Topics for free software workshops

Introduction

The idea here is to make an outline of topics that can be covered in an introductory one-day workshop at an undergraduate college. Please add to the list of topics, outlining an estimated time, and what can be covered in that time. I have added stubs for some possible topics.

If necessary, a particular topic might be broken up into introductory, and advanced phases (see the Indian language computing sections for an example). Not all workshops will cover all topics, but can mix and match to suit particular interests.

Also, please note that the Wiki preserves edit history, and by editing a topic, you risk being volunteered.

Potential speakers

Possible topics

• Philosophy, ideals, and the real world:
  • What is free software?
  • How about open-source software?
  • Licensing
  • Patents, and copyrights
  • Digital restrictions management
  • How to get involved in the FOSS community?
  • Careers in FOSS

• * Partitioning and Installation (Old but still relevant):*
  • Live CDs/DVDs
  • Partitioning and LFSH
  • Dual Boot

• GNU/Linux Desktop
  • Productivity Tools - Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation, Databases
  • Web Tools - Web Browsers, Mail Clients, Chat/IM Clients
  • Multimedia Tools - Audio/Video Playback, Encoding/Conversion/Editing, Photo and Graphics Manipulation, 3D Modeling and Animation
  • Games
  • Development Tools - IDEs, Collaboration, Languages, Compilers, Interpretors, Scripting Languages
  • Special Purpose Tools - Engineering Tools, Statistical Tools, Mathematical Tools, Emulators and Simulators
  • Desktop Publishing

• GNU/Linux Server
  • Virtualization, Cluster and High Performance Computing
  • Web Servers
  • Files Servers
  • Database Servers
  • Audio/Video Streaming
  • Communication Servers - Mail, Chat, IM, FAX
  • Content and Knowledge management server applications
  • Print Servers

• Indian language computing: Introductory: 1 hour
  • Lecture presenting Indian language computing, and localisation issues.

• Indian language computing: Hands-on: 3 hours
  • Introductory talk, covering basic topics quickly: 0.5 hour
  • Setting up Linux distributions for Indian language use: Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora: 1 hour
    • Fonts
    • Locales
    • Keymaps
    • Applications: Text editor, word processor, browser, database
  • Localisation example: Live demo. 1 hour
    • Internationalisation
    • Localisation
    • gettext quirks
  • Technical topics in brief: 0.5 hour
    • Possible projects
    • How to get involved in Indic FOSS development work?

• Linux terminal server project (LTSP): 1 hour
  • • Making more out of less by recycling and efficient use of hardware resource: 0.5 hour
    • Demo and questions: 0.5 hour

• Python programming:

• Rapid web development, with Django and/or other frameworks:
  • Introduction to frameworks
  • The Model/View/Controller (MVC) paradigm
  • Mash-ups

• Rapid web development, with Ruby/RoR (on heroku):
  • Introduction to Ruby and Ruby on Rails
  • The Model/View/Controller (MVC) paradigm
  • Setting and publishing a sample RoR? application (in minutes)
  • Gradual enhancements in the application

• Bio-informatics:
  • Open-source drug design

• Mobile computing:
  • The nice thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from
  • J2ME?
  • Maemo
  • OpenMoko?

• Multimedia:
  • Plug-and-Bray: Authoring, Composing, Arranging, Mixing, and Producing Sound and Music using FOSS.
  • The Art and Science of User-Interface Design for Software.
  • Edit, Produce and Publish Your Personal TV Programs on the Internet, with 100% FOSS.
  • How To Forge A Career in Digital Creativity with FOSS: Graphic Design, New Media, Multimedia.
  • Digital Photography Techniques using FOSS Software.
  • Go Beyond MP3 with FOSS.
  • How To Choose Color Combinations For Web-Design and Software Interface using FOSS.
  • Digital Graphic Design and Illustration: The New Way with FOSS.
  • Do-It-Yourself iPod-wannabe [self-assembled hard-disk in a multimedia USB casing].

• Networking:
  • Open-mesh wireless networks
  • Configuring various networks in GNU/Linux - Dial-Up, Cable, ADSL, CDMA/GPRS Data Cards, VPN

• Geographical computing:
  • GIS
  • GPS, and location-based applications

• High-tech:
  • Robotics
  • Embedded devices
  • Software-defined radio, with GNURadio

-- GoraMohanty - 14 May 2008