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<font face="DejaVu Sans">Hi all,<br>
Once again a big big thank you for putting me on to ebuyers. I
bought an HP Laptop with Ubuntu pre-installed for a very
reasonable price. I'm well satisfied.<br>
<br>
Now to business. I have signed on as a volunteer (Time2Give) to
the Kent Libraries in the role of IT-Buddy. I'll be doing my
"buddying" at the libraries at Margate and Westgate. In addition
I'll also be leading a group on the theme of "computer learning
for the retired" which will meet monthly starting in October. I
went to Margate Library yesterday to do my IT-buddying but hadn't
been warned that all the computers would be down for this week.
Why? To prepare for the installation of new software to replace
the outdated XP setup.<br>
<br>
I enquired about the new software and learned to my shock that
they are not using free software but rather "upgrading" to Windows
7. Why someone would buy proprietary software of extremely poor
quality, when free software (free as in freedom) is available at
no cost, eludes me. All over Europe cities are moving to replace
proprietary software with free software. I was pleased to learn
that the city of Udine in Italy, a city with which I have a strong
emotional attachment -- that's where I had my aortic valve
transplant operation -- is going the free software route.<br>
<br>
I would like to pursue this issue with the relevant authorities
and so I would like to tap your collective brains.<br>
1. Can anyone fill me in with the background of this decision?<br>
2. Has their been any justification for this decision that is
available to the public?<br>
3. Who is responsible for this decision and how can they be
contacted.<br>
4. Is the any other advice from KLUG members about who I can
contact or what I can do?<br>
<br>
Thanks in advance for all your help.<br>
<br>
Jonathan </font><br>
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