Some Things in Life Are Free: Refurbished Comptuers and Open Source Software

Information by State  Print version

Date: Thursday, August 9, 2007
Time: 3:00 — 5:00 p.m.

Technology is a fundamental component of the Neighborhood Networks Initiative, but acquiring equipment can sometimes be a challenge. Centers learn how to access free or low-cost computers and software in this training session, and how open source software has become a key resource for many nonprofit organizations. The Neighborhood Networks Cyber Café, located in the exhibit hall, showcases the uses and benefits of refurbished equipment and open source software.

Moderator:

John Shanley
Program Center Director
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Washington, D.C. Field Office

Presenter:

Kevin Cole
Washington D.C. Ubunti Local Community Team

Kevin Cole is a research applications programmer for the Gallaudet Research Institute at Gallaudet University in northeast Washington, D.C. Cole is also the current contact person for the Ubuntu D.C. “LoCo” (local community). He has organized events promoting the use of open-source technologies, particularly the GNU/Linux operating system and the Python programming language. Cole has written several online tutorials.

Jeff Elkner
Washington D.C. Ubunti Local Community Team

Paul Flint
Washington D.C. Ubunti Local Community Team

Paul Flint is the owner of Flint information Technology Services, an Arlington, Virginia-based independent technical consultant, security analyst, author, and inventor. Flint has more than 25 years of professional experience in information management, appraisal, engineering, systems network design, and security architecture. Additionally, Flint possesses an extensive background in broadcast management, engineering, evaluation, and appraisal. Based on this experience, Flint became an enthusiastic user, contributor, and advocate for the use of Linux in education, government and private industry. Recently, Flint has developed the Barre Open Systems Institute for training developers and testing and producing open systems. While he develops this institute, he remains directly involved with the Edubuntu and K12 LTSP distributions.

Nick Wheeler
Washington D.C. Ubunti Local Community Team