[Klug-general] Introduction

[Nathan Friend]

Welcome Philip.  Some programs I didn't know about mentioned in your
e-mail.

You should talk to Glen, he's putting together an OpenSource workshop
http://mailman.lug.org.uk/pipermail/kent/2013-April/009993.html

Nathan.

On Fri, Sep 19, 2014 at 6:36 AM, Philip Baker <p_w_baker at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

> Hello
>
> I was thinking of moving from another county to Herne Bay and joined the
> mailing list to see what the Kent LUG was up to.
>
> Having been a Linux user for some years I settled on Debian after v4
> mostly because of the ease of installation and all the packages available
> on the DVDs.
>
> For some time my interest has focused on how Linux and all the free
> software available out there can benefit those on hard times, those who
> want to start a small business, improve their knowledge, etc.
>
> There are various ways individuals and self-help groups can legally
> acquire computers free, install Linux and take advantage of the excellent
> free applications and utilities: provided they know they exist.
>
> To get a feel for it I have evaluated different programs incuding:
>
> Librecad (QCad earlier) which may be used by those involved with landscape
> gardening, loft conversions, conservatories, engineering, etc, etc;
>
> Open Source Point Of Sale (OSPOS) designed for shop checkouts but useful
> for many types of small business and societies (even shows the figures
> useful for quarterly VAT returns);
>
> GnuCash for double entry book-keeping and accounting or personal finances;
>
> Open Molar designed as a dental practice management program by a dentist
> for dentists, using a PostgreSQL database;
>
> Various barcode generators for use by just about anyone, including logging
> in with a user ID and password;
>
> GIMP which is superb and generally underrated;
>
> Handbrake;
>
> Frostwire P2P;
>
> Desktop publishing in four colour press-ready format with embedded fonts;
>
> Audacity for sound editing and file conversion;
>
> All the IDE offerings for programmers and the built in compilers and
> editors;
>
> Xvidcap for screen recording
>
> The Libre Office suite
>
> ...and many others.
>
> One challenge was to check out commercial programs designed for various
> businesses using other operating systems, list the features, then see if
> there was a Linux equivalent or if the tasks could be handled at no
> software cost. Apart from some exceptions such as "It must be AutoCad" it
> was achievable. Example busineses were a used car firm using the VAT Margin
> Scheme, an optometry practice, a mobility shop which also installed
> stairlifts, a social club, a community centre.
>
> With a bit of guidance a job seeker can do an awful lot to improve their
> chances at interview by using free software. For example, someone who can't
> spell too well can use one of a number of programs, some designed for
> children, to help them along. Similarly with touch typing.
>
> Someone applying for a supermarket checkout job but with no experience can
> learn a lot about the process from a program such as OSPOS, gain
> confidence, and up their chances at interview no end.
>
> The OSPOS program is also an excellent educational game for children. If a
> parent bought a twenty quid CCD barcode reader and installed the program
> their child can scan a variety of household products, learn a bit of simple
> terminology, and learn how to handle change.
>
> One of the delightfully useful fetaures I use a lot is Prt Scrn. In the
> current Debian release I use Gnome classic and often press the  button to
> get a snapshot. Very helpful for online applications such as purchases,
> banking, e-mails, etc. It saves the images in the Pictures folder and they
> can be renamed later. Legal cases can be won with such simple backups as
> that.
>
> There is great opportunity there with Linux but too few people know about
> it.
>
> The best way we can honour the efforts of the developers is to use their
> products.
>
>
> Philip Baker
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Kent mailing list
> Kent at mailman.lug.org.uk
> https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/kent
>
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