Linux Workshop
9th July 2008 - 9th July 2008
As a continuation of Disclosures, Gasworks is organising a free Linux workshop. This day aims to assist small organisations in investigating the possibilities and practicalities of transferring their computer network to the use of free and open source software.
The day will be led by Kate Rich, an artist working in IT at the Cube Microplex, Bristol. Her experience in Linux operation and administration has developed over 8 years of self-taught, team-advised and socially situated practice. The Cube is an all-volunteer cinema/music venue, and one of the few cultural organisations in the UK to run Linux on both workstations and servers.
At the end of the day, participants may not be converted but should have a working knowledge of the basic infrastructure and issues.
ABOUT THE DAY
Start at 11am at Gasworks. An introduction to open source software and its potential uses in the cultural terrain. The day will look specifically at Ubuntu Linux (a popular, easy to install distribution) in the context of small arts organisations, and the pros and cons of switching your office to it: functional, economic, legal, social, political and conceptual.
Morning
Background and context for free and open source software, basic terminology, technical and legal definitions.
Open source in the cultural realm: tales from running a Linux computer network and server for the Cube's 200 plus volunteer workforce; other artists and organisations working with open source; and why it's important for cultural organisations to pay conceptual attention to their infrastructure, operating methods and who they do business with.
Demonstration: run Ubuntu from live CD on participant/Gasworks computers.
Basic applications - mail, web, spreadsheet, graphics, office - will be skimmed through; participants should perhaps bring media ie. actual office files to play with. We will look at installation and maintenance issues, desktop environment, networking and file conversion.
Lunch (not provided but shops and cafes nearby)
Afternoon
Strengths and weaknesses of using Linux in the arts.
Administration and support issues; human, community and online resources.
Q+A clinic for the practicalities of converting your organisation to Linux.
End expected between 4 and 5pm.
Places are FREE but limited. For further information and booking, please give us a call on 020 7587 5202 or email Anna Colin by Thursday 26th June 2008. As this is about making fundamental organisational changes, we suggest that two staff from each organisation attend, including a director or similar decision maker. We also recommend participants bring laptops if possible, otherwise Gasworks can provide a few for sharing
