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one-day course
open source computing |
Open
source software is free and generally runs well on old computers.
You can use open source software to run your whole computer by using
Linux instead of Microsoft Windows. And you can use open source
programs (on both Linux and, to a lesser extent, on Windows) to
accomplish all your usual computer tasks such as email, spreadsheets,
word processing, web browsing, digital picture editing and much,
much more.
In this short course
we will look at:
-
what
is open licensing and free / open source software
-
what
is the GNU/Linux operating system, and what programs can you
use with it
-
which
computers will run GNU/Linux, and how can you recycle old computer
'junk' to produce a working system
-
how
do you install a GNU/Linux system
-
configuring
a computer for desktop (office-related) work
-
configuring
a server computer to run a local network or to share access
to an Internet connection
-
information
security, privacy, and looking after your data
-
what
are the greater legal issues related to copyright, patents and
our use of digital technology, and how will it affect your use
of technology in the future
As part
of the course we will experiment with old computer junk, put a computer
together, install GNU/Linux on a computer, set up a local network,
and you may get to make your own network cable. If you have a computer
that you'd like to experiment with please bring it along (if it's
a laptop, old ones work better - some recent laptops don't work
well with GNU/Linux).
The emphasis
in the workshop will be on low cost / low tech solutions to our
computing needs. What we hope you will come away with is an understanding
of the difference between the 'open' and 'closed' model of computing,
how old
computer 'junk' can be put to useful purposes, and how using computers
for everyday home and office tasks need not cost a fortune if you
use free and open source software.
more
on open source computing
how
to book: |
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if you can't open
the booking form, you need Acrobat
Reader - it's free
|
arrive: |
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around
9.30 for a 10am prompt start |
depart: |
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after
the course finishes at 5pm |
directions: |
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click here for
a map and directions to Windmill Hill City Farm |
what
to bring: |
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pen and notebook; packed lunch (if you're not using
the cafe) |
let
us know: |
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if
you have any special needs |
price: |
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£60
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30
admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course |
lunch: |
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bring
a packed lunch or you can get lunch at the cafe |
discounts:
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car
sharing: |
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although
sometimes daunting, working with computers is not rocket science
- you just have to know where to stick the plugs
GNU/Linux:
the penguins are taking over the world!
there are
a lot of junk computers out there waiting to be recycled
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