Linux & OpenSource

Here at Uhurunet, we see ourselves as Linux advocates, and try the best we can to promote Linux use in Tanzania by:

• Providing a forum for people to share their personal Linux experiences, whatever they may be. Everyone knows that any software has bugs and limitations. Therefore,  if we only have glowing comments about Linux, we are not honest, which is why I insist on telling people how they may have to reboot four times (three scheduled), in three years!
• Helping potential users who may be experiencing problems with Linux, by  providing pointers to appropriate information (Web pages, magazine articles, books, consultants, etc), and leading them towards the successful use of Linux.
• Encouraging people to start using Linux, and making a follow-up to ensure that they are able to use their systems effectively.
• Ensuring that users are aware of the availability of graphical applications such as the Gimp, and where possible, providing such software on CD.  Some people still believe that Linux and similar systems operate only in text-mode
• Trying to respond to one ``newbie'' posting each week, seeking out the tough questions, and responding where possible. Where we do not have the answers, we guide people towards the right direction.
• Seeking out small software development firms and offering to make presentations about Linux.
• Always considering the viewpoints of the person to whom we are ``selling'' Linux. Support, reliability, inter-operability and cost are all factors that a decision-maker must consider. In all the above considerations, cost is often the least important portion of the equation.
• Endeavoring to report to Linux International ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and similar organizations, our successful efforts of promoting Linux in Tanzania.
• Providing Linux CD-ROMs and books (in collaboration with Eureka Media).

Understandably, availability of support is often a matter of concern when considering the adoption of Linux. While companies such as Caldera, Cygnus Solutions, Red Hat, and S.u.S.E. offer support for some or all components of a typical Linux distribution, Uhurunet will offer commercial Linux related support. However, we must point out that the production of open-source software takes place in an environment of open collaboration between system architects, programmers, writers, alpha/beta testers and end users, which often results in well documented, robust products, such as Apache, GNU Emacs, Perl and the Linux kernel.

If you are available to make Linux presentations, please let us know, because we will work better as a team

We would also appreciate help and collaboration in:

• writing documentation
• creating artwork
• providing management skills
• suggesting innovations/enhancements
• providing technical support
• contributing software
• donating equipment
• providing financial support.

Our Linux/OpenSource advocacy and community support activities will be managed by our partner organization Jiji.  Please visit their website for more information