The International Open Source Network (IOSN) funded by the United Nations has created a Linux desktop manual for novice PC users, which also encourages developing countries to use open source software programs.
IOSN creation This manual contains how to manage files, browse the Internet and write OpenOffice documents on a PC running Linux.
A manager of IOSN Abraham said that IOSN hopes some development projects, especially the "Information and Communication Technology Development" (ICT4D) project funded by United Nations, can use open source software. According to Abraham, there are 800 ICT4D projects around the world, most of which run proprietary software.
For computer and software vendors, developing countries and regions are becoming an increasingly important market. Analysts estimate that by the end of the 2000s, the global PC users will exceed 1 billion, and many newly added users will come from China, India and Russia. These markets are becoming the battlefield for Microsoft's proprietary code software vendors and open source software supporters.
The Linux User Manual released on the Internet has two formats of OpenOffice and PDF. Abraham said that IOSN also plans to issue a print version of Linux user manual and "LinuxLive" CD disc, which can start the system, and use the user to try the Linux operating system without any changes to the system.
The license agreement used by the Linux User Manual allows other organizations to copy and release it.
Developing countries that have benefited from open source software is SchoolnetNamibia. Since February, the project has provided free hardware and Linux training to 250 schools in Namibia. IOSN hopes that other development projects can also use open source software.
From: Computer World Network
