Excellent article published on the blog of humans and that puts the reality in which we live in many of our countries far above. Published by Manuel Alejandro Sánchez under the title: No concrete actions, no facts
Without concrete actions there are no facts
Before starting this article, I think it is necessary to make one point clear. I am not an arch enemy of Windows, nor of those who decide to use it. For years I was tied to him, without knowing of the existence of something else and I never complained, well never more than necessary.
So blinded was I that the concept of Windows and the operating system were the same for me until about 13 years old when a friend came up to me, hopping down the hall at school, waving a disk in his hand and claiming to have the latest version of Windows - "Ale, here I bring you the latest"- he said, almost choked with emotion -"this is the bomb man, it's called Windows Linux".
Uff, you can imagine what those words meant to a pre-adolescent hormonal computer geek [I used to live more in the school's computer room than at home]. We ran out to test it and I was completely captivated by what I saw.
Later I would find out by reading what I consider a bible called "The Cathedral and the Bazaar" written by Eric S Raymond, that the famous Windows Linux, was really called GNU / Linux to dry, and that it was an operating system not at all linked to its Microsoft counterpart and that Red Hat [which was the version I tried then], it was just one of many more distributions that existed in the world.
This was just the first of many fissures that helped tear the bandage that covered my eyes. Not so preventing him from continuing to use Windows until just a few years ago, given above all by the fact that, In Cuba, my country, it is so difficult to find adequate information and support for Linux and so easy to get pirated copies of Windows and its applications, that one is forced to follow the lethargic march imposed by the crowd, who luckily or unfortunately lead in an almost corsair way to the doors of Microsoft.
Years ago I welcomed the news that the nation's leadership had decided set course towards the path of technological sovereignty, adopting the use of free software in the country as a flag.
But despite the much that is still said about it by directors and representatives of the state, it has not been achieved more than launching few and incipient efforts to achieve it.
In the first days of January I had the need to visit one of the new Internet browsing rooms open in the country. What was my surprise to discover that all the computers in that place were installed with a version of Windows XP battered and topped to ridiculous points.
That made me wonder How is it possible that precisely a state company such as ETECSA in its Internet access rooms, turns its back and ignores the projects of technological sovereignty proposed by the national leadership and puts its clients at risk ?
When it is well known that this operating system is only months away from being helpless and more exposed than ever, in addition, that most users present themselves with external disks and flash memories when visiting those rooms and that the network of networks is the main sender of malicious programs such as viruses and Trojans.
Unfortunately, this is just a small example of many that highlight the double standards that abound in the words of many managers when talking about technological sovereignty projects.
Without realizing that the time to do is now, instead of continuing to unleash the illegal use of pirated copies of Windows protected under the protective mantle of the economic, technological and commercial blockade imposed on us by the United States.
It is impossible to arrive at a good cause and progress in the migration process when our children in schools continue to use and learn only about Windows and little or nothing about free software.
Have these managers ever stopped to read the Windows User License Agreement (EULA - End User License Agreement)?
Let's take a closer look at some excerpts contained in the Windows 7 version and see what we are instilling in our society for the future.
No more than one user at a time and maximum two processors
SECTION 2: INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS
to. One Copy per Team. You may install one copy of the software on one computer. That team will be the "licensed team."
b. Licensed Equipment. You may simultaneously use the software on up to two processors on the licensed computer. Except as otherwise provided in these license terms, you may not use the software on any other computer.
c. Number of users. Except as otherwise provided in these license terms, the software may not be used by more than one user at a time.
d. Alternative Versions. The software may include more than one version, for example 32-bit and 64-bit. You can only install and use one version at a time.
Your information belongs by right to Microsoft
SECTION 7: INTERNET-BASED SERVICES
b. Use of Information. Microsoft may use computer information, accelerator information, search suggestion information, error reports, and malicious code reports to improve the software and services provided. We may also share it with others, such as software and hardware vendors, who may use the information to improve how their products work with Microsoft software.
Your software, your rules
SECTION 8: SCOPE OF THE LICENSE
The software is licensed and not for sale. This agreement gives you only certain rights to use the features included in the version of the licensed software. Microsoft reserves all other rights. Unless applicable law gives you more rights despite this limitation, you may only use the software as expressly permitted in this agreement. In doing so, you must adhere to the technical limitations of the software that only allow it to be used in certain ways. Will not be able:
- Circumvent the technical limitations of the software;
- Use reverse engineering techniques, decompile or disassemble the software, except and only to the extent expressly permitted by applicable law despite this limitation;
- Use components of the software to run applications that do not run on the software;
- Make more copies of the software than specified in this agreement or permitted by applicable law despite this limitation;
- Make the software public for others to copy;
rent, lease or loan the software or
use the software to provide commercial software hosting services.
So my doubts are:
- If we intend to take the country along the route of technological sovereignty, detach ourselves from the damages that the use of pirated proprietary software could cause us in the event that the blockade collapses in the future, create a more just, socialist and egalitarian society. Why not make the words come true, demonstrating with deeds, no impositionsBut rather true facts, putting the words on paper and putting all the necessary resources in order to achieve these objectives?
- Why do we continue to talk about the advantages of free software at each event and yet install Windows in most schools and state institutions?
- Why do we raise Nova as a flagship Cuban distribution and yet we are not able to put its ISO's and repositories at everyone's hand?
- Why do we acclaim the free software development model and oblige Nova's work team in a certain way to abide by the university's development rules, which are completely contrary to these principles? Why not create instead a special model of rules that allow the opening of its creation to the rest of the world and put the necessary resources into operation?
Until there is in Cuba a true will to migrate on the part of our authorities and we realize that the illusion of gratuity that exists regarding the use of proprietary software in our nation is nothing more than a curtain that could fall at any time, the The goal of being more technologically free will be nothing more than the blurred image of a dream on the horizon.
My opinion
About this theme I already spoke to you once in DesdeLinux, but everything I said at the time has been simplified into one word: Politics. Yes, the political filthy.
Until the Migration to Free Software is not a problem or political issue, in my country there will never be a real change, at least by the Government. Why? Because they do not care, they are not interested and most certainly, they do not know what advantages it could bring us financially.
Sometimes I get the feeling that they enjoy paying for Licenses, because in some way you have to justify the money that some must be pocketing at the expense of that. Why continue with the topic? We all know that the only problem in Migration is one of conscience.
If that happens in Cuba (a socialist country) that is left to the corrupt politicians around here, the hell I thought that island was the paradise of free software.
Paradise? Yes, of course, in Catalogs and Magazines. I do not say more.
Damn, I thought, I hope the blocking has promoted the use of alternatives to Windows and other proprietary software. What I do not understand is that, if the US is an ideological enemy, the promotion of GNU / Linux is going great for two reasons, it removes dependence on US companies and secondly, it would remove the possibility of espionage through software (and for people who think that there is code in the kernel and / or in the rest of the OS that is spying, I tell them that it could be removed perfectly unlike in a closed code)
Niet! Cuba is perhaps the country with the highest rate of computer illiteracy in the world, although we have excellent professionals.
Ernesto: excellent article. Although you will not get rid of my mockery for the "little hat" in the interview 😀
Cuba is perhaps the country with the highest rate of computer illiteracy in the world, although we have excellent professionals.
This is because you do not know the case of digital illiteracy in Spain; more specifically in Galicia, where the majority are illiterate carcamales and sheep.
: trollface:
Having a wide variety of Cuban friends I can say that what I thought of technological illiteracy outside of central Mexico is a simple joke compared to Cuban ignorance.
Now taking into account that most of the Internet participation in Spanish-speaking comes from Spain, then your comment is quite embezzled
What point of comparison do you have?
There are countries in this world that are stiff in that regard.
An observation: I believe and, moreover, I am sure that the Cuban administration buys (at least in its great majority or at least a large percentage) Microsoft software licenses and other applications from North American companies, I want to know one thing ... these companies there is no law? Are the legal implications of selling software to countries with the so-called "embargoes" going through the triumphal arch? because if so then that open source software companies that are refusing to provide support even via IRC to stop making excuses ... or is it that Microsoft molds the laws of the country to their benefit with their filthy money?
Well, they buy them through third parties, convenient for both parties, those from here because they can market the facts with that software and those from there because it is money for the pocket, when the money comes into play there is not much social system that can endure. 😉
Interesting point. I had not thought about it but it is true. Possibly through third parties.
To which must be added the HUGE amount of piracy.
To find out how piracy benefits proprietary software producers, I recommend reading: https://blog.desdelinux.net/enterate-como-la-pirateria-beneficia-al-software-propietario/
Cheers! Paul.
All I can tell you is that you have said many truths together and may your words reach many ears. Health.
Many thanks to Elav, for bringing my article from humanoOS to DesdeLinux. I do not believe I have the absolute truth about everything, but without a doubt the immigration problems that exist in Cuba are due to the lack of action on the part of those who promote the laws, who by not feeling the weight of paying for the covered licenses Under the impunity that the United States blockade against Cuba gives us, they continue to give free rein to madness, but one day they will see the mistake they have made and then they will want to do everything possible to reverse it. China is a super power and you already noticed it, what do you think can be expected for Cuba.
PS: If you want, leave your impressions also in the original article published on the humanOS blog
http://humanos.uci.cu/2014/01/sin-acciones-concretas-no-hay-hechos/
Cheers Ale
Hi. Thanks for sharing.
The truth is that always in these cases, everything is for political interest.
I am from Argentina and here some provinces are migrating some things to GNU / Linux, but in specific cases there are no alternatives (because the equipment they have works with built-in software and cannot be changed).
There is also the "Connect Equality" plan that they give a netbook to the boys of the secondary schools, these have double boot with Windows 7 and Huayra GNU / Linux (the government distro). I had the opportunity to attend a talk where one of the developers of the distro participated and from what he explained, they are very enthusiastic and find the government's initiative to include free software on netbooks excellent. But unfortunately they cannot avoid in some way that they do not have Windows installed. And it's a shame because I have seen many guys who only use this OS and only know Huayra because it is an option in GRUB (which by default starts with Windows).
The change has to come from our leaders, since they are the ones who manage everything. But if you don't worry, it will take a long time ...
Here in Uruguay, 7 years have passed since a free software law was created until it was approved last month. Now supposedly in June they have to have a plan.
Ora thing elav Could not Windows be pirated?
https://blog.desdelinux.net/pirateria-autorizada-en-cuba-una-mirada-critica-desde-gutl/
Does Artech survive from this one? He needs to fall to see if Genexus dies in peace.
Fall Genexus? ROTFLMAO
Programs necessary for development need not be free. OF COURSE GENEXUS WILL SURVIVE. What did you think, that Uruguayans were going to destroy our own industry? This is more of a law against Microsoft.
Well it seems that if GENEXUS falls you will be out of work, if I encourage offense, greetings to you.
I am not offended. I can also program in other languages. Give me time to learn them and I will have enough capacity to develop in them.
What happens is that I do not develop for pleasure.
It's that I had to program on that for work and I really hate it a lot.
Unlike. Programming in Genexus is like hitting the left side. A new world of sensations.
Epic, knock it off with the left ... remind me that if we go back to working in µkernel, we have to use that phrase xD
What are you waiting nano? any exam?
Here in Spain more of the same, in my autonomous community many computers have been given to teachers that come with a linux partition and in practice they always start with windows, in terms of computing, what is typical in classrooms is only taught windows and Linux is considered a system for geeks and weirdos.
In other words, we are the same everywhere. 🙁
Clap, clap, clap.
Excellent post.
In Argentina, there are efforts to promote the use of free software in the State, but they are isolated and inconsistent. Meanwhile, we continue to pay licenses for millions of pesos a year. Anyway ... politics and business, the usual.
It is no coincidence that the same thing happens in all our countries!
Cheers! Paul.
I do not totally agree with you, because as far as I know the government does not set up services, nor is it a technology specialist.
I'm going to give you a real example, in one place I migrated to Complete free software and even to be in the domain and consume the services if you were in windows they banned you, all very happy, until computer security arrived that are computer or derivative and said that you had to use forced Karspersky and the server version, then the network administrators said that they did not have space space on the servers and they had to remove some repositories.
Another example, in a company that works medium and software development, ALL the services were mounted on WINDOWS, a nightmare, and it was the network administrators who did that (computer scientists too).
I am sure that whoever sends to install Windows in the primary schools is not from the government.
I am speaking from Cuba.
And who is the "owner" of the schools in Cuba; And of the companies? Come on, however you put it, the government IS responsible. On the other hand, in the majority of state agencies and companies, the list of software authorized to install, both on workstations and servers, is regulated within the so-called "Computer Security Plan", a plan that must be approved by OSRI -Office of Security for Computer Networks- (that if you are Cuban, you know who it belongs to), well, this list has as a basic requirement that the software used can be "audited" and "monitored" by said institution. To give you an example, a few years ago I worked in one of the main Cuban companies dedicated to technology, which I refrain from mentioning for obvious reasons, and in their Plan they strictly prohibited the installation of GNU / Linux on workstations And if you complained about it, they would show you the famous Plan, at that time I had a partition with GNU / Linux on my laptop and they almost took me to the stake for that, let's go a bit more and they call me a terrorist ...
Regarding the responsibility of the network and IT administrators in the matter, I do not deny that something touches them, but remember that in many places it is not they who decide on the matter but the "bosses", many of whom do not. They have no clue about the subject.
With the phobia of free software due to ignorance, you remind me of a character who is a parody of a linguist, which I remember by this singular phrase:
Congratulations on the article. You have described the subject in a concise and forceful way. I can say that it is an evil that extends to the entire continent. Although political will is lacking, I believe that it is not taught from the philosophy and origins of software. There is no financial incentive, nor the staff, and there is not even (official) information about it. In my particular case, I studied law at one of the best universities in my country, Chile. As a person outside the world of technology, I can say that GNU / Linux is totally unknown, that computer science classes in schools are limited to teaching how to use Microsoft Word and that I came to this world on the recommendation of a friend from another career. Nor is there a concern at the level of law education. I have read Lawrence Lessig's books, Code and Free the Culture; the aspects mentioned are not trivial at all, colliding with the sacrosanct constitutional right and the freedoms defended since the French Revolution. Outside of these considerations, I had the same feeling as the writer of the article when I installed Mandriva (2009): a blindfold had fallen off my eyes. I realized how ignorant he was and started looking for information. I got to use Debian after going through 4 distributions (including Ubuntu) and I have not moved from there. What little I have learned, I do not change for anything. Regards.
It is not because I want to sound like a Debian fanboy or a Freetard, but thanks to Debian I gave Linux a second chance and now I stop more on Linux than on Windows for the comfort it generates.
On the teaching side, yes, it is true that there is a complete lack of interest in free software in the educational aspect (while I motivated many to get to know Linux, very few people in charge of the computer labs of the institute in which I finished studying they didn't take it seriously).
In effect, it would be easier for Peru to start using Debian instead of creating a fork to "pass the piola" as Venezuela and Argentina do. We must bet on true autonomy in terms of free software, both at the state level and at the business level (Brazil already made the change a long time ago, and it has done wonders).
That will continue to happen, until someone begins to open people's eyes to the advantages of using free software including true knowledge of your computer.