SnøfrixEnkel Linux på CD

astri@snofrix.orgconrad@snofrix.orgsnofrid@snofrix.org

Outline of Talk

● Introduction to Free Software● Introduction to Snøfrix

Practical Advantagesof Free Software

● Zero barrier to entry● Cost of development is low● Speed of development is high

● Best possible quality control

GNU General Public License (GPL)

● Freedom to use● Freedom to study (open source)● Freedom to copy/distribute● Freedom to modify (*)

Open Standards

. . . permit programs to communicate

Examples: html, mail

??

??

The alternative is blocked communication

Example: .doc

Famous Developers of Free Software

● Richard Stallman● (1985) Free Software

Foundation

● Linus Torvalds● (1991) Linux Kernel

The Free Software Economic Modelor Who will pay?

● Software Makers

● Hardware MaKers

● Communications Industry

● Government

Software MakersEconomic Model: Dual License

● GPL for non-commercial users● Commercial License for businesses

whose product includes a mixture of commercial / non-commercial software

● Examples: MySQL, Trolltech

Hardware maKersEconomic Model: IBM, pre-1980

● Free software

● Sell hardware + services● Examples: IBM, Skolelinux, all makers of

computers / mobiles / handheld devices

Communications IndustryEconomic model: Mobile Phones

● Free software + hardware● Sell services

GovernmentEconomic model: Scientific Research

● Complement commercial activities● Decisions based on peer review● Results openly available (GPL)

Hints for Government

● Educate yourself!● INSIST on Open Standards● Prefer Free Software (GPL)● Get actively involved!

Snøfrix,a Linux Live CD

What is aLinux Live CD?

● Complete Computer System on CD● Includes 2000 MB of software● Does not touch the hard disk● A safe way to try Linux / Free Software

Technical Requirements

● Intel x86 CPU (IBM compatible)● 128 MB RAM (Memory)● in short, Everyone except

Apple!

Snøfrix Design Principles

● Best possible hardware recognition

● Best available free software● Easy to use● Nice looking

Favorite Programs● OpenOffice.org (Office Suite), Scribus (Desktop Publishing)

● Mozilla Firefox (WWW), GAIM (Instant Messaging)

● Kmail/Kontact (Mail/Contacts/Calendar)

● Digikam (Digital Camera), the GIMP (Image Editor)

● Amarok, XMMS (Audio Players), Audacity (Audio Editor)

● Xine (Video Player), Kino (Video Editor)

● K3b (CD/DVD burner)

● TuxPaint, Gcompris (Childrens' Programs)

● Freeciv, Frozen-Bubble, Pingus, Tux Racer (Games)

● Kstars, Celestia (Universe), Kig, Maxima (Mathematics)

Typical Problems

● Problem: computer will not start from CD● Hint: make sure you restart the computer● Solution #1: create a boot diskette!● Solution #2: press F12 when the computer starts,

choose CD from the menu

Typical problems forNewer computers

● Problem: Linux may lack support for the latest hardware, especially newer laptops

● Solution: start Snøfrix with the failsafe option if this fails, you will have to wait . . .