Preserving the Culture: why opensource matters
While browsing through my email, I have found a nice report from Dzongkha Linux launch event held in Bhutan (a small country between India and China) written by Christian Perrier (Debian Developer).
Dzongkha Linux is a Debian/GNU Linux based distribution and Live CD localized and fine tuned for Bhutaneese users.
Interesting part was that Debian, and GNU Geneal Public License gave the Bhutaneese chance to build their own operating system and advance the level of computer education in a country that is ignored by mainstream operating systems such as Windows XP from Microsoft or MacOS/X from Apple.
As Peter stated in his report:
My own keynote lecture focused on the main key aspects of Free Software, especially in developing countries (Openess, independence, ability to preserve the local culture and knowledge, ability to develop a local software and services industry). I, of course, also introduced the Debian Project, targeting the point on the commitment
of the project to Free Software and enlightning its ability to be “derived” for specifics needs.
I am personally very happy to hear that these things happen, especially with regards to the fact that I have spent some time in Nepal that is in many aspects very similar to Bhutan.
June 9, 2006 EN, Opensource