cost and time. In the end of it I am a MS user. So if I seem to scarcastic forgive me I like to take both sides. I hate MS Basher at same time Hate MS Promoters.
First of all some advice to you as a blogger if you want to grow your readership first Research what your writing about. The above statement is so highly inaccurate. No one here is being forced to change to linux.
You got to be kidding me right. Other than learing the basic stuff such as , Java C, C++ what else are schools supposed to teach. Oh let me guess MS Word. Also could you please tell me a few things that linux can’t do.
Doesnt mean kerala doesnt care about Technology.
Usability , Doesn’t matter to kids they are more smater than adults. Plus if he can work on linux he can work on anything thats a garuntee.
Looks like other than going to microsoft.com you don’t go to any other websites. There are a billion more software out there than what MS has ever given out. check sourceforge.net Software which are more practical and useful.
July 18, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I strongly support open source software, because I believe that “Where is freedom there is growth. It may be software, science, philosophy or anything”
December 1, 2014 at 11:10 pm
UBUNTU SUCKS BIG TITS – IT STILL HAS DEPENDENCY HELL – get PC BSD without dependency hell – unique among UNIXes: http://www.pcbsd.org/ uses self-contained distributable PBI installers.