Software Freedom Day is an event held all over the world to celebrate and raise awareness of free software and open source software.
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After last year's award-winning extravaganza, we've decided that this year's event should have a more inward, community networking focus, rather than the publicity focus of the last few years. We would like to take the opportunity to forge and strengthen ties within and between the groups involved with Software Freedom in Melbourne and Victoria.
Come join us for a BBQ (meat and vegetarian sausages, onion, sauce and bread provided - byo drinks and salad) to celebrate Software Freedom Day.
Drupal Melbourne will be running a stall and opportunity to discuss using that free and open source content-management framework. Plus we'll have a range of Linux distributions and various free software available to interested parties.
We have The Hub in Docklands booked from 12 noon to 7pm (plus some set-up and tear-down time, if required). This is the usual venue for our Linux Beginner's Workshops. It has a foyer plus two other rooms, so we can break out into working groups or talks as needed.
See also: September Beginner's Workshop and Software Freedom Day page at Linux Users of Victoria.
For those coming via Public Transport, the City Circle, number 48 (North Balwyn - Docklands), number 86 (Bundoora - Docklands) and number 70 (Wattle Park - Docklands) all stop on the corner of Bourke Street and Harbour Esplanade. Southern Cross Station is just across the overpass over Wurundjeri Road.
Parking can be found nearby.
Richard Stallman visited Melbourne in 2010 and recorded this video to welcome you to Software Freedom Day.
Free software and open source software are two distinct community movements to provide freedom to computer users. Both movements agree that computer users should have the freedom to:
The free software movement cite ethical benefits, such as the freedom to control your computing. The open source movement cite practical benefits, such as security. While these movements differ in philosophy, they work happily together.
"Free software" refers to freedom, not price. It is perfectly acceptable to sell copies of free software. Importantly, when distributing free software, the freedoms you received must also be passed on to the recipient.
Software Freedom Day is a community event, run by volunteers interested in free software, open source software and general freedom for computer users. The event is coordinated by members of Linux Users Victoria.