open source free software

The open web is the most powerful communication tool in the history of humanity. It's the nervous system of trade, education, governance, activism and play. It allows a single idea to achieve global impact. At its core the open web is participatory, transparent, decentralized and generative. Existing content and software can easily be spun into something new. All without needing to ask for someone else’s approval or permission.

But we can't take the freedom of the web for granted.

XBMC is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media player and entertainment hub for digital media. XBMC is available for Linux, OSX, Windows, and the original Xbox. Created in 2003 by a group of like minded programmers, XBMC is a non-profit project run and developed by volunteers located around the world. More than 50 software developers have contributed to XBMC, and 100-plus translators have worked to expand its reach, making it available in more than 30 languages.

Ideally, you’ll find that the founders of your project transferred the trademarks and copyrights to a well-organized, transparently managed, public-benefit foundation. BDFLs like Guido van Rossum (Python), Larry Wall (Perl), and Alex Limi and Alan Runyan (Plone) earned their “benevolent” titles with great code, good leadership, and by irrevocably conveying key intellectual property rights to foundations that limited their authority. Their authority in their projects is largely moral. BDFL in these cases translates to “dictator for life — so long as benevolent.”

If Drupal were 10 times bigger, it would serve 10% of the web. As with Firefox, however, Drupal's influence (our influence) on the future of web, community building, data and information sharing, etc. will be a lot more than just 10 times bigger. If we get 10 times bigger, survive for a while, and then somehow fade away...

OpenHatch · community tools for free and open source software

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programs to try to increase women's participation in computer programming

In 2008, girls made up just 17% of Advanced Placement test takers in computer science (the lowest percentage of any subject) and held less than 20% of CS degrees.

To combat these numbers, organizations have sprouted to improve and expand programming education for women. These include community workshops and regional networking groups aimed at school-age girls and working women.

Take your time. Do not expect to be able to solve a complicated problem with a few seconds of Googling. Read and understand the FAQs, sit back, relax and give the problem some thought before approaching experts. Trust us, they will be able to tell from your questions how much reading and thinking you did, and will be more willing to help if you come prepared. Don't instantly fire your whole arsenal of questions just because your first search turned up no answers (or too many).

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Computers as running only closed applications controlled by operating system vendors–

Are we going to be the ruling elite who controls the world? Do not be so naive. We will be hated by the powers that be because we still have that spark and because they rely on us to program the masses. The unwashed masses are going to look at us with suspicion because we think so differently. Hated by everyone, weeping for the lost freedom, that's our future.

If not resisted, probably. Open source free software!