[At-Large] At-Large Digest, Vol 29, Issue 31

[Fouad Bajwa]

Just to add to resolutions and charity work in this new year,

Vladimir Putin Orders Russian Government to Switch to Free Software by 2015:

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has signed a government order
that lays out the groundwork for the transition of federal bodies and
agencies to use free software, including Linux, by 2015.

http://mashable.com/2010/12/27/vladimir-putin-free-software-by-2015/

;o)

Happy New Year all!

Fouad

On Tue, Dec 28, 2010 at 5:00 PM,
<at-large-request at atlarge-lists.icann.org> wrote:

> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Evan Leibovitch <evan at telly.org>
> To: ICANN At-Large list <at-large at atlarge-lists.icann.org>
> Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:20:31 -0500
> Subject: [At-Large] A geek's way to give back (off-topic)
> Hello everyone, I hope this email finds you well during this time of year.
>
> For some, the coming of the new year offers a time to reflect; many make new
> years' resolutions and others make contributions to charity
>
> I have a suggestion to make, of a small but worthwhile contribution you can
> make that costs no money and very little time. The contribution is in the
> form of unused processing and memory power in your computers, which can be
> used to contribute to assist research projects intended to enhance human
> scientific progress.
>
> Some of you may be already aware of the project known as
> "SETI at Home<http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/>",
> which has been using the power of hundreds of thousands of under-used PCs in
> homes and businesses worldwide to decode radio signals in the search for
> Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. What is less known is that the same
> distributed processing network used for SETI and other math projects is also
> being used to assist research to combat Cancer, AIDS, Malaria, Muscular
> Distrophy, Dengue and other diseases. Specifically, I am referring to
> the "World
> Community Grid <https://secure.worldcommunitygrid.org/index.jsp>", an
> IBM-sponsored way for researchers to have access to this distributed
> processing system. Among other projects are efforts study climate change
> models and find ways to provide clean water.
>
> Getting involved is easy. The open-source client software, called
> BOINC, is available
> for Windows, Macs and Linux <http://boinc.berkeley.edu/download.php>. After
> installing it you attach it to the project(s) of your choice. My own systems
> are attached to the WCG as well as "malariacontrol.net" and SETI.
>
> Once connected, as your computer(s) complete the tasks assigned to them you
> earn "credits", a point system that acknowledges your contribution.
>
> Almost all projects have a concept of "teams", which is nothing more than
> arbitrary groups of individual account holders. Most teams are based around
> educational institutions, computer clubs etc. and many participants are
> members of a team (though it's not required). For what it's worth, I've
> created ICANN teams at SETI, the WCG and malariacontrol.net. Feel free to
> join -- membership is not limited to At-Large and there is no moderation
> process -- just to see what we can do collectively.
>
> This may not be everyone's idea of community work, and some may even
> consider it a form of
> "slacktivism<http://www.snopes.com/info/glossary.asp#slack>"
> because it's so low-effort (once you install and join, there's not much for
> you to do except track the progress of your projects). But such activity has
> real value to the researchers and ... who knows? You may have a tiny role to
> play in solving some of mankind's more complex medical and environmental
> challenges.
>
> I'm more than happy to assist anyone having problems connecting, though
> chances are than an audience that is already savvy on issues such of DNS and
> IPV6 doesn't need too much hand-holding. Being a volunteer in ICANN policy
> making already shows that you have an interest in giving and improving
> society through use of the Internet.
>
> This email and this effort have not been submitted to anyone for endorsement
> -- and I have no intention on doing so, since it's way out of scope for
> ICANN -- but I think it's a good idea for individual effort.
>
> Thanks, and have a good and happy holiday season.
>
> Evan Leibovitch
> Co-Chair of ALAC, but speaking on behalf of nobody but myself.
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Evan Leibovitch <evan at telly.org>
> To: ICANN At-Large list <at-large at atlarge-lists.icann.org>
> Date: Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:35:41 -0500
> Subject: Re: [At-Large] A geek's way to give back (off-topic)
> Sigh.
>
> Evan Leibovitch
>> Co-Chair of ALAC, but speaking on behalf of nobody but myself.
>>
>
> That's *Vice*-Chair. Sorry. There was no intent to misrepresent.
>