Manchester Free Software http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog Supporting free software in Manchester Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:36:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Tuesday, 16th March. Rob Taylor, “The Semantic Desktop, SPARQL and You!” http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/03/02/tuesday-16th-march-rob-taylor-the-semantic-desktop-sparql-and-you/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/03/02/tuesday-16th-march-rob-taylor-the-semantic-desktop-sparql-and-you/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:36:32 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=308
  • Talk: The Semantic Desktop, SPARQL and You!
  • Speaker: Rob Taylor
  • Location: The Lass O’ Gowrie’s Salmon Room (upstairs).
  • Address: 36 Charles Street, Manchester. M1 7DB.
  • Website: http://www.thelass.co.uk/
  • Date: Tuesday, 16th March 2010 (3rd Tuesday of the month)
  • Start time: 19:00
  • Finish time: 20:30

    Details
    Rob Taylor will be giving a version of his FOSDEM 2010 talk,
    The Semantic Desktop, SPARQL and You![1]

    “You’ve probably heard about the Semantic Web and the Semantic Desktop. But what lies behind the buzzwords? Let’s look together at at effective examples, running code and actual applications. Be inspired, tame the sparql beast and join the future of desktop computing!”

    Helpful links:

    “Rob Taylor: Managing Director, Codethink Ltd – Rob has been developing software since he was just nine years old. His personal focus has always been on working with powerful middleware and frameworks with the aim of providing a far more compelling user experience. Having been educated in Mathematics and Computer Science at Cambridge University, Rob began working on embedded Linux systems back in 1999. In January of 2007 Rob founded Codethink Ltd, an Open Source consulting company that aims to Provide Genius wherever it’s needed. He continues to attract like-minded individuals with a variety of specialist skills to the company with the aim of driving forward Open Source technologies and providing expert consultancy to businesses around the world.”

    Location
    The meeting will take place at the usual time, 7pm, at the Lass O’Gowrie pub on Charles Street in Central Manchester. We will be located in the Salmon Room upstairs, although there will be people around a little earlier downstairs (probably sampling the food and drinks on offer). Just ask at the bar if you can’t find us. Their website[2] has full details of how to get there and the fine selection of food and drink available. The venue also provides WiFi.

    More Information
    General information about Manchester Free Software meetings can be found on our websites[3][4][5].

    If you would like five minutes to tell us about something, please contact us at team@manchester.fsuk.org.

    [1]: http://live.gnome.org/Brussels2010/Devroom#Philip_Van_Hoof.2C_Rob_Taylor.2C_Roberto_Guido
    [2]: http://www.thelass.co.uk/
    [3]: http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/Meetings
    [4]: http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2010-03-16
    [5]: http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/meetings/

    ]]> http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/03/02/tuesday-16th-march-rob-taylor-the-semantic-desktop-sparql-and-you/feed/ 0 Administrative and Social Meeting – Monday, 8th March 2010 http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/02/27/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-monday-8th-march-2010/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/02/27/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-monday-8th-march-2010/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:50:18 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=305 The February administrative meeting will be on the second Monday of the
    month at the usual time and place:

    * Date: Monday, 8th March 2010
    * Time: 19:00
    * Location: The Waterhouse

    The meeting is open to everyone and normally lasts about an hour. At the meeting we review what we’ve done, assess where we are and plan what to do. This is your opportunity to get involved. We welcome new people wanting to help the group achieve its goals.

    For this meeting we will try having the social meeting at the same time
    as informally doing the administrative business. So it’s a good
    opportunity to meet up with people and have a chat.

    Minutes from last meeting which was held on 8th February 2010 are at
    http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2010-02-08/Minutes

    If you have something you’d like included in the Agenda of the meeting
    please contact us.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/02/27/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-monday-8th-march-2010/feed/ 0     An Introduction To The Debian Project by Leslie I’Anson – Tuesday, 16th February http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/02/01/an-introduction-to-the-debian-project-by-leslie-ianson-tuesday-16th-february/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/02/01/an-introduction-to-the-debian-project-by-leslie-ianson-tuesday-16th-february/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:28:36 +0000 leslie http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=296 This month’s talk will be delivered by Leslie I’Anson from Manchester Free Software. Leslie’s talk has one very simple objective, which is to answer the following question:

    “From the literally hundreds of GNU/Linux distributions in existence, what makes Debian special?”

    Leslie has been using some form of the GNU/Linux operating system as his primary desktop environment since the Summer of 2007 and since then he has experimented with a multitude of different distributions; form the “easy-to-use” ( i.e Ubuntu, Fedora and openSUSE) to the down-right “hardcore” (LFS, Slackware, Gentoo and Arch). All in all, Leslie’s estimates that he’s used over twenty different incarnations of this popular free software platform.

    However, one distribution keeps drawing him back – Debian (which incidentally was Leslie’s first ever experience of a free software operating system). Believing that he has finally settled down with his one true love, Leslie attempts to explain why this is and, as you will no doubt discover, the rationale behind this decision is far from purely technical.

    So join us if you will for, what will (hopefully) be, an entertaining and enlightening introduction to both DebianDebian as operating system and as a project.

    Also, as a special treat, Robert Burrell Donkin will be following this month’s talk with what he is dubbing a “Cryptography Un-Workshop”. Robert’s plan is to use this opportunity to gauge the level of interest before possibly embarking on a full-blown, audience-led, un-conference style, interactive talk and workshop later in the year.

    The meeting will take place at the usual time, 7pm, at the Lass O’Gowrie pub on Charles Street in Central Manchester. We will be located in the Salmon Room upstairs, although there will be people around a little earlier downstairs (probably sampling the food and drinks on offer). Just ask at the bar if you can’t find us. The Lass website has full details of how to get there and the fine selection of food and drink available. The venue also provides wifi.

    If you would like five minutes to tell us about something, please contact us.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/02/01/an-introduction-to-the-debian-project-by-leslie-ianson-tuesday-16th-february/feed/ 0     Administrative and Social Meeting – 8th February 2010 http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/01/12/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-8th-february-2010/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/01/12/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-8th-february-2010/#comments Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:15:04 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=293 The February administrative meeting will be on the second Monday of the
    month at the usual time and place:

    * Date: Monday, 8th February 2010
    * Time: 19:00
    * Location: The Waterhouse

    The meeting is open to everyone and normally lasts about an hour. At the meeting we review what we’ve done, assess where we are and plan what to do. This is your opportunity to get involved. We welcome new people wanting to help the group achieve its goals.

    We stay around for a social meet up afterwards, so it’s a good
    opportunity to meet up with people and have a chat.

    Minutes from last meeting which was held on 11th January 2010 are at
    http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2010-01-11/Minutes

    If you have something you’d like included in the Agenda of the meeting
    please contact us.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2010/01/12/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-8th-february-2010/feed/ 0     Michael Dorrington, 100% free software gaming: No cheating! – Tuesday 19th January http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/16/michael-dorrington-100-free-software-gaming-no-cheating-tuesday-19th-january/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/16/michael-dorrington-100-free-software-gaming-no-cheating-tuesday-19th-january/#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:31:46 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=286 This month’s talk will be given by Michael Dorrington from Manchester Free Software.

    Graphical computer games are a part of software, even free software. They are fun and are useful for making the free software user happier.

    Michael will be demonstrating 100% free software graphical games on 100% free software system. There are lots of free software graphical games. Unfortunately, many are not in a suitable state of completion, are not good games or require non-free video drivers. The talk will show top quality free software graphical games that work well on free video drivers.

    The style of game demonstrated will include fast paced FPS, racing, graphically rich arcade, RTS, Point-and-click adventure.

    The talk will include which graphics hardware works best in free software, what features are missing and the settings required on games to get them running at the required speed.

    We welcome lightning talks from people demonstrating their favourite 100% free software graphical games on 100% free software system. Please contact us.

    Michael has been using GNU/Linux for many years, has played some graphical computer games in that time and is currently Chairperson of Manchester Free Software.

    The meeting will take place at the usual time, 7pm, at the Lass O’Gowrie pub on Charles Street in Central Manchester. We will be located in the Salmon Room upstairs, although there will be people around a little earlier downstairs (probably sampling the food and drinks on offer). Just ask at the bar if you can’t find us. The Lass website has full details of how to get there and the fine selection of food and drink available. The venue also provides wifi.

    If you would like five minutes to tell us about something, please contact us.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/16/michael-dorrington-100-free-software-gaming-no-cheating-tuesday-19th-january/feed/ 1     Administrative and Social Meeting – 11th January http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/16/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-11th-january/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/16/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-11th-january/#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:18:42 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=282 The January administrative meeting will be on the second Monday of the
    month at the usual time and place:

    * Date: Monday, 11th January
    * Time: 19:00
    * Location: The Waterhouse

    The meeting is open to everyone and normally lasts about an hour and an
    half. At the meeting we review what we’ve done, assess where we are and
    plan what to do. This is your opportunity to get involved. We welcome
    new people wanting to help the group achieve its goals.

    We stay around for a social meet up afterwards, so it’s a good
    opportunity to meet up with people and have a chat.

    Minutes from last meeting which was held on 14th December are at
    http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2009-12-14/Minutes

    The Agenda for this meeting will be at
    http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2010-01-11

    If you have any thing you’d like included in the Agenda please contact us.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/16/administrative-and-social-meeting-%e2%80%93-11th-january/feed/ 0     Manchester Free Software, Christmas Party – 15th December http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/12/manchester-free-software-christmas-party-15th-december/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/12/manchester-free-software-christmas-party-15th-december/#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:27:18 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=279 This month’s talk won’t be a talk but our Christmas party!

    We can use this opportunity to do some keysigning, have an informal chat about OpenPGP, informally discuss what we’d like to do next year, and anything else free software related.

    The meeting will take place at the usual time, 7pm, at the Lass O’Gowrie pub on Charles Street in Central Manchester. We will be located downstairs (probably sampling the food and drinks on offer). The Lass website has full details of how to get there and the fine selection of food and drink available. The venue also provides wifi.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/12/manchester-free-software-christmas-party-15th-december/feed/ 0     Administrative and Social Meeting – 14th December http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/06/272/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/06/272/#comments Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:58:04 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=272 The December administrative meeting will be on the second Monday of the
    month at the usual time and place:

    * Date: Monday, 14th December
    * Time: 19:00
    * Location: The Waterhouse

    The meeting is open to everyone and normally lasts about an hour and an
    half. At the meeting we review what we’ve done, assess where we are and
    plan what to do. This is your opportunity to get involved. We welcome
    new people wanting to help the group achieve its goals.

    We stay around for a social meet up afterwards, so it’s a good
    opportunity to meet up with people and have a chat.

    Minutes from last meeting which was held on 9th November are at
    http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2009-11-09/Minutes

    Draft Agenda for this meeting is at
    http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2009-12-14

    If you have any thing you’d like included in the Agenda please contact us.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/12/06/272/feed/ 0     Michael Dorrington, Bug reporting – 17th November http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/11/16/michael-dorrington-bug-reporting-17th-november/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/11/16/michael-dorrington-bug-reporting-17th-november/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:46:20 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=263 This month’s talk will be given by Michael Dorrington from Manchester Free Software.

    Bugs are a part of software, even free software. Their removal is essential in making free software better but first they need to be reported.

    Michael will be explaining about bug reporting from his experiences. The purpose of the talk is to get people reporting more free software bugs and making those reports good reports. The talk will be accessible to non-technical people.

    Michael has been using GNU/Linux for many years, has submitted some bugs in that time and is currently Chairperson of Manchester Free Software.

    The meeting will take place at the usual time, 7pm, at the Lass O’Gowrie pub on Charles Street in Central Manchester. We will be located in the Salmon Room upstairs, although there will be people around a little earlier downstairs(probably sampling the food and drinks on offer). Just ask at the bar if you can’t find us. The Lass website has full details of how to get there and the fine selection of food and drink available. The venue also provides wifi.

    If you would like five minutes to tell us about something, please contact us.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/11/16/michael-dorrington-bug-reporting-17th-november/feed/ 0     Administrative and Social Meeting – 9th November http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/11/09/administrative-and-social-meeting-9th-november/ http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/11/09/administrative-and-social-meeting-9th-november/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:06:27 +0000 michd http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/?p=256 The November administrative meeting will be on the second Monday of the
    month at the usual time and place:

    * Date: Monday, 9th November
    * Time: 19:00
    * Location: The Waterhouse

    The meeting is open to everyone and normally lasts about an hour and an
    half. At the meeting we review what we’ve done, access where we are and
    plan what to do. This is your opportunity to get involved. We welcome
    new people and new ideas that will help achieve the group’s goals.

    This meeting with include the official handover of the position of Chair
    and Treasurer.

    We stay around for a social meet up afterwards, so it’s a good
    opportunity to meet up with people and have a chat.

    Minutes from last meeting which was held on 12th October are at
    http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2009-10-12/Minutes

    Agenda for this meeting is at
    http://groups.fsf.org/wiki/Manchester/2009-11-09

    If you have any thing you’d like included in the Agenda please contact us.

    ]]>     http://manchester.fsuk.org/blog/2009/11/09/administrative-and-social-meeting-9th-november/feed/ 0