[CS Bureau] Free Software in Tunis

[Dr. Francis MUGUET]

Hello again from Tunis

Not only suffering from the fact
that, Microsoft being a partner of the
Summit, we have to stand the
discrimination of Windows software
( DHCP server, etc... ) that are
compatible only with Microshit computers,

There are more distressing facts :
None of the PCs at the CS space and
the Cybercafé are running
GNU/LINUX, neither 50/50 or all dual boot
as promised. When I protested, technicians
told me this was because Microsoft was
the main partner of the Summit.

While I was trying to make my GNU/Linux
portable to work in the CS space,
there was a visit of high Tunisian officials
to whom I spoke
my mind rather directly.
I told them if was a disgrace for their
country to have none of the WSIS computer
running GNU/Linux in a country where there
  was a secretary of state for Free Software,
in addition to the fact that this was in contradiction
to the WSIS geneva texts that were calling to
raise awareness to all software paradigms.
I added it was very strange and disapointing
  that this secretary of state was not
taking a more active role in the
WSIS material preparation.
One of the people ( he told me latter, he was
an adviser to the prime minister ) nodded in
agreement and said in fact it was the long established
politcal choice of Tunisia to support
Free Software.
So wait and see....

Seemingly the subscontractors have not received
any information concerning the requirements
concerning Free Sofware that were
transmitted by the CSB.

Concerning the software on the PCs ( made in China )
it is a french company ATOS ORIGIN.
They have prepared ( at their own initiative ) a
GNU/Linux image disk for those PCs.
So it is not impossible to have GNU/Linux installed.

Concerning the room furniture, except for the closed
cabinets, the picture is much better.
The architect seems very good and friendly.
He told me that he gave to CS the best chairs
( nice looking indeed ) he had.

Had a look in the ICT4all.

The GKP has an opulent booth

The Africain Civil Society is working hard
in their booth.

Best regards from the KRAM.

Francis


--