Greetings freedom lovers, it is that time of the month again where we get together to discuss all things digital freedom. What you love and what you worry about, all views are welcome.
This month it to be started with a small talk following by discussion of the topic; “What is Free Software and Why is it important. (or what’s wrong with proprietary software anyway? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ )”
Societies across the globe rely on computers, phones and data networks for communication, trade, collaboration, and entertainment. The software (applications) that runs on computers, servers and phones allow users to email, write letters, record movies, play songs, conduct business, order items from around the world and keep in
touch with friends (to name just a few).
The software that we use everyday was created by companies, collaborative efforts or individuals from across the world. Many of the applications we use are proprietary software that the user cannot easily or legally change, copy or study. Even though we usually pay for the proprietary software we use, we don’t have full control of it, it has control over what we can do.
Hence, there has been a movement to use Free Software that explicitly allows the user to copy, study, modify and run the software we use. So that the user has control over what their computer, phone or other devices can or cannot do.
This talk will explain in non-technical language what is "Free Software" and why is it important for society? It will be a general discussion suitable for anyone in the community (i.e. non-geeks, non-gurus and non-nerds are all very welcome).
Further, we will discuss how the Free Software Melbourne can help promote the awareness and use of Free Software by anyone who users a computer or smart device.
After the discussion there will be the usual Gnews for the month... it's not pleasant this month but we will keep you up to date with everything Free Software. However chins up, we will keep fighting for freedom.
Doors open at 6pm with the main event starting at 6:30pm and dinner to follow in North Melbourne at 8pm.
So bring yourself or bring a friend. All are welcome as this is a non-technical event.
Thursday 20th July, 6:30-8:30pm
Electron Workshop - 31 Arden St, North Melbourne, Victoria, 3051
Map: http://osm.org/go/uG4HWyqEz?m=&node=2556615434
Travel tips by Electron Workshop: http://www.electronworkshop.com.au/map/
Running late or can't find us? Call 0419 390 496
Hey Free Software Hackers,
The big item on the agenda at the working group this month is converting the current hackathon pamphlet material into a talk and some accompanying notes for the speaker to fall back on
GovHack is just around the corner so we'd better get cracking. We're also keen to hear from any volunteers who want to present the material at GovHack or form our own FSM GovHack team
Join us at The Leveson at 6:30 on Thursday the 6th of July, where we'll prepare the content that goes to GovHack and enjoy some tasty food and beverage. Feel free to drop any suggestions in the FSM Riot channel too #freesoftwaremelb:matrix.zammit.org
See you there.
Thursday 6th July, 6:30-8:00pm
Location: The Leveson (46 Leveson St, North Melbourne)
Having trouble finding us? Call 0419 390 496
corporate.pressinquiry@amd.com To Dr. Lisa Su (President and Chief Executive Officer AMD)
Hey Freedom Fans,
This month at Free Software Melbourne we're going to be talking AMD, Installfests and the rising importance of privacy and security in modern life.
We'll kick things off at 6:30pm by having a read through the final draft of the AMD submission (and quickly fixing any typos we find) before preparing to send it to AMD and publish it on our website.
We're also going to discuss what we might need to do to run an installfest as part of a FSM event later in the year. We'll take a look at the documentation available and consider a few case studies of installfests. We'll discuss what kind of approach we might take and what the important factors to consider are. If time allows we might also run through the process in some virtual manner. We're also super lucky to have Linux Users Victoria run a Debian 9 launch party on Saturday the 17th (just two days later) that will probably involve an installfest so if you've ever wanted to run or participate in an installfest then this is your month.
We'll then have our regular Gnews segment hosted by Tatiana this month. I've been warned that we'll be focusing heavily on the current security and privacy issues that have been becoming ever more prevalent in these troubled times. What role can Free and Open Software play in this emerging landscape and how is this being reported in the wild? What can we do to make progress and better communicate the message of FOSS? So if you were hoping for more of Ben rattling off release dates then I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed.
As usual we plan to finish up about 8:30pm and head down to Errol st for continued conversation and tasty cuisine.
See you all there!
Thursday 15th June, 6:30-8:30pm
Electron Workshop - 31 Arden St, North Melbourne, Victoria, 3051
Map: http://osm.org/go/uG4HWyqEz?m=&node=2556615434
Travel tips by Electron Workshop: http://www.electronworkshop.com.au/map/
Running late or can't find us? Call 0419 390 496
Hi again Freedom Fighters,
Time to turn up the heat on AMD and put our names along side the EFA, LibreBoot and others in saying we want control over our devices and not the other way around. We'll look over the current draft and make improvements along the lines suggested in a meeting earlier this year. The current draft can be found here: http://freesoftware.org.au/wiki/AMDLetter
When we're happy with it we'll circulate it around the group for any further feedback before publishing and sending it to AMD
Join us at The Leveson (46 Leveson St, North Melbourne) where we'll try out a working group over dinner (or drinks if you prefer). Don't forget to bring devices to work from and we'll bring a hotspot to use
See you there