East of England FOSS in the VCS
Using free and open source software in the UK voluntary and community sector
MOST: Introduction seminar to Free Software |
Source: www.most.org.uk
MOST (Midlands Open Source Technology) is ChangeUp funded through Government Office West Midlands, to improve the IT infrastructure of the voluntary sector. MOST uses an holistic approach, offering full training in the GNU/Linux desktop, as well as training for managers, organisations and ‘superusers’.
We are in the process of forming regional technicalsupport alliances across the West Midlands, to bring a range of support options to community organisations. We are also working with the partners on a knowledge base for computer needs in the sector. Another key project is the setting up of a group to coordinate volunteers from the professional IT sector with organisations in need of IT help.
Believe the hype?
Free Software such as the OpenOffice.org office suite, the Mozilla Firefox web browser, and the GNU/Linux operating system has garnered plenty of publicity lately. However, you may be wondering, what’s behind the hype?
Can Free Software help your group operate more effectively? Will it bring the trumpeted cost benefits? Is security such a big deal in the voluntary sector? Is Free Software compatible with my current Mac or Windows setup? And what help and support is available?
Solutions
The MOST Introductory Seminar will answer all of these questions for you, and more....
See Free Software on the desktop, working in a mixed environment. Try the latest desktop accessibility software for those with mobility or visual impairments. Meet Free Software users and experts from the business and voluntary sector. Try a section of our accredited training course.
Look out for a discounted introduction to our course Managing ICT as a Resource featuring a complimentary laptop, running a suite of Free Software applications
Launch Day
5th December also sees the official launch of the MOST project. This will take place during the lunchtime break of the seminar, and all seminar attendees are welcome to join in.
See the full range of MOST services, as well as the chance to win a couple of hightech prizes, with a Free Software twist.
Programme of Events
| 9.15 | 10.00 | Registration |
| 10.00 | 10.05 | Welcome (Chairman’s introduction) |
| 10.05 | 10.45 | Software Freedom Mark Taylor, chairman, Open Source Consortium |
| 10.45 | 11.25 | MOST Dave Nichols, project leader, introduces MOST |
| 11.25 | 11.40 | Coffee and networking |
| 11.40 | 12.20 | Training: Removing the Fear of Change Richard Coubry |
| 12.20 | 1.00 | Free Software Desktop introduction, and accessibility demo |
| 1.00 | 2.00 | Lunch, demonstrations of Free Soft & Official launch of MOST project |
| 2.00 | 2.40 | Webinabox: Zero to Website in 30 minutes |
| 2.40 | 3.20 | Wiring up the group. A case study Alex Hudson |
| 3.20 | 4.00 | The Lifeboat a technical support alliance Richard Smedley |
| 4.00 | 4.30 | Panel debate, and questions |
Location
MOST introductory Seminar takes place at Birmingham Voluntary Services Council, 138 Digbeth Birmingham B5 6DR.
Just 5 minutes walk from New Street station, and other public transport links.
There is no cost for the seminar to voluntary and community organisations.
To book your place, please contact Rob Heath, e-mail robh@bvsc.org or telephone (0121) 678.8805
For more information on the MOST project, see www.most.org.uk or contact us on (0121) 678.8844.
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