As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into needless open vs closed source fighting. ​In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue!  ​  ​  — On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote:

@Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future. Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot because... If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense. IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our government, does not, all factors considered. On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote:

...

So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$.

Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after?

Regards

-- ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago. @Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the licenses windfall, as a valued partner. @Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators. Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world countries? On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com> wrote:

But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this deal entail. Free OS?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga <conradakunga@gmail.com>wrote:

...

As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into needless open vs closed source fighting.

In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

@Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future.

Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot because...

If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense.

IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our government, does not, all factors considered.

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com>wrote:

...

So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$.

Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after?

Regards

-- ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- *---------------------------------------------------- Kind Regards, Evans Ikua,* lanetconsulting.com, lpi-eastafrica.org, ict-innovation.fossfa.net, Skype: @ikuae Cell: +254-722-955831

My take: If Ms supplies OS, who will supply hardware? If they go with the OLPC model laptop that runs on 'sugar' then may be MS will be lost. The Govt might still be keen on multiplatform,although that remains to be seen. The curious kids in school will be curious enough to try other platform after school. Remember during B/Ed classes where we were taught the different means of raising capital to start a business,namely borrowing from family & friends? Who has ever gotten funds that way? Not many. They will go out of their way to find other things. My kid daughter has PS2,3 PSP..but she still wants to play computer games & mobile games (esp the intelligent ones like 'dragon story' and temple run which I can't even understand how to play other than the logic behind them). The kids we're raising are too sharp to be dependent on one thing. Skunkers need to look at ways of benefiting & not always trying to prove a point. I would want to know how I can be among the 5 enterprises per county to be supported by MS. The rest we leave to God or another president with another vision after 2030, which might be linux led. Note: that's my opinion Simon Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> Sender: skunkworks-bounces@lists.my.co.ke Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2013 19:56:17 To: Skunkworks Mailing List<skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> Reply-To: Skunkworks Mailing List <skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke> Subject: Re: [Skunkworks] Kenyatta secures Microsoft support for computers Thank you Evans. At least there are those who see the bigger picture, the Elephant in the room. The government will give our kids windows dope, then when they are sysadmins, which platforms will they recommend to their companies? What will that do to our balance of trade? What would be the cumulative cost after say 10years? 50years? Only beggars understand "anything goes" On 04/06/2013, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com> wrote:

Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago.

@Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the licenses windfall, as a valued partner.

@Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators.

Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world countries?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com> wrote:

...

But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this deal entail. Free OS?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga <conradakunga@gmail.com>wrote:

...

As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into needless open vs closed source fighting.

In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

@Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future.

Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot because...

If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense.

IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our government, does not, all factors considered.

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com>wrote:

...

So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$.

Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after?

Regards

-- ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- *---------------------------------------------------- Kind Regards, Evans Ikua,* lanetconsulting.com, lpi-eastafrica.org, ict-innovation.fossfa.net, Skype: @ikuae Cell: +254-722-955831

-- ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh kenya.or.ke | The Kenya we know _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://orion.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------ Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

Two things; 1.0 The argument about open source vs proprietary software is invalid! We are moving further and further away from that point where the O.S mattered to a point where all you need is a SERVICE - think being able to create a document regardless of whichever software you are using or hosting your website on whichever server as long as people can access it! 2.0 I think getting proprietary software at a lower cost(or free) will actually be good for our next generation! Reason with me; Once we have the proprietary software, we can always download the FOSS alternatives and use them as well! Therefore, we get the best of both worlds! I personally started on a Apple machine(the very old ones) in lower primary, then Windows later on in my education and yet my job right now entails using enterprise Linux servers for 70% of my time! How about that? On 4 June 2013 22:20, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote:

Micro$oft will continue to laugh all the way to the bank, as we debate merits of what platform to adopt. Anybody ever heard of Economic Hit Men (EHM)! I can assure you, we have been hit.

Let's not forget that M$ is not evil. They are just trying as hard as everybody else to remain relevant in the hard economic times, and pay their shareholders. But should we do it with our blood?

How many new computers are sold with proprietary M$ software in Kenya? How much of that hard earned capital could go into better use? Why have established and developed economies seen the need to move from propietary software to FOSS, to the extend of legislating in parliament?

How comes the Open Source community was caught napping? How was M$ able to pull the carpet under them?

Probably somebody with a bigger platform like Mr. Walubengo can write a blog where a bigger audience will be able to access the merits and de-merits of the government position to partner with Micro$oft.

The question I ask myself is, "If I was paying for software license with my money, which direction would I take"?

Have you ever tried to change a company who's employees were weaned with M$ and ICDL to FOSS? You will see Organisational behavour resistance to change at it's best.

Remember "The foundation of a strong economy don't rest alone on the decision of Chancellors or the spending programs of government" - George Osborne _____________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh kenya.or.ke | The Kenya we know _______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Kind Regards, Moses M.G.

@Evans - there is no need to politicize this matter. ​If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem you have with that. Zero cost to the taxpayer. Lots of options. I'm very sure you are aware there is plenty of Open Source software for windows. I said virtualization is a good thing. I refuse to subscribe to the view that I am free to choose as long as my choice is the same as yours. Kids being exposed to Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS is a good thing.  ​  In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from formatting the machines and installing an OS of this choice. Windows is not like a building. It can be removed instantaneously. ​  ​There is nothing wrong with commercial companies capitalizing on opportunities. How come nobody complains when Huawei, Nokia, General Motors, Siemens etc set up shop here to scratch our itches? Let us be practical. Not everyone must be an NGO. Making money is not unethical! ​It is also disingenuous to attribute children dying in hospitals  to Office Licenses. ​Bill Gates's riches are not relevant to this discussion. Why didn't you mention Mark Shuttleworth, Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al as well? They're billionaire off open source software. Why are they saints?  ​Guys. Let us not lose the forest for the trees. What software (or lack thereof) is a non issue compared to the larger problem of the sustainability of the laptop program as a whole.  If there is no power it doesn't matter what OS the software boots into!    — On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com> wrote:

Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago. @Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the licenses windfall, as a valued partner. @Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators. Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world countries? On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com> wrote:

...

But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this deal entail. Free OS?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga <conradakunga@gmail.com>wrote:

...

As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into needless open vs closed source fighting.

In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

@Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future.

Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot because...

If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense.

IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our government, does not, all factors considered.

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com>wrote:

...

So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$.

Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after?

Regards

-- ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- *---------------------------------------------------- Kind Regards, Evans Ikua,* lanetconsulting.com, lpi-eastafrica.org, ict-innovation.fossfa.net, Skype: @ikuae Cell: +254-722-955831

I agree with James, I think that there is room for everyone in the industry, Microsoft, Google, Apple, IBM, Oracle, Github, FB, Twitter, etc. My reason is this. I got to learn how to use computers in the early 2000s. That was *after* I had completed my high school education before joining public university. All this happened on the Windows platform and I am very glad for that. I had ***null*** idea any other alternative(s) in existence in the form of operating systems. Of course many GNU / Linux distros were present then but how simple would they have been for a complete beginner to install and use? I bet it would only take an elite in computing those days to do that, and by an elite I refer to someone who is very (O.k, maybe almost) comfortable with the building and compilation of the Linux kernel directly from its sources. Of course I had seen Macintosh and Linux in use as "black screens" in movies and all, that was just not my world then and it made no sense. Did I get to know how machines basically worked? Yes! Did that open avenues for learning other skills in the same filed? Yes! To an extent, I think this is what matters most. People will get to make other choices if and when the need arises. Like if you need to install something on the server and need it to be very stable, fast and reliable at the same time, you will sooner or later bump into a UNIX-like operating system. The same applies if you need some very "slim software" to run on an embedded device. In any case, if someone wants to make some cash along the way let them do it. It is a free market economy after all. Martin. On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 1:49 AM, James Nzomo <kazikubwa@gmail.com> wrote:

There needs to be a balance of industry players and technologies, (FOSS and Proprietary) to push this education system upgrade in the right direction.

It would be very bad for the next gen population if things are left as is with M$ being the major player in this effort. * * Commercial entities will always strive to have their business interests being given priority over The Quality of Education of our Next-Gen population...IF THEY ENJOY MONOPOLY. * * *We need COMPETITION*....... to ensure maximum value from our "scarce" resources. *We need Input/Contribution* from as many industry players as possible......GOOGLE, IBM et all...and yes even M$. * * By the way....why are local tech organizations seemingly missing out on all this action? * *

_______________________________________________

*“Java is to JavaScript what Car is to Carpet.”* _______________________________________________ *

*

2013/6/4 Conrad Akunga <conradakunga@gmail.com>

...

@Evans - there is no need to politicize this matter.

If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem you have with that. Zero cost to the taxpayer. Lots of options. I'm very sure you are aware there is plenty of Open Source software for windows.

I said virtualization is a good thing. I refuse to subscribe to the view that I am free to choose as long as my choice is the same as yours. Kids being exposed to Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS is a good thing.

In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from formatting the machines and installing an OS of this choice. Windows is not like a building. It can be removed instantaneously.

There is nothing wrong with commercial companies capitalizing on opportunities. How come nobody complains when Huawei, Nokia, General Motors, Siemens etc set up shop here to scratch our itches? Let us be practical. Not everyone must be an NGO. Making money is not unethical!

It is also disingenuous to attribute children dying in hospitals to Office Licenses.

Bill Gates's riches are not relevant to this discussion. Why didn't you mention Mark Shuttleworth, Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al as well? They're billionaire off open source software. Why are they saints?

Guys. Let us not lose the forest for the trees. What software (or lack thereof) is a non issue compared to the larger problem of the sustainability of the laptop program as a whole.

If there is no power it doesn't matter what OS the software boots into!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago.

@Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the licenses windfall, as a valued partner.

@Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators.

Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world countries?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com> wrote:

...

But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this deal entail. Free OS?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga <conradakunga@gmail.com>wrote:

...

As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into needless open vs closed source fighting.

In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com>wrote:

...

@Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future.

Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot because...

If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense.

IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our government, does not, all factors considered.

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com>wrote:

> So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the > mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more > with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$. > > Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface Witaba > see to it that FOSS interested is looked after? > > Regards > > > -- > ______________________ > Mwendwa Kivuva > twitter.com/lordmwesh > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke >

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- *---------------------------------------------------- Kind Regards, Evans Ikua,* lanetconsulting.com, lpi-eastafrica.org, ict-innovation.fossfa.net, Skype: @ikuae Cell: +254-722-955831

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

RE:If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem.... The first dose of the dope <snip> Microsoft is set to earn billions of shillings from supply of software for the free laptop plan after it signed a deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta to support the school-based computer idea. </snip> Second dose <snip> Microsoft will supply the software at discounted rates to support the project,” Bitange Ndemo, </snip> The annual dose "for the rest of your life" <snip> Microsoft is expected earn to annual fees from each computer that will be attached with its software, which is expected to run into hundreds of millions based on analyst’s estimation </snip> ./bernard On Jun 4, 2013 10:56 PM, "Conrad Akunga" <conradakunga@gmail.com> wrote:

@Evans - there is no need to politicize this matter.

​If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem you have with that. Zero cost to the taxpayer. Lots of options. I'm very sure you are aware there is plenty of Open Source software for windows.

I said virtualization is a good thing. I refuse to subscribe to the view that I am free to choose as long as my choice is the same as yours. Kids being exposed to Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS is a good thing. ​ In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from formatting the machines and installing an OS of this choice. Windows is not like a building. It can be removed instantaneously. ​ ​There is nothing wrong with commercial companies capitalizing on opportunities. How come nobody complains when Huawei, Nokia, General Motors, Siemens etc set up shop here to scratch our itches? Let us be practical. Not everyone must be an NGO. Making money is not unethical!

​It is also disingenuous to attribute children dying in hospitals to Office Licenses.

​Bill Gates's riches are not relevant to this discussion. Why didn't you mention Mark Shuttleworth, Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al as well? They're billionaire off open source software. Why are they saints?

​Guys. Let us not lose the forest for the trees. What software (or lack thereof) is a non issue compared to the larger problem of the sustainability of the laptop program as a whole.

If there is no power it doesn't matter what OS the software boots into!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago.

@Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the licenses windfall, as a valued partner.

@Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators.

Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world countries?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com> wrote:

...

But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this deal entail. Free OS?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga <conradakunga@gmail.com>wrote:

...

As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into needless open vs closed source fighting.

In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com>wrote:

...

@Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future.

Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot because...

If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense.

IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our government, does not, all factors considered.

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com>wrote:

...

So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$.

Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after?

Regards

-- ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- *---------------------------------------------------- Kind Regards, Evans Ikua,* lanetconsulting.com, lpi-eastafrica.org, ict-innovation.fossfa.net, Skype: @ikuae Cell: +254-722-955831

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

+1 for Mr Gitau On Jun 5, 2013 7:23 AM, "John Gitau" <jgitau@gmail.com> wrote:

Maybe he foss should now stand up to be counted. How about foss trains teachers and offers to save the government money by running android, Linux etc .

My issue here is he foss community here tends to be be talk/ workshop driven. Mic

Sent from my msoft guys in the meantime have partners everywhere ready to execute. Their livelihood and future earnings depend on this. I'd this were chess I'd say Microsoft checked you. Your move foss ! But if your move is to rant I expect a very quick endgame

I say take some action, make noise where it matters educate the president present your options .... Jgitau

On Jun 5, 2013, at 6:07, Bernard Mwagiru <bmwagiru@gmail.com> wrote:

RE:If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem....

The first dose of the dope <snip> Microsoft is set to earn billions of shillings from supply of software for the free laptop plan after it signed a deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta to support the school-based computer idea. </snip>

Second dose <snip> Microsoft will supply the software at discounted rates to support the project,” Bitange Ndemo, </snip>

The annual dose "for the rest of your life" <snip> Microsoft is expected earn to annual fees from each computer that will be attached with its software, which is expected to run into hundreds of millions based on analyst’s estimation </snip>

./bernard On Jun 4, 2013 10:56 PM, "Conrad Akunga" <conradakunga@gmail.com> wrote:

...

@Evans - there is no need to politicize this matter.

If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem you have with that. Zero cost to the taxpayer. Lots of options. I'm very sure you are aware there is plenty of Open Source software for windows.

I said virtualization is a good thing. I refuse to subscribe to the view that I am free to choose as long as my choice is the same as yours. Kids being exposed to Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS is a good thing.

In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from formatting the machines and installing an OS of this choice. Windows is not like a building. It can be removed instantaneously.

There is nothing wrong with commercial companies capitalizing on opportunities. How come nobody complains when Huawei, Nokia, General Motors, Siemens etc set up shop here to scratch our itches? Let us be practical. Not everyone must be an NGO. Making money is not unethical!

It is also disingenuous to attribute children dying in hospitals to Office Licenses.

Bill Gates's riches are not relevant to this discussion. Why didn't you mention Mark Shuttleworth, Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al as well? They're billionaire off open source software. Why are they saints?

Guys. Let us not lose the forest for the trees. What software (or lack thereof) is a non issue compared to the larger problem of the sustainability of the laptop program as a whole.

If there is no power it doesn't matter what OS the software boots into!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago.

@Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the licenses windfall, as a valued partner.

@Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators.

Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world countries?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com> wrote:

...

But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this deal entail. Free OS?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga <conradakunga@gmail.com>wrote:

...

As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into needless open vs closed source fighting.

In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com>wrote:

...

@Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future.

Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot because...

If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense.

IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our government, does not, all factors considered.

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com>wrote:

> So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the > mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more > with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$. > > Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface Witaba > see to it that FOSS interested is looked after? > > Regards > > > -- > ______________________ > Mwendwa Kivuva > twitter.com/lordmwesh > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke >

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- *---------------------------------------------------- Kind Regards, Evans Ikua,* lanetconsulting.com, lpi-eastafrica.org, ict-innovation.fossfa.net, Skype: @ikuae Cell: +254-722-955831

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

Maybe u should read this http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/jun/03/africa-beware-tech-... On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 9:00 AM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote:

@Evans, you are sufficiently high in the FOSS food chain such that if you whisper, a lot more people will listen.

All those who a pro-FOSS, please let us lend @Evans our contacts in the *circles that matter*, starting with bitange@jambo.co.ke

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 8:29 AM, geoffrey gitagia <ggitagia@gmail.com>wrote:

...

+1 for Mr Gitau On Jun 5, 2013 7:23 AM, "John Gitau" <jgitau@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Maybe he foss should now stand up to be counted. How about foss trains teachers and offers to save the government money by running android, Linux etc .

My issue here is he foss community here tends to be be talk/ workshop driven. Mic

Sent from my msoft guys in the meantime have partners everywhere ready to execute. Their livelihood and future earnings depend on this. I'd this were chess I'd say Microsoft checked you. Your move foss ! But if your move is to rant I expect a very quick endgame

I say take some action, make noise where it matters educate the president present your options .... Jgitau

On Jun 5, 2013, at 6:07, Bernard Mwagiru <bmwagiru@gmail.com> wrote:

RE:If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem....

The first dose of the dope <snip> Microsoft is set to earn billions of shillings from supply of software for the free laptop plan after it signed a deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta to support the school-based computer idea. </snip>

Second dose <snip> Microsoft will supply the software at discounted rates to support the project,” Bitange Ndemo, </snip>

The annual dose "for the rest of your life" <snip> Microsoft is expected earn to annual fees from each computer that will be attached with its software, which is expected to run into hundreds of millions based on analyst’s estimation </snip>

./bernard On Jun 4, 2013 10:56 PM, "Conrad Akunga" <conradakunga@gmail.com> wrote:

...

@Evans - there is no need to politicize this matter.

If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem you have with that. Zero cost to the taxpayer. Lots of options. I'm very sure you are aware there is plenty of Open Source software for windows.

I said virtualization is a good thing. I refuse to subscribe to the view that I am free to choose as long as my choice is the same as yours. Kids being exposed to Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS is a good thing.

In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from formatting the machines and installing an OS of this choice. Windows is not like a building. It can be removed instantaneously.

There is nothing wrong with commercial companies capitalizing on opportunities. How come nobody complains when Huawei, Nokia, General Motors, Siemens etc set up shop here to scratch our itches? Let us be practical. Not everyone must be an NGO. Making money is not unethical!

It is also disingenuous to attribute children dying in hospitals to Office Licenses.

Bill Gates's riches are not relevant to this discussion. Why didn't you mention Mark Shuttleworth, Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al as well? They're billionaire off open source software. Why are they saints?

Guys. Let us not lose the forest for the trees. What software (or lack thereof) is a non issue compared to the larger problem of the sustainability of the laptop program as a whole.

If there is no power it doesn't matter what OS the software boots into!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago.

@Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the licenses windfall, as a valued partner.

@Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators.

Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world countries?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com>wrote:

...

But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this deal entail. Free OS?

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga <conradakunga@gmail.com > wrote:

> As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into > needless open vs closed source fighting. > > In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue! > > > — > > > On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com>wrote: > >> @Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a >> space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our >> young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether >> windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of >> computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future. >> >> Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young generation >> was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled* in future >> than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot because... >> >> If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the >> decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense. >> >> IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments >> are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our >> government, does not, all factors considered. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com >> > wrote: >> >>> So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the >>> mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more >>> with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$. >>> >>> Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface >>> Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after? >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> -- >>> ______________________ >>> Mwendwa Kivuva >>> twitter.com/lordmwesh >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> skunkworks mailing list >>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>> ------------ >>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>> ------------ >>> >>> Skunkworks Rules >>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>> ------------ >>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> Regards, >> Peter Karunyu >> ------------------- >> > > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke >

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- *---------------------------------------------------- Kind Regards, Evans Ikua,* lanetconsulting.com, lpi-eastafrica.org, ict-innovation.fossfa.net, Skype: @ikuae Cell: +254-722-955831

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

Is there a Policy Document on what the computer for schools project is about? The training to be offered etc. On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 3:53 PM, Francis Njenga <korefn@gmail.com> wrote:

Exposure to technology is critical to the information age. Yes, there are bad sides too but should we fail to adapt and acquire this advantage well remain the dumping site. There is a lost argument here that using Linux would make us... smarter or less prone to succumbing to a disease of buying windows licenses.... I submit that solutions remain so whether proprietary or Open-sourced.

Should the open-source community wish to have more sway, I propose offering LOCAL and COMPETITIVE alternatives. Going open-source and having to deal with unity's decisions, out-of-country licenses from big corporations(RED-HAT, Oracle-JAVA anyone) and all does not change our condition.

My point: Less talk and more FOSS activity(projects not talks) would be better.

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 2:48 PM, Ken Yanski <skunkazi@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Maybe u should read this

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/jun/03/africa-beware-tech-...

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 9:00 AM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

@Evans, you are sufficiently high in the FOSS food chain such that if you whisper, a lot more people will listen.

All those who a pro-FOSS, please let us lend @Evans our contacts in the *circles that matter*, starting with bitange@jambo.co.ke

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 8:29 AM, geoffrey gitagia <ggitagia@gmail.com>wrote:

...

+1 for Mr Gitau On Jun 5, 2013 7:23 AM, "John Gitau" <jgitau@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Maybe he foss should now stand up to be counted. How about foss trains teachers and offers to save the government money by running android, Linux etc .

My issue here is he foss community here tends to be be talk/ workshop driven. Mic

Sent from my msoft guys in the meantime have partners everywhere ready to execute. Their livelihood and future earnings depend on this. I'd this were chess I'd say Microsoft checked you. Your move foss ! But if your move is to rant I expect a very quick endgame

I say take some action, make noise where it matters educate the president present your options .... Jgitau

On Jun 5, 2013, at 6:07, Bernard Mwagiru <bmwagiru@gmail.com> wrote:

RE:If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem....

The first dose of the dope <snip> Microsoft is set to earn billions of shillings from supply of software for the free laptop plan after it signed a deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta to support the school-based computer idea. </snip>

Second dose <snip> Microsoft will supply the software at discounted rates to support the project,” Bitange Ndemo, </snip>

The annual dose "for the rest of your life" <snip> Microsoft is expected earn to annual fees from each computer that will be attached with its software, which is expected to run into hundreds of millions based on analyst’s estimation </snip>

./bernard On Jun 4, 2013 10:56 PM, "Conrad Akunga" <conradakunga@gmail.com> wrote:

...

@Evans - there is no need to politicize this matter.

If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem you have with that. Zero cost to the taxpayer. Lots of options. I'm very sure you are aware there is plenty of Open Source software for windows.

I said virtualization is a good thing. I refuse to subscribe to the view that I am free to choose as long as my choice is the same as yours. Kids being exposed to Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS is a good thing.

In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from formatting the machines and installing an OS of this choice. Windows is not like a building. It can be removed instantaneously.

There is nothing wrong with commercial companies capitalizing on opportunities. How come nobody complains when Huawei, Nokia, General Motors, Siemens etc set up shop here to scratch our itches? Let us be practical. Not everyone must be an NGO. Making money is not unethical!

It is also disingenuous to attribute children dying in hospitals to Office Licenses.

Bill Gates's riches are not relevant to this discussion. Why didn't you mention Mark Shuttleworth, Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al as well? They're billionaire off open source software. Why are they saints?

Guys. Let us not lose the forest for the trees. What software (or lack thereof) is a non issue compared to the larger problem of the sustainability of the laptop program as a whole.

If there is no power it doesn't matter what OS the software boots into!

—

On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com>wrote:

> Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago. > > @Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the > laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary > software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one > that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the > dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get > even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the > licenses windfall, as a valued partner. > > @Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a > strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic > opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the > president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they > are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global > multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are > referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for > Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that > don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators. > > Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they > have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world > countries? > > > > > > On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com>wrote: > >> But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this >> deal entail. Free OS? >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga < >> conradakunga@gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into >>> needless open vs closed source fighting. >>> >>> In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue! >>> >>> >>> — >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com>wrote: >>> >>>> @Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a >>>> space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our >>>> young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether >>>> windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of >>>> computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future. >>>> >>>> Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young >>>> generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* *skilled*in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but that point is moot >>>> because... >>>> >>>> If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the >>>> decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense. >>>> >>>> IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other governments >>>> are heavy into open source is because they know better, which our >>>> government, does not, all factors considered. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva < >>>> Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on the >>>>> mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer more >>>>> with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$. >>>>> >>>>> Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface >>>>> Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after? >>>>> >>>>> Regards >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> ______________________ >>>>> Mwendwa Kivuva >>>>> twitter.com/lordmwesh >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>>>> ------------ >>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>> ------------ >>>>> >>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>> ------------ >>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Regards, >>>> Peter Karunyu >>>> ------------------- >>>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> skunkworks mailing list >>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>> ------------ >>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>> ------------ >>> >>> Skunkworks Rules >>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>> ------------ >>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> skunkworks mailing list >> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >> ------------ >> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >> ------------ >> >> Skunkworks Rules >> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >> ------------ >> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >> > > > > -- > *---------------------------------------------------- > Kind Regards, > Evans Ikua,* > lanetconsulting.com, > lpi-eastafrica.org, > ict-innovation.fossfa.net, > Skype: @ikuae > Cell: +254-722-955831 >

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Kore Francis Njenga Running and Walking are only breaths apart.

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

Hmmmmm interesting debate. I think linking up with Microsoft was the best option with the most immediate benefits for Kenya. Think about all those people who have acquired both technical and enterprise skills from reselling and utilizing Microsoft products over the years. Android for me is too open and creates no jobs absolutely. Apple too closed, expensive and focuses too much on leisure activities which are not essential at the moment for most of Ke. Microsoft is making a big shift for the Enterprise space with their new Software, Gadgets and Cloud services. Just spent a weekend playing with the Windows Virtualization platforms and I assure its much more advanced then anything else out there. Don't believe the hype!!! about Open source!!! Lastly Microsoft is piloting Whitespaces technology right here in Kenya, a key ingredient for the laptop and school labs programs particularly in rural areas where Safaricom and Airtel 3G doesn't reach. However GOK should ensure that Microsoft assembles its gadgets here and uses Kenyan companies for technical support as it does with its other existing products as part of the deal. On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 10:45 AM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com>wrote:

Dear Colleagues,

There is an ongoing discussion on KICTANET, ISOC Kenya and Skunkworks list this week, we hope to collect all this input in a structured manner and present it to the Government as a position paper for the community, i urge all of us to contribute to the discussion so that the new Cabinet Secretary and his Principle Secretary can have document to work with from the community. Strathmore has offered to host a Stakeholders forum for the same to be debated.

Best Regards

On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 9:53 AM, ANTONY NDUNG'U <tmndungu@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Is there a Policy Document on what the computer for schools project is about? The training to be offered etc.

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 3:53 PM, Francis Njenga <korefn@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Exposure to technology is critical to the information age. Yes, there are bad sides too but should we fail to adapt and acquire this advantage well remain the dumping site. There is a lost argument here that using Linux would make us... smarter or less prone to succumbing to a disease of buying windows licenses.... I submit that solutions remain so whether proprietary or Open-sourced.

Should the open-source community wish to have more sway, I propose offering LOCAL and COMPETITIVE alternatives. Going open-source and having to deal with unity's decisions, out-of-country licenses from big corporations(RED-HAT, Oracle-JAVA anyone) and all does not change our condition.

My point: Less talk and more FOSS activity(projects not talks) would be better.

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 2:48 PM, Ken Yanski <skunkazi@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Maybe u should read this

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/jun/03/africa-beware-tech-...

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 9:00 AM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com>wrote:

...

@Evans, you are sufficiently high in the FOSS food chain such that if you whisper, a lot more people will listen.

All those who a pro-FOSS, please let us lend @Evans our contacts in the *circles that matter*, starting with bitange@jambo.co.ke

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 8:29 AM, geoffrey gitagia <ggitagia@gmail.com>wrote:

...

+1 for Mr Gitau On Jun 5, 2013 7:23 AM, "John Gitau" <jgitau@gmail.com> wrote:

> Maybe he foss should now stand up to be counted. How about foss > trains teachers and offers to save the government money by running android, > Linux etc . > > My issue here is he foss community here tends to be be talk/ > workshop driven. Mic > > Sent from my msoft guys in the meantime have partners everywhere > ready to execute. Their livelihood and future earnings depend on this. I'd > this were chess I'd say Microsoft checked you. Your move foss ! But if your > move is to rant I expect a very quick endgame > > I say take some action, make noise where it matters educate the > president present your options .... > Jgitau > > On Jun 5, 2013, at 6:07, Bernard Mwagiru <bmwagiru@gmail.com> wrote: > > RE:If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what > problem.... > > The first dose of the dope > <snip> > Microsoft is set to earn billions of shillings from supply of > software for the free laptop plan after it signed a deal with President > Uhuru Kenyatta to support the school-based computer idea. > </snip> > > Second dose > <snip> > Microsoft will supply the software at discounted rates to support > the project,” Bitange Ndemo, > </snip> > > The annual dose "for the rest of your life" > <snip> > Microsoft is expected earn to annual fees from each computer that > will be attached with its software, which is expected to run into hundreds > of millions based on analyst’s estimation > </snip> > > ./bernard > On Jun 4, 2013 10:56 PM, "Conrad Akunga" <conradakunga@gmail.com> > wrote: > >> @Evans - there is no need to politicize this matter. >> >> If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what problem >> you have with that. Zero cost to the taxpayer. Lots of options. I'm very >> sure you are aware there is plenty of Open Source software for windows. >> >> I said virtualization is a good thing. I refuse to subscribe to the >> view that I am free to choose as long as my choice is the same as yours. >> Kids being exposed to Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS is a good thing. >> >> In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from formatting the >> machines and installing an OS of this choice. Windows is not like a >> building. It can be removed instantaneously. >> >> There is nothing wrong with commercial companies capitalizing on >> opportunities. How come nobody complains when Huawei, Nokia, General >> Motors, Siemens etc set up shop here to scratch our itches? Let us be >> practical. Not everyone must be an NGO. Making money is not unethical! >> >> It is also disingenuous to attribute children dying in hospitals >> to Office Licenses. >> >> Bill Gates's riches are not relevant to this discussion. Why didn't >> you mention Mark Shuttleworth, Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al as well? >> They're billionaire off open source software. Why are they saints? >> >> Guys. Let us not lose the forest for the trees. What software (or >> lack thereof) is a non issue compared to the larger problem of the >> sustainability of the laptop program as a whole. >> >> If there is no power it doesn't matter what OS the software boots >> into! >> >> >> — >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com>wrote: >> >>> Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago. >>> >>> @Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the >>> laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary >>> software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one >>> that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the >>> dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get >>> even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the >>> licenses windfall, as a valued partner. >>> >>> @Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a >>> strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic >>> opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the >>> president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they >>> are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global >>> multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are >>> referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for >>> Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that >>> don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators. >>> >>> Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they >>> have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world >>> countries? >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com>wrote: >>> >>>> But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does this >>>> deal entail. Free OS? >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga < >>>> conradakunga@gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates into >>>>> needless open vs closed source fighting. >>>>> >>>>> In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue! >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> — >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu < >>>>> pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> @Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in a >>>>>> space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our >>>>>> young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether >>>>>> windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of >>>>>> computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future. >>>>>> >>>>>> Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young >>>>>> generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* * >>>>>> skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but >>>>>> that point is moot because... >>>>>> >>>>>> If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the >>>>>> decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey*-sense. >>>>>> >>>>>> IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other >>>>>> governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which >>>>>> our government, does not, all factors considered. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva < >>>>>> Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on >>>>>>> the mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer >>>>>>> more with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface >>>>>>> Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Regards >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> ______________________ >>>>>>> Mwendwa Kivuva >>>>>>> twitter.com/lordmwesh >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>>>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Regards, >>>>>> Peter Karunyu >>>>>> ------------------- >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>>>> ------------ >>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>> ------------ >>>>> >>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>> ------------ >>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>>> ------------ >>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>> ------------ >>>> >>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>> ------------ >>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> *---------------------------------------------------- >>> Kind Regards, >>> Evans Ikua,* >>> lanetconsulting.com, >>> lpi-eastafrica.org, >>> ict-innovation.fossfa.net, >>> Skype: @ikuae >>> Cell: +254-722-955831 >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> skunkworks mailing list >> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >> ------------ >> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >> ------------ >> >> Skunkworks Rules >> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >> ------------ >> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >> > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke > > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke >

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Regards, Peter Karunyu -------------------

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Kore Francis Njenga Running and Walking are only breaths apart.

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

*"Prove to me that it is more advanced than the concept of Jails in FreeBSD and I will believe everything you say after that."* Concepts of Jails appears to be a concept.... <-- No pun intended ;-) However what I was specifically referring too when I said advanced is... that Microsoft has taken relatively complex technologies like virtual machine hosting, software development platforms/frameworks e.t.c and hosted them on an simple to use, easily accessible/usable, readily deployable cloud service that any average IT technician/newbie can use. This has so to speak created an opportunity for start-ups, schools and SME to focus on their core activities of improving traction, teaching and trading respectively. In my view this is why Microsoft is most suitable because the simplified user experience and existing business model which makes it sustainable for our use locally. On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 11:30 AM, Martin Chiteri <martin.chiteri@gmail.com>wrote:

Hi,

On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 11:15 AM, John Karanja <mauxdatabase@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Hmmmmm interesting debate.

I think linking up with Microsoft was the best option with the most immediate benefits for Kenya.

Think about all those people who have acquired both technical and enterprise skills from reselling and utilizing Microsoft products over the years.

Android for me is too open and creates no jobs absolutely. Apple too closed, expensive and focuses too much on leisure activities which are not essential at the moment for most of Ke.

Microsoft is making a big shift for the Enterprise space with their new Software, Gadgets and Cloud services.

Hmmmmmmmm!!!(???)

...

Just spent a weekend playing with the Windows Virtualization platforms and I assure its much more advanced then anything else out there.

Prove to me that it is more advanced than the concept of Jails in FreeBSD and I will believe everything you say after that.

FreeBSD.org: http://www.freebsd.org/doc/handbook/jails-intro.html

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeBSD_jail

PC BSD.org: http://blog.pcbsd.org/2012/07/9-1-feature-linux-jails/ and http://wiki.pcbsd.org/index.php/Warden%C2%AE

At the same time, I would like to acknowledge that Microsoft is known to carry out quite advanced research. They have the cash to hire some of the smartest men and women on the planet. *Never* under-estimate the power of money.

Martin.

...

Don't believe the hype!!! about Open source!!!

Lastly Microsoft is piloting Whitespaces technology right here in Kenya, a key ingredient for the laptop and school labs programs particularly in rural areas where Safaricom and Airtel 3G doesn't reach.

However GOK should ensure that Microsoft assembles its gadgets here and uses Kenyan companies for technical support as it does with its other existing products as part of the deal.

On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 10:45 AM, Barrack Otieno < otieno.barrack@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Dear Colleagues,

There is an ongoing discussion on KICTANET, ISOC Kenya and Skunkworks list this week, we hope to collect all this input in a structured manner and present it to the Government as a position paper for the community, i urge all of us to contribute to the discussion so that the new Cabinet Secretary and his Principle Secretary can have document to work with from the community. Strathmore has offered to host a Stakeholders forum for the same to be debated.

Best Regards

On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 9:53 AM, ANTONY NDUNG'U <tmndungu@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Is there a Policy Document on what the computer for schools project is about? The training to be offered etc.

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 3:53 PM, Francis Njenga <korefn@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Exposure to technology is critical to the information age. Yes, there are bad sides too but should we fail to adapt and acquire this advantage well remain the dumping site. There is a lost argument here that using Linux would make us... smarter or less prone to succumbing to a disease of buying windows licenses.... I submit that solutions remain so whether proprietary or Open-sourced.

Should the open-source community wish to have more sway, I propose offering LOCAL and COMPETITIVE alternatives. Going open-source and having to deal with unity's decisions, out-of-country licenses from big corporations(RED-HAT, Oracle-JAVA anyone) and all does not change our condition.

My point: Less talk and more FOSS activity(projects not talks) would be better.

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 2:48 PM, Ken Yanski <skunkazi@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Maybe u should read this

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/jun/03/africa-beware-tech-...

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 9:00 AM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com>wrote:

> @Evans, you are sufficiently high in the FOSS food chain such that > if you whisper, a lot more people will listen. > > All those who a pro-FOSS, please let us lend @Evans our contacts in > the *circles that matter*, starting with bitange@jambo.co.ke > > > On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 8:29 AM, geoffrey gitagia <ggitagia@gmail.com > > wrote: > >> +1 for Mr Gitau >> On Jun 5, 2013 7:23 AM, "John Gitau" <jgitau@gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Maybe he foss should now stand up to be counted. How about foss >>> trains teachers and offers to save the government money by running android, >>> Linux etc . >>> >>> My issue here is he foss community here tends to be be talk/ >>> workshop driven. Mic >>> >>> Sent from my msoft guys in the meantime have partners everywhere >>> ready to execute. Their livelihood and future earnings depend on this. I'd >>> this were chess I'd say Microsoft checked you. Your move foss ! But if your >>> move is to rant I expect a very quick endgame >>> >>> I say take some action, make noise where it matters educate the >>> president present your options .... >>> Jgitau >>> >>> On Jun 5, 2013, at 6:07, Bernard Mwagiru <bmwagiru@gmail.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>> RE:If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what >>> problem.... >>> >>> The first dose of the dope >>> <snip> >>> Microsoft is set to earn billions of shillings from supply of >>> software for the free laptop plan after it signed a deal with President >>> Uhuru Kenyatta to support the school-based computer idea. >>> </snip> >>> >>> Second dose >>> <snip> >>> Microsoft will supply the software at discounted rates to support >>> the project,” Bitange Ndemo, >>> </snip> >>> >>> The annual dose "for the rest of your life" >>> <snip> >>> Microsoft is expected earn to annual fees from each computer that >>> will be attached with its software, which is expected to run into hundreds >>> of millions based on analyst’s estimation >>> </snip> >>> >>> ./bernard >>> On Jun 4, 2013 10:56 PM, "Conrad Akunga" <conradakunga@gmail.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> @Evans - there is no need to politicize this matter. >>>> >>>> If Microsoft is donating that software, please tell me what >>>> problem you have with that. Zero cost to the taxpayer. Lots of options. I'm >>>> very sure you are aware there is plenty of Open Source software for windows. >>>> >>>> I said virtualization is a good thing. I refuse to subscribe to >>>> the view that I am free to choose as long as my choice is the same as >>>> yours. Kids being exposed to Windows, Linux, Unix, MacOS is a good thing. >>>> >>>> In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from formatting the >>>> machines and installing an OS of this choice. Windows is not like a >>>> building. It can be removed instantaneously. >>>> >>>> There is nothing wrong with commercial companies capitalizing on >>>> opportunities. How come nobody complains when Huawei, Nokia, General >>>> Motors, Siemens etc set up shop here to scratch our itches? Let us be >>>> practical. Not everyone must be an NGO. Making money is not unethical! >>>> >>>> It is also disingenuous to attribute children dying in hospitals >>>> to Office Licenses. >>>> >>>> Bill Gates's riches are not relevant to this discussion. Why >>>> didn't you mention Mark Shuttleworth, Sergey Brin, Larry Page et al as >>>> well? They're billionaire off open source software. Why are they saints? >>>> >>>> Guys. Let us not lose the forest for the trees. What software (or >>>> lack thereof) is a non issue compared to the larger problem of the >>>> sustainability of the laptop program as a whole. >>>> >>>> If there is no power it doesn't matter what OS the software boots >>>> into! >>>> >>>> >>>> — >>>> >>>> >>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 7:09 PM, Evans Ikua <ikua.evans@gmail.com>wrote: >>>> >>>>> Wow, I saw that one coming a long time ago. >>>>> >>>>> @Bogi, MS will be happy to give free or subsidized OS on the >>>>> laptops. I wish we can get the details here. Butt remember that Proprietary >>>>> software is like dope. The first dose may be free, but its the second one >>>>> that you pay for. And you pay dearly. For the rest of your life, till the >>>>> dependency kills you. So MS is just happy to get the kids hooked and to get >>>>> even closer to the Government so that they can continue reaping the >>>>> licenses windfall, as a valued partner. >>>>> >>>>> @Conrad, this is not a technical issue. It is a commercial and a >>>>> strategic issue. MS is very sharp to exploit the commercial and strategic >>>>> opportunity that this deal presents. Unfortunately the people advising the >>>>> president have no clue what this means to the country. Either this or they >>>>> are have sold their motherland to the interests of the global >>>>> multinationals. At the same time, I wonder which virtualization you are >>>>> referring to when we are still spending millions of dollars paying for >>>>> Windows and MS Office licenses, while our children die in hospitals that >>>>> don't have enough money to buy fuel for their generators. >>>>> >>>>> Do we really believe that MS is here to help us? Really? So they >>>>> have produced the richest man in the world by helping poor third world >>>>> countries? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bogi Benga <bogibenda@gmail.com>wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> But Microsoft is only a software company. What exactly does >>>>>> this deal entail. Free OS? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 2:58 PM, Conrad Akunga < >>>>>> conradakunga@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> As usual, every technical discussion eventually degenerates >>>>>>> into needless open vs closed source fighting. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In this era of virtualization this is a non-issue! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> — >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Peter Karunyu < >>>>>>> pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> @Kivuva, in as much as I would love to go into hypersleep in >>>>>>>> a space craft auto piloted by an open source implementation, I think our >>>>>>>> young generation needs to be exposes to ANY computing platform, whether >>>>>>>> windows, linux, unix, etc. This will help break the initial fear of >>>>>>>> computing, and lay the foundations and open up the future. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Of course, if I was asked, I would say that if the young >>>>>>>> generation was exposed to Linux, they would be *better* * >>>>>>>> skilled* in future than if they were exposed to Windows, but >>>>>>>> that point is moot because... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> If you consider our government as a young corporate, then the >>>>>>>> decision to go Microsoft will make logical, *corporatey* >>>>>>>> -sense. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> IMHO, the reason Brazil, Germany, China and the other >>>>>>>> governments are heavy into open source is because they know better, which >>>>>>>> our government, does not, all factors considered. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Tue, Jun 4, 2013 at 3:33 PM, Kivuva < >>>>>>>> Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> So Microsoft will ensure our young generation don't grow on >>>>>>>>> the mature and robust Open Source platform. As an economy, we will suffer >>>>>>>>> more with licen$e$ and chasing the ever evolving Window$. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Can the local FOSSFA liaison persons Evans Ikua and Bonface >>>>>>>>> Witaba see to it that FOSS interested is looked after? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Regards >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> ______________________ >>>>>>>>> Mwendwa Kivuva >>>>>>>>> twitter.com/lordmwesh >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>>>>>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>>>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>>>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>>>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> Regards, >>>>>>>> Peter Karunyu >>>>>>>> ------------------- >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>>>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>>>> ------------ >>>>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>>>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>>>>> ------------ >>>>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>>>> ------------ >>>>>> >>>>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>>>> ------------ >>>>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> *---------------------------------------------------- >>>>> Kind Regards, >>>>> Evans Ikua,* >>>>> lanetconsulting.com, >>>>> lpi-eastafrica.org, >>>>> ict-innovation.fossfa.net, >>>>> Skype: @ikuae >>>>> Cell: +254-722-955831 >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> skunkworks mailing list >>>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>>> ------------ >>>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>>> ------------ >>>> >>>> Skunkworks Rules >>>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>>> ------------ >>>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> skunkworks mailing list >>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>> ------------ >>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>> ------------ >>> >>> Skunkworks Rules >>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>> ------------ >>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> skunkworks mailing list >>> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>> ------------ >>> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>> ------------ >>> >>> Skunkworks Rules >>> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >>> ------------ >>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> skunkworks mailing list >> skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >> ------------ >> List info, subscribe/unsubscribe >> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >> ------------ >> >> Skunkworks Rules >> http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 >> ------------ >> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >> > > > > -- > Regards, > Peter Karunyu > ------------------- > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke > ------------ > List info, subscribe/unsubscribe > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > ------------ > > Skunkworks Rules > http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 > ------------ > Other services @ http://my.co.ke >

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Kore Francis Njenga Running and Walking are only breaths apart.

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke

_______________________________________________ skunkworks mailing list skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke ------------ List info, subscribe/unsubscribe http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks ------------

Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke