WEEKLY NEWS
| ||||
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Thank a Linux package manager, get started with open source, and more
Friday, February 21, 2014
The FSF is hiring: Seeking a Boston-area full-time Web Developer
The FSF is hiring: Seeking a Boston-area full-time Web Developer
You can view this post online at https://www.fsf.org/news/the-fsf-is-hiring-seeking-a-boston-area-full-time-web-developer.The Free Software Foundation (FSF), a Boston-based 501(c)(3) charity with a worldwide mission to protect freedoms critical to the computer-using public, seeks a Boston-based individual to be its full-time Web Developer.
This newly created position, reporting to the executive director, will work closely with our sysadmin team to maintain and improve the FSF's Web presence.
The FSF uses several different free software web platforms in the course of its work, both internally and externally. These platforms are critical to work supporting the GNU Project, free software adoption, free media formats, and freedom on the Internet; and opposing bulk surveillance, DRM, software patents, and proprietary software.
We are looking for someone who is primarily interested in keeping these systems up-to-date and working, as well as customizing them when necessary. While the main duties will relate to the backend systems, frontend experience with templates, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and design tools will be a big plus.
The Web Developer will also contribute to decisions about which new platforms to use or which existing ones to retire. The infrastructure of www.fsf.org, shop.fsf.org, and gnu.org will likely be changed this year, so there will be some critically important research and work to be done right away.
We emphasize opportunities to contribute work done at the FSF to the upstream projects we use, to benefit the broader free software community.
This position will primarily work with:
- CiviCRM
- Drupal
- MediaWiki
- Plone / Zope
- Ikiwiki
- Request Tracker
- Django / Satchmo
- Etherpad
- CAS
- GNU social / StatusNet
- GNU MediaGoblin
Because the FSF works globally and seeks to have our materials distributed in as many languages as possible, multilingual candidates will have an advantage. English, German, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Malagasy, and a little Japanese, are represented among current FSF staff.
With our small staff of twelve, each person makes a clear contribution. We work hard, but offer a humane and fun work environment, at an office located in the heart of downtown Boston.
The FSF is a mature but growing organization that provides great potential for advancement; existing staff get the first chance at any new job openings.
Benefits and salary
The job must be worked on-site at FSF's downtown Boston office. An on-site interview will be required with the executive director and other team members.
This job is a union position. The salary is fixed at $50,877. Other benefits include:
- full family health coverage through Blue Cross/Blue Shield's HMO Blue program,
- subsidized dental plan,
- four weeks of paid vacation annually,
- seventeen paid holidays annually,
- public transit commuting cost reimbursement,
- 403(b) program through TIAA-CREF,
- yearly cost-of-living pay increases, and
- potential for an annual performance bonus.
Application instructions
Applications must be submitted via email to hiring@fsf.org. The email must contain the subject line, "Web Developer". A complete application should include:
- resume,
- cover letter, and
- links to any previous work online.
All materials must be in a free format (such as plain text, PDF, or OpenDocument, and not Microsoft Word). Email submissions that do not follow these instructions will probably be overlooked. No phone calls, please.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The FSF is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or application for employment on the basis of race, color, marital status, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law. We value diversity in our workplace.
About the Free Software Foundation
The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users' right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software -- particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants -- and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software, and its Web sites, located at fsf.org and gnu.org, are an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to support the FSF's work can be made at http://donate.fsf.org. Its headquarters are in Boston, MA, USA.
--
Follow us at https://status.fsf.org/fsf | Subscribe to our blogs via RSS at https://fsf.org/blogs/RSS
Join us as an associate member at https://fsf.org/jf
Sent from the Free Software Foundation,
51 Franklin Street
Fifth Floor
Boston, MA 02110-1335
United States
Fifth Floor
Boston, MA 02110-1335
United States
You can unsubscribe to this mailing-list by visiting the link https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=129502&qid=6978766&h=90a57f4ddc5e0479.
To stop all email from the Free Software Foundation, including Defective by Design,
and the Free Software Supporter newsletter, click this link:
https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=129502&qid=6978766&h=90a57f4ddc5e0479.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Treat your data like a supply chain, not a warehouse
 | |
|
| |    |
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Free software fighting back against bulk surveillance
Dear Pascal,
Today the FSF is joining a team of more than thirty organizations to rally against bulk surveillance, in a global event called The Day We Fight Back. Despite their diverse issue areas, each of these organizations recognizes that bulk surveillance is a direct threat to the freedom and security of their supporters and their ability to do work.
The goal of The Day We Fight Back is to create a massive wave of phone calls and emails from citizens to legislatures around the world, demanding an end to bulk government surveillance.
Please click here to contact your government.
In the US legislature, we are asking that lawmakers support the USA Freedom Act, which would give people crucial protections from mass-scale government surveillance. We're also opposing the FISA Amendments Act, which is being billed as reform, but would actually strengthen bulk surveillance.
Citizens of other countries are demanding an end to existing bulk surveillance programs, and demonstrating that they will not tolerate an escalation to the levels of surveillance seen in the US.
The free software movement has a very important role in the battle to push back surveillance. We make the tools that are the gold standard for safeguarding digital privacy. Leaders across the privacy movement point to free programs like GnuPG as key parts of any solution. Operating through your support, the FSF is organizing within the GNU System to spur a redoubling of free software work on privacy tools, and simultaneously developing a guide to make some of these tools more accessible to the general public.
But we also have to remember that free software alone is not enough to bring government surveillance into check. We need a strong, cross-movement effort that includes legislative and cultural change.
So please join thousands of the FSF's followers and followers of the other organizations in this coalition, and head over to the Day We Fight Back Web site to contact your government today.
Zak Rogoff
Campaigns Manager
Free Software Foundation
You can read this post online at https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/free-software-fighting-back-against-bulk-surveillance.
--
Follow us at https://status.fsf.org/fsf | Subscribe to our blogs via RSS at https://fsf.org/blogs/RSS
Join us as an associate member at https://fsf.org/jf
Sent from the Free Software Foundation,
51 Franklin Street
Fifth Floor
Boston, MA 02110-1335
United States
Fifth Floor
Boston, MA 02110-1335
United States
You can unsubscribe to this mailing-list by visiting the link https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=129439&qid=6868723&h=fd0361d449882c5a.
To stop all email from the Free Software Foundation, including Defective by Design,
and the Free Software Supporter newsletter, click this link:
https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=129439&qid=6868723&h=fd0361d449882c5a.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Driving Linux into the mainstream, female open source role models, and more
 | ||||
WEEKLY NEWS
| ||||
| |
We're so excited for 2014!
Hello Pascal,
Every winter, we launch a fundraiser to sustain our work for the coming year. This time, we set out to raise $450,000, our highest goal ever. And because so many of you chipped in, we were able to reach it.
Thank you! We really appreciate it, and we'll be sure to put your hard-earned money to good use. We've got big plans for 2014, including:
Spearheading the free software movement's resistance against the Surveillance-Industrial Complex, recruiting skilled developers to the cause, and developing a guide to help new people get started with free software privacy tools.
Running the biggest, best, and most diverse LibrePlanet conference yet. If you're one of the 388 people that joined as members during the fundraiser, remember that you can attend gratis!
Expanding our work defending GPL-licensed software, bringing on more volunteers to expand capacity. The Licensing & Compliance Team will also add new exciting products to our Respects Your Freedom hardware certification program.
Continuing to nurture the GNU System, so that it can remain a beacon of free software for another thirty years.
Because of your contributions of time, skills, and money, we're ready to make these big goals happen in 2014.
Thanks again from all of us:
Chrissie, Donald, Jasimin, Jeanne, John, Joshua, Libby, Lisa, Nico, William, Zak and, of course, Richard.
P.S. - A special additional thank you to those of you that have embedded our widget on your Web sites and blogs -- you amplify our reach tremendously.
--
Follow us at https://status.fsf.org/fsf | Subscribe to our blogs via RSS at https://fsf.org/blogs/RSS
Join us as an associate member at https://fsf.org/jf
Sent from the Free Software Foundation,
51 Franklin Street
Fifth Floor
Boston, MA 02110-1335
United States
Fifth Floor
Boston, MA 02110-1335
United States
You can unsubscribe to this mailing-list by visiting the link https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=129406&qid=6807541&h=fe60fdb50be60cf9.
To stop all email from the Free Software Foundation, including Defective by Design,
and the Free Software Supporter newsletter, click this link:
https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=129406&qid=6807541&h=fe60fdb50be60cf9.
Friday, February 7, 2014
LulzBot TAZ 3 3D printer now FSF-certified to respect your freedom
LulzBot TAZ 3 3D printer now FSF-certified to respect your freedom
BOSTON, Massachusetts, USA -- Friday, February 7, 2014 -- The Free Software Foundation (FSF) today awarded Respects Your Freedom (RYF) certification to the TAZ 3, the fifth model in the LulzBot line of 3D printers by Aleph Objects, Inc. The RYF certification mark means that the product meets the FSF's standards in regard to users' freedom, control over the product, and privacy.
In October 2012, the LulzBot AO-100 3D printer became the first hardware product to be awarded use of the FSF's RYF certification mark. Since that time, Aleph Objects, Inc. has continued to release new and improved successors to the AO-100 model, including the AO-101, TAZ, TAZ 2, and TAZ 3, each of which have complied with RYF certification mark requirements. The latest model, which can be purchased from http://www.lulzbot.com/products/lulzbot-taz-3-3d-printer, has both hardware and software improvements, including a controller with a graphical LCD interface that allows users to print from an SD card and to perform printer start up, selection, and configuration changes.
"Aleph Objects, Inc. has become a leader in the free software movement, not only in terms of producing hardware products that respect users' freedom, but also in terms of their engagement with and contributions to the free software community each step of the way," said Joshua Gay, FSF licensing & compliance manager.
The software reviewed by Gay as part of the certification for the TAZ 3 printer includes the Marlin firmware for the RAMBo electronics board and ATmega chipset; the Python printing host software suite, which includes Pronterface, Pronsole, and Printcore; and a Slic3r, a program used to convert a digital 3D models into printing instructions.
"Aleph Objects, Inc. is honored to receive RYF certification for our latest 3D printer, the TAZ 3. No organization has greater credibility when it comes to user freedom than the Free Software Foundation, which for nearly thirty years has been prescient about technology issues that threaten user freedom. Our goal is to continue to practice these principles as we develop new technology," said Jeff Moe, president of Aleph Objects, Inc.
In addition to the the LulzBot line of 3D printers, a total of nine products have been awarded use of the RYF certification mark, including: the RAMBo all-in-one 3D printer electronics board used in the LulzBot printers; two USB wireless adapters sold by ThinkPenguin; and the Gluglug X60 laptop.
To learn more about the Respects Your Freedom hardware certification program visit https://www.fsf.org/ryf.
Hardware sellers interested in applying for certification can consult https://www.fsf.org/resources/hw/endorsement/criteria.
About the Free Software Foundation
The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users' right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software -- particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants -- and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software, and its Web sites, located at fsf.org and gnu.org, are an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to support the FSF's work can be made at https://donate.fsf.org. Its headquarters are in Boston, MA, USA.About Aleph Objects, Inc.
Built upon the philosophy of freedom, Aleph Objects, Inc. is transforming the 3D printer industry. Based in Loveland, Colo., they are committed to Libre Hardware, which means their hardware and software will not be locked down, become obsolete, or require licensed upgrades over time. Empowering customers is part of their innovative spirit and LulzBot users are encouraged to be part of the ongoing conversation. Join in and learn more online at http://lulzbot.com.Media Contacts
Joshua GayLicensing & Compliance Manager
Free Software Foundation
+1 (617) 542 5942
licensing@fsf.org
Kristin Golliher
Media Contact, LulzBot/Aleph Objects, Inc.
(970) 449 6870
Kristin.Golliher@wildrockpr.com
www.LulzBot.com
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Anti-Fast Track mobilization to be extended after more than half a million people take action
Anti-Fast Track mobilization to be extended after more than half a million people take action
BOSTON, Massachusetts, USA -- Wednesday, February 5th, 2014 -- Yesterday, a diverse network of organizations opposing Fast Track legislation, including the Free Software Foundation, announced they are extending their ten days of activism following massive and widespread public action. Since its inception on January 22nd, more than a hundred new groups have joined the effort at StopFastTrack.com, including Coalition for a Prosperous America, Ben & Jerry's, SumOfUs, Democracy for America, Friends of the Earth, Namecheap, and CREDO -- adding to an already impressive, and unlikely, list of groups like reddit, Sierra Club, AFL-CIO, MoveOn, LabelGMOs, and Fight for the Future.The campaign has been embraced by more than 120 organizations and coincided with more than fifty rallies and teach-ins across the U.S., Canada and Mexico last week alone. Nearly six hundred thousand people have signed petitions or sent emails to lawmakers, and members of Congress have already received more than forty thousand phone calls from constituents who oppose Fast Track.
"When we launched this effort about ten days ago, we had twenty groups participating -- now we have 120," said Evan Greer, campaign manager at Fight for the Future, the Internet freedom group that helped initiate the StopFastTrack.com effort. "It's time for those in power to read the writing on the wall; people from across the political spectrum overwhelmingly oppose anti-democratic Fast Track legislation, and we won't allow decisions that affect all of us to be made behind closed doors."
See the full list of 120 organizations participating.
See photos from more than fifty protests and events.
Last week a nationwide, bipartisan poll found that voters oppose fast track authority by more than two to one. The poll also found that members of Congress who vote to approve Fast Track -- especially Republicans -- are taking a political risk.
The massive mobilization from Fast Track opponents has clearly made an impact in Washington, with Senate Majority leader Harry Reid coming out in opposition to Fast Track, but organizers caution that the fight is not over. They plan a public petition delivery in the coming weeks to increase pressure on Congress to oppose the Fast Track bill.
"With TPP, special interests are gunning for draconian copyright rules that would entrench Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) and chill the development of the free "as-in-freedom" software we need," said John Sullivan, executive director of the Free Software Foundation, "We're inspired to be part of such a diverse outcry against the Fast Track. It's clear that people see the damage that TPP's restrictions would do to freedom and culture."
"The only way we're going to stop the secret corporate power grab known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership is if we stop Fast Track. That's why we're proud to stand with the scores of other organizations who are engaged in this fight," said Becky Bond, political director of CREDO. "When so many organizations with diverse backgrounds and concerns stand together, it sends a powerful message. If you think the American people will allow Congress to abdicate its responsibility by passing Fast Track, prepare to be disappointed."
Michael Stumo, CEO of the Coalition for a Prosperous America, stated: "Our members oppose giving President Obama even more executive authority through Fast Track. We need a new trade agenda to balance trade and to prevent further outsourcing our sovereignty to international institutions. We will be watching Tea Party caucus members to make sure they do not favor these global government agreements."
David Cascino, CEO of Thunderclap, stated: "Now that people can rapidly organize around social media, phone call campaigns and targeted emails, it's getting increasingly difficult for politicians to make decisions behind closed doors."
Steve Anderson, executive director of OpenMedia.org said: "We know that the TPP will make the Internet more expensive, censored, and policed. That's why hundreds of thousands are speaking out to stop it being rammed through Congress without a debate. It's never been more important to pick up the phone and tell your Member of Congress to stop Fast Tracking a deal that would criminalize your online activity, invade your privacy, and cost you money."
"The breadth of opposition to Fast Tracking the TPP in any form whatsoever shows that the people will not be fooled by rigged corporate trade agreements. The TPP is so bad that it unites people in vehement opposition -- entire cities and towns are already saying that they will not obey laws passed in secret that will harm them. If Congress moves forward on Fast Track, we expect growing resistance that will include disruption of re-election campaigns." said Dr. Margaret Flowers of PopularResistance.org, an outgrowth of the Occupy Movement.
"Rainforest Action Network seeks to challenge corporate power where it undermines the interests of people and planet," said Lindsey Allen, executive director of Rainforest Action Network (RAN)."The TPP is a profit-driven frontal assault on democracy and issues core to RAN's work and in a time where we need every tool necessary to address global climate disruption, it is unacceptable to use an undemocratic shortcut like Fast Track to force through the TPP and usurp the interests of millions."
Communications Workers of America president Larry Cohen said, "Voters across the political spectrum are energized. They know this deal affects everybody - small business, workers, anyone who cares about about the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the jobs we hold. Americans are asking what kind of future do we want? We don't want a trillion-dollar trade deficit. We need to reset our trade policy, so that it works for everyone, not just big corporations."
"The Obama administration's plan to ram two potentially devastating international trade agreements through Congress appears to be slowing down thanks to widespread opposition, but we're not taking any chances," said Ronnie Cummins International director of the Organic Consumers Association. "We must stop trade deals that would weaken U.S. and world food safety standards, threaten domestic and international food sovereignty laws, and allow transnational corporations to sue governments for alleged future lost profits unless the corporations are allowed to freely peddle their unproven, unsafe goods with reckless regard for existing food safety laws."
Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, said, "The widespread interest in "Fast Track" from across the political spectrum is no surprise. It's only more evidence of what America's workers have known for a long time: America's workforce deserves better than warmed over trade deals, which will do nothing to raise wages or reduce our $540 billion trade deficit. The United States is long overdue for an overhaul of its trade priorities and trade practices and that can only happen with an inclusive process that includes all our voices, not just the disproportionate influence of the 1%."
"Fast Track authority takes democratic process away from our elected representatives, striking any discussion or debate on trade agreements in Congress, for example, on the upcoming Trans-Pacific Partnership," says Carleen Pickard, executive director of Global Exchange. "Fast Tracking" such an agreement without substantive discussion about it's impacts is a bad idea".
"Imports increased three times faster than exports since NAFTA took effect, and our trade deficit is devastating to American workers," said Teamsters General president Jim Hoffa. "Congress should read every word of these so-called 'free-trade deals' to make sure they help American families and to get rid of special deals inserted by corporate lobbyists."
Elizabeth Warren, MoveOn National TPP team coordinator said, "MoveOn's TPP team is committed to fighting Fast Track in Congress. While we long for good news, and it is tempting to be reassured by Senator Reid's comments, we need to differentiate between rhetoric and action. His statements could be the opening salvo in a debate over Democratic amendments to the Baucus bill, or he could be setting the stage for an alternate version of Fast Track - traveling under an assumed name - to be sponsored by Ron Wyden, for example. We must remain focused, and continue pressuring House members until a wide majority unequivocally oppose it - on the record - in ANY form."
"Across the country, Sierra Club members and supporters are ready to stand up for responsible trade that doesn't threaten American jobs, our air and water, and our climate," said Michael Brune, Sierra Club executive director. "The Sierra Club strongly opposes fast track. This bill not only undermines our democracy, it puts American families and our future at risk."
Watch and share this LibrePlanet video, plus exhibitor deadline extended!
One of LibrePlanet's major goals is inspiring people to make things and share them with their communities. So we knew 2013's conference was going well when an attendee volunteered to create a video for 2014, using only free software tools.
The video is finished now, ready for you to enjoy and share with your friends.
Like what you see in the video? We want you at LibrePlanet. Click here to register now. Remember, students and FSF members get in gratis!
Are you involved in a free software business or project and wanting to spread the word about your baby? The deadline to apply for an exhibitor table has been extended to today, February 5, 2014. Get your application in today.
I hope to see you at Libreplanet on March 22nd and 23rd in Cambridge, Massachusetts! I can't wait to see the new projects that come out of this year's conference.
Zak Rogoff
Campaigns Manager
You can view this post online at https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/watch-and-share-this-libreplanet-video-and-exhibitor-deadline-extended.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Advice from open source community managers, big projects with tiny chips, and more
WEEKLY NEWS
| ||||
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Free Software Supporter - Issue 70, January 2014
Free Software Supporter
Issue 70, January 2014Welcome to the Free Software Supporter, the Free Software Foundation's monthly news digest and action update -- being read by you and 75,648 other activists. That's 1,528 more than last month!
View this issue online here: https://www.fsf.org/free-software-supporter/2014/january
Encourage your friends to subscribe and help us build an audience by adding our subscriber widget to your web site.
- Subscribe: https://www.fsf.org/free-software-supporter
- Widget: https://www.fsf.org/associate/widget
#
El Free Software Supporter está disponible en español. Para ver la versión en español haz click aqui: https://www.fsf.org/free-software-supporter/2014/eneroPara cambiar las preferencias de usuario y recibir los próximos números del Supporter en castellano, haz click aquí: https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/profile/create?gid=34&reset=1
Pour modifier vos préférences et recevoir les prochains publications du Supporter en français, cliquez ici: https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/profile/create?gid=34&reset=1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- FSF licensing team: Doing even more in 2014
- Speakers and venue announced for FSF's LibrePlanet 2014 -- register today!
- Help the FSF bury Windows 8
- As free software users, we need to speak out against the TPP
- Don't let the MPAA buy the Web
- Coreboot-supported Asus F2A85-M/CSM added to recommended hardware list
- Cambridge, MA City Council adopts resolution to commemorate thirty years of GNU
- Two new ways to get involved in the planning for LibrePlanet 2014
- Interview with Joerg Henrichs of SuperTuxKart
- Setting up your own app store with F-Droid
- Italy puts free software first in public sector
- When free software isn't (practically) better
- GSRC version 2014.0.1.06 released
- Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory
- LibrePlanet featured resource: LibrePlanet ideas
- GNU Spotlight with Karl Berry: 28 new GNU releases!
- GNU Toolchain Update
- Richard Stallman's speaking schedule and other FSF events
- Thank GNUs!
- Take action with the FSF!
FSF licensing team: Doing even more in 2014
From January 30thThe free software movement was born out of a response to a rising tide of restrictions being placed on users via contracts and non-disclosure agreements. Whether it is enforcing the terms of the license, educating the public about their rights to use and share software, or promoting software and devices that respect users, the FSF's Licensing and Compliance Lab works hard to keep the GPL's promise and make sure it is shared as widely as possible.
Speakers and venue announced for FSF's LibrePlanet 2014 -- register today!
From January 23rdThis year, LibrePlanet will be held at MIT in Cambridge, MA, and will feature nearly 30 sessions centered around the theme, "free software, free society." Register today to reserve your spot at the conference and to learn more about the amazing keynotes by Sue Gardner, Eben Moglen, Karen Sandler, and Richard Stallman.
Help the FSF bury Windows 8
From January 28thThe widely-accepted failure of Windows 8 provides a critical moment for the free software movement.
As free software users, we need to speak out against the TPP
From January 29thLobbyists and officials from twelve countries, including the US, are currently bickering over the details of this massive international "free trade" treaty. They are creating the TPP to strongly promote Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) and enforce draconian copyright law, which will hinder free software development.
Don't let the MPAA buy the Web
From January 17thTogether, W3C, the MPAA, and a handful of the world's most powerful Web companies are preparing to build Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) deep into our public Web standards. We must stop them.
Coreboot-supported Asus F2A85-M/CSM added to recommended hardware list
From January 2ndThe FSF has updated its list of Recommended Complete Systems to include the Asus F2A85-M/CSM.
Cambridge, MA City Council adopts resolution to commemorate thirty years of GNU
From January 7thThis past September, the GNU System celebrated thirty years of fighting for software freedom with a celebratory hackathon at MIT. To commemorate this occasion, the Cambridge City Council issued a statement in support of GNU and software freedom.
Two new ways to get involved in the planning for LibrePlanet 2014
From January 21stLibrePlanet is only two months away and we need your help drumming up interest and reaching out to communities you would like to see attend.
Interview with Joerg Henrichs of SuperTuxKart
From January 30thThis is the latest installment of our Licensing and Compliance Lab's series on free software developers who choose GNU licenses for their works.
Setting up your own app store with F-Droid
By the Guardian Project, from November 5thF-Droid is a repository of free software for Android and Replicant devices. Like the package management systems of many mainstream GNU/Linux distributions, like Trisquel, F-Droid helps users add third-party repositories.
Italy puts free software first in public sector
By FSF Europe, from January 14thThe Italian government has made free software the default choice for public administrations. In a document published last Wednesday, the Italian Digital Agency issued rules saying that all government organisations in the country must consider using free software before buying licenses for proprietary programs.
When free software isn't (practically) better
By Benjamin Mako Hill, from December 31stIn a video from LibrePlanet 2013, a FSF board member Benjamin Mako Hill talks about the importance of sticking with free software even when it is not practically better.
GSRC version 2014.0.1.06 released
By Brandon Invergo, from January 6thVersion 2014.01.06 of GSRC, the GNU Source Release Collection, has been released. GSRC is a convenient means to fetch, build and install the latest GNU software from source via a BSD Ports-like system.
Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software Directory
From January 29thTens of thousands of people visit directory.fsf.org each month to discover free software. Each entry in the Directory contains a wealth of useful information, from basic category and descriptions to version control, IRC channels, documentation, and licensing. The Free Software Directory has been a great resource to software users over the past decade, but it needs your help staying up-to-date with new and exciting free software projects.
To help, join our weekly IRC meetings on Fridays. Meetings take place in the #fsf channel on irc.gnu.org, and usually include a handful of regulars as well as newcomers. Everyone's welcome.
The next meeting is Friday, January 31 from 2PM to 5PM EST (19:00 to 22:00 UTC). Details here:
After this meeting, you can check https://www.fsf.org/events to see the rest of February's weekly meetings as they are scheduled.
LibrePlanet featured resource: LibrePlanet ideas
Every month on LibrePlanet, we highlight one resource that is interesting and useful -- often one that could use your help.For this month, our highlighted resource is a bit "meta." The LibrePlanet ideas page collects ideas about expanding LibrePlanet and its community.You are invited to adopt, spread, and improve this important resource.
Do you have a suggestion for next month's featured resource? Let us know at campaigns@fsf.org.
GNU Spotlight with Karl Berry: 28 new GNU releases!
28 new GNU releases in the last month (as of January 26, 2014):- apl-1.2
- ccd2cue-0.3
- ccrtp-2.0.7
- cgicc-3.2.12
- gdbm-1.11
- gettext-0.18.3.2
- global-6.2.10
- gnu-cobol-1.1
- gnu-pw-mgr-1.1
- gnun-0.8
- gnunet-0.10.0
- gnushogi-1.4.1
- grep-2.16
- gsrc-2014.01.06
- inetutils-1.9.2
- libosip2-4.1.0
- lightning-2.0.3
- liquidwar6-0.2.3551
- mpc-1.0.2
- octave-3.8.0
- parallel-20140122
- pspp-0.8.2
- rpge-0.0.3
- sipwitch-1.8.7
- ucommon-6.1.0
- vera-1.21a
- wget-1.15
- xboard-4.7.3
This month, a belated welcome to Bruno Felix Rezende Ribeiro as the author and maintainer of GNU ccd2cue, which has already seen several releases. We also welcome Jerome Benoit as the author and maintainer of his new GNU package mpria, and Sebastien Diaz as the new maintainer of dap and for reviving GNU rpge. Thanks to all.
A number of GNU packages, as well as the GNU operating system as a whole, are looking for maintainers and other assistance. Please see https://www.gnu.org/server/takeaction.html#unmaint if you'd like to help. The general page on how to help GNU is at https://www.gnu.org/help/help.html. To submit new packages to the GNU operating system, see https://www.gnu.org/help/evaluation.html.
As always, please feel free to write to me, karl@gnu.org, with any GNUish questions or suggestions for future installments.
GNU Toolchain update
From January 27thThe GNU toolchain refers to the part of the GNU system which is used for building programs. These components of GNU are together often on other systems and for compiling programs for other platforms.
This month features updates to GCC and binutils.
Richard Stallman's speaking schedule
For event details, as well as to sign-up to be notified for future events in your area, please visit https://www.fsf.org/events.So far, Richard Stallman has the following events in February:
- Feb 10, 2014, Helsinki, Finland, "The path to digital freedom"
- Feb 11, 2014, Helsinki, Finland, "Richard Stallman to speak in Helsinki, Finland"
- Feb 20, 2014, New York, NY, "A Free Digital Society"
Other FSF and free software events
- Feb 01, 2014, Brussels, Belgium, "John Sullivan at FOSDEM - panel: 'legal and technical issues of safety critical devices'"
- Feb 01, 2014, Brussels, Belgium, "John Sullivan at FOSDEM - JavaScript: if you love it, set it free"
- Feb 10, 2014, Fairfield, CT, "John Sullivan - the future is open – or is it?"
Thank GNUs!
We appreciate everyone who donates to the Free Software Foundation, but we'd like to give special recognition to the folks who have donated $500 or more in the last month.This month, a big Thank GNU to:
- Chris Cunningham
- Lawrence Lessig
- Nathan Boy
- Aaron Culliney
- Anthony J. Stieber
- Denis López
- Daniel Dehennin
- Orlando
- Damian Kokot
- Paul Eggert
- iFixit
- Neil Gower
- MeansofInquiry.org
- Michael Dorrington
- Matt Kraai
- Oleg Lyubimov
- Dennis W. Tokarski
- Tyng-Ruey Chuang
- Eric Brown
- Jean-Baptiste Giraudeau
- Michael Yang
- Craigslist Fund
- Stanley Yamane
- Terence O'Gorman
- Douglas Hauge
- Gary Steinmetz
- Joseph Fields
- Eric Brown
- Robert Peters
- Aaron Symko
- Deke Clinger
- Ovidiu Predescu
- Lars Thon
- Detlef Girke
- Andreas Berg
- Creative Commons
- Gandi US, Inc.
- Dmitriy Korolev
- Tim Oertel
- Huang Ming Nan
- Cristian & Andreea Francu
- René Genz
- Pär Smårs
Take action with the FSF
Contributions from thousands of individual members enable the FSF's work. You can contribute by joining at https://www.fsf.org/join. If you're already a member, you can help refer new members (and earn some rewards) by adding a line with your member number to your email signature like:I'm an FSF member -- Help us support software freedom! https://www.fsf.org/jf?referrer=2442
The FSF is also always looking for volunteers (https://www.fsf.org/volunteer). From rabble-rousing to hacking, from issue coordination to envelope stuffing -- there's something here for everybody to do. Also, head over to our campaign section (https://www.fsf.org/campaigns) and take action on software patents, DRM, free software adoption, OpenDocument, RIAA and more.
#
Copyright © 2014 Free Software Foundation, Inc.This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)