As smart phones are becoming more common, we all know the routine of entering someone's contact details into your phone..name, email, website, phone numbers etc.

One of the best projects which helps overcome a barrier to Open Source adoption is the Freedom Toaster which is a conveniently located, self-contained, computer-based, 'Bring 'n Burn' facilities.

The Freedom Toaster project began as a means of overcoming the difficulty in obtaining Linux and Open Source software due to the restrictive telecommunications environment in Africa, where the easy downloading of large pieces of software is just not possible for everyone. You can find out more here http://freedomtoaster.org

Seems I am behind the 8 ball these days with my blog posts...been a busy week...I was remotely assisting with Ubuntu Desktop training & troubleshooting for a  group in Northern Ghana in the Tamale region. 

 Mark & I were invited as guests on the "Let's Talk Geek" podcast as part of Software Freedom Day back on Sept 19th.  Here is the feed...
http://vimeo.com/15136714

It was a good time & lots of interesting conversation on a 'variety' of topics.  They have an impressive setup for recording and it was an experience to be live.

Thanks for the sharing the love...and its great to work together to promote Tech in ZA!

Its hard to believe that I have been in South Africa for a month already!!  I hit the ground running and took in Software Freedom Day which was in Pretoria a few days after my arrival.  Despite the jet lag, I had a great time and enjoyed the presentations.  We wrapped up the day as guests on 'Lets Talk Geek' video cast.  http://vimeo.com/15136714

I have spent the last week in Kenya and will be back here next month as part of some work for my company. While I have been here  only for a week I have seen what a supportive government policy can do to foster economic growth, especially when I compare it to South Africa.

Price War!

In Kenya call rates have dropped to 30c (ZAR) per minute and an sms can be sent at a mere 10c (ZAR) per message. Comparing that to the rates in South Africa, were we get charged 120c (ZAR) for calls and 75c (ZAR) for an sms, it is obvious that we are being robbed. 

Our last podcast was with Dwayne Bailey from Translate.org.za and I found the interview was very timely as I work towards expanding open source projects in South Africa.  

Being able to adapt to a new user's language requirements narrows the 'digital divide' considerably.  The project has translated key programs such as OpenOffice and FireFox to be available in the 11 official languages of South Africa.

Well software freedom day is behind us and was another great day! Besides all the great interactions we also did a show with the guys from Let's Talk Geek. These guys have an intimidating setup.

 As part of its FLOSS capacity building programme in Africa the ict@innovation project  is holding some sponsored training session for people who desire to become Linux Professional Institute (LPI) trainers.  Currently it is planned to run the course in Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa. Other countries will be planned early next year.

Interviewing Dwayne from translate.org.za in our latest podcast was a real inspiration. Despite his quiet manner, Dwayne's passion for language, his desire to help protect indigenous languages and provide greater accessibility to the benefits of information technology for affected communities comes through forcibly.