[ale] Volunteer work for non-profits : Stepping Up

[aaron]

Dear Watson:

Thanks for the response and sorry you are having difficulty posting to the 
ALE list, but I believe the problems are being looked into.

Regarding your notes on FreeBytes, I'm happy to step up to the plate so 
long as the pitcher isn't throwing knuckleballs at my head. :-) I would 
therefore be willing to put in a few hours at FreeBytes this coming 
Saturday, 03.02.01,  between 10am and 3:30pm, to help with your large 
scale Linux system project. **

The only requirement for my volunteer work is the honest assurance that 
any systems I assemble or install and any parts I might help salvage, 
test or repair will NEVER be connected to, be installed with or otherwise 
encourage the use of viral Microsoft operating systems or M$ related 
software when said systems and components are delivered by FreeBytes.

If that requisite can also be met for others, I'm additionally willing to 
work with you on the following Saturday, 03.02.08, inviting everynone 
that was planning to attend the ALE gathering suggested for that date to 
instead turn the event into a FreeBytes "Just Linux" Assembly & 
Installation fest. If consumption of fermented refreshment is allowed on 
the FreeBytes premises, we can all be sipping a few cold ones around the 
work bench while actually spreading the OSS message we would otherwise 
just be talking about.

All that's needed now is the confirmation of times and location with the 
phone number of a contact person to coordinate with, so I invite you to 
step up to the rubber, Mr. Niekro! :-)

Sincerely,
Aaron Ruscetta,
Linux Enthusiast

** To help you best utilize my abilities, know that I am a fairly capable 
"Drives, Cards, Mem and Cables" electronics tech and have done basic 
hardware assembly, trouble shooting and repair work on a variety of 
systems, all in addition to having some decent soldering skills and 
component assembly experience. I have also done a number of OS installs 
and upgrades with a variety of platforms. If helpful, I can provide my 
own computer assembly tool kit and/or burn a couple of install disk sets 
for most recent RedHat releases, Mandrake 9.0 and OpenOffice.

PS:
I still stand firmly by my criticisms of the FreeBytes policies and 
practices regarding their distribution of viral Micro$haft monopoly 
products. Such policies leave the end users of their "charity" extremely 
vulnerable to known technical failings and consumer abuses by convicted 
criminals, all of which is entirely contrary to goals of technological 
empowerment for public spirited or less privileged communities. I can 
only become involved with the FreeBytes organization to the extent that 
my work and contributions are fully separated from their detrimental 
practices.


On Monday 27 January 2003 14:30, Geoffrey wrote:
> >
> > RE: [ale] Volunteer work for non-profits
> >
> > People have made disparaging remarks about Free Bytes that are not
> > wholly accurate. I feel that a great disservice is being done. I want
> > them to know the FB is becoming a Linux friendly place, and I need
> > their help in keeping that alive. Please post this message,... or at
> > least tell me why not. Thanks, Watson McKeel
> >
> > message is as follows:
> >
> >
> > Hello all, I am and have been a Free Bytes volunteer for almost two
> > years now.
> >
> > FB is about SO much more than operating systems. Every spare Saturday
> > I have I am down there repairing machines and helping out in whatever
> > way is needed. Sometimes that simply involves being a set of extra
> > hands to fill a 25ft Ryder truck with several hundred monitors that
> > are going to the recycler. Other times it involves stripping machines
> > and sorting the parts for the same recycling effort. I feel good that
> > I am keeping all that lead (and other hazardous materials) out of the
> > landfill. Still other times, it involves teaching others about
> > hardware (and yes, even Linux!). What no one seems to realize is that
> > there IS a Linux effort currently at Free Bytes! I am the frontman
> > for that effort. I am trying my hardest to get people to come in and
> > volunteer their time to promote that effort. Instead of complaining
> > about how Free Bytes is a sorry shill, step up to the plate. I need
> > your help. I posted an email last week about how we are about to
> > install Linux on 500-700 machines for distribution all over the state
> > of Georgia. If that project succeeds, then Linux is the hero! This
> > past weekend, Greg came and helped me configure the main file server
> > at Free Bytes that I am just finishing building. It is running Linux.
> >  To address what everyone despises: Yes, Free Bytes installs Windows
> > on all machines destined for general distribution. That is currently
> > how things stand. But that is not written in stone. I recall an OS
> > called New Deal being investigated because Free Bytes wanted to offer
> > an alternative to Windows. I am currently wanting to get Linux
> > situated as an alternative to Windows for people who come in our
> > door. It wouldn't be a hard sell. They get all the free software they
> > want. We may have to still offer Windows as a choice, but choice is
> > what this is all about. Here's why: we are a nonprofit that serves
> > the schools, other nonprofits, and religious organizations that walk
> > through our door. We serve them. If they want Windows, that's what we
> > have to give them. Now, I concede that they just might not be aware
> > of the benefits of getting out from under the thumb of Gates and
> > Friends. They might not be aware of Linux. Well, that's part of the
> > reason I am starting this Linux effort. THAT's why I need your help.
> > I want them to know. They will thank me for it later.
> >
> > So, please, help me out! We can do something really worthwhile here.
> > Besides it's a tremendous amount of fun. If you want, please come by
> > this coming Saturday. I'd be glad to see any of you.
> >
> > Oh, by the way, we don't use Win 3.x. just 95b, and sometimes 98.
> >
> > Sincerely, Watson M.

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